Shocks & Struts

[jerry d]

I am thinking that my Tahoe may need new Struts. How do you know when they need replaced? It does tend to drift some while driving, I have heard that that is one symptom?? As far as I can tell, the shocks and struts are original. I am the second owner, and the previous owner gave me all his repair records, he didnt have anything showing that they have been replaced. I bought the Tahoe in late 2001. It is a 1997 2dr Tahoe 4x4 If it is time to replace, what are some good replacement shocks and struts. I dont take it off road very much, but I do pull a bass boat about every other weekend. Thanks for any advice.

[carguru]

You only have shocks on that vehicle. If it is drifting, or a bit floaty, then it is definitely time to replace. You can do the bounce test on each corner of the truck. The truck shouldn't bounce more than once (or twice at most) with good shocks. I'm a big fan of Bilsteins, but that is my preference.

[mcreyaufmiller]

I agree with carguru, do the corner bounce test. The other wsy to tell is if while you are driving, the vehicle floats when it goes over bumbs on the highway. Bilsteins are a bit expensive, I just put KYB Gas-a-just on all 4 corners of my Silverado and I love them, good shocks, and cheaper.

[jerry d]

Thanks for the info, I had no idea that it did not have struts. What can I expect to pay for all 4 shocks to be replaced?

[carguru]

I picked up a set of Bilsteins for our Tahoe for around $250 a set. If you have a shop put shocks on, it'll probably cost $300 easily for cheap shocks. They are really pretty easy to put in with basic tools and a little mechanical skill. Only the front ones may give you some headache (top shock shaft serves as mount--nut screws to shock shaft).

[mcreyaufmiller]

I paid $130 for all 4 corners, the whole job took 30 minutes with no shop. Spray penetrating oil on the pins and let it set for a few minutes, I spun mine off with a air ratchet, no problem.

[jerry d]

I paid $130 for all 4 corners, the whole job took 30 minutes with no shop. Spray penetrating oil on the pins and let it set for a few minutes, I spun mine off with a air ratchet, no problem.

 

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Where did you find those KYB shocks, the prices I am finding is about 60.00 each shock.

[rtbrick]

A quick search turned up www.tirerack.com. They have the KYB for about $38 a shock. JCWhitney may have them. Can also try shockshopusa, but they look just a little fishy to me.

[mcreyaufmiller]

I paid $130 for all 4 corners, the whole job took 30 minutes with no shop. Spray penetrating oil on the pins and let it set for a few minutes, I spun mine off with a air ratchet, no problem.

 

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Where did you find those KYB shocks, the prices I am finding is about 60.00 each shock.

 

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I have a wholesale account with a automotive supply store here in DE.