Shock Absorbers

budhayes3 · November 13, 2004

Just wondering what shocks people are using these days, what they like about them, and what they don't. What they don't like about other shocks they didn't choose, and what problems they've seen with shocks that they or their friends have had in the past.

If I missed any choices in the list, let me know and I'll be sure to add em.

DMAX Daddy · November 13, 2004

I know Ranchos are good, but I swapped the 'Burb from stock red ones to Bilsteins and it quit "bobbing" over small bumps.

budhayes3 · November 13, 2004

Thanks for the input DMAX Daddy! So far, the Bilstein's are wiping out the competition...4 out of 5 GM Truckers recommend for their patients who change shocks!

mcreyaufmiller · November 13, 2004

I have been thinking about the Monroe Sensatracks only because of postive feedback from techs and friends. I have not thought about the blistens, ,ostly because I have a 2WD.

Mike

DMAX Daddy · November 14, 2004

Truthfully I think anything will improve stock, and the ones listed are all good. I am familiar with Bilsteins and Rancho 9000's, and the Ranchos were sweet, especially with the in cab controller.

But im getting older and donthammer off road like I used to, actually about the only thing I hammer with this truck is California potholes!

budhayes3 · November 15, 2004

I'm attempting to correctly spell Bilstein, (accidentially used 2 L's), and add KYB to the list, but I can't seem to figure out how to edit the poll. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you Valsport for pointing out the mis-spelling!

asilverblazer · November 15, 2004

New factory take offs.

CHEAP!!! 50$ for all four and look a week old. (NEW)

SoylentGreen · November 15, 2004

I have the Rancho RS9000X's and like them. I have had Rancho RS5000's in the past and they worked good too. KYB's are good also for the street, although they could be a little firm ridding.

95_togo · November 17, 2004

i use Toxic shocks - because they fit!

Weasel · March 27, 2006

I changed out my stock shocks @ 101k miles for some Gabriel Max-Control's. Apparently Gabriel makes many of Edelbrock's shocks.

GraphiteLS · March 27, 2006

I installed the Monroe ReFlex's on my '03 1500 2WD/SWB/265/75/16. Daily driving was greatly improved and all the roll that I was experiencing in corners was eliminated. Positive road feel from the shocks.

I expected the rear not to sag when towing as the stock shocks did but it was pretty much close to the same, even though I have the towing package & HD springs. Handling while towing is much better with the ReFlex's over the stock shocks - truck is much more stable.

Elwood 2000 · March 27, 2006

Just installed Bilsteins on my truck last week. I had the stock Tennaco's with 97k miles on them. The ride is more precise, but not firm and washboard type bumps are a lot better now. Roll is also a lot less.

Overall, I like them. I have not towed with them yet, but I think they will do just fine.

firstruck · March 28, 2006

What? No cheeseburgers? d**n! Bilstiens all my cars and trucks. Firm ride very stable and last a long time. I suppose all shocks are a lttle diferent on every car or truck, I've just deceided on the Bilstiens

REDeckard · March 28, 2006

The interesting thing about the poll is that Teneco, Monroe, and Rancho are the same company and are also the manufacturers of the OEM shocks on the GMT800 platform.

I wouldn't pay more that scrap metal price for Gabriels or any Monoe other than the 9000's.

I lean towards the KYB or Bilstien depending on the application.

Just my $.02 worth as a former Shock/Strut Design Engineer and Ride Development Engineer.

az'03Silverado · March 30, 2006

100,000 miles on shocks? WTF? I know they don't last that long. I have almost 40,000 miles on my Monroe Reflex's that I put on just after I bought the truck and I'll probably change them out at 50K. Doesn't high mileage on shocks wreck your springs, bushings, ball-joints, etc?