Best value on shocks

[rtbrick]

I'm in need of some new shocks. At 76000 miles, my 2000 Silverado is not riding as well as it used to. I've looked around GM-Trucks and see that the Bilstein HDs are very popular, but more than I'd like to pay. The Gabriel Max control has been mentioned and are a bit more affordable. KYB Gas-Adjust has received good marks and are even more affordable. Rancho RSX and 5000s are in the good range as well. The Moroe Reflex gets mixed reviews.

 

With all these choices and more, can anyone help me weigh the options. I'm looking for improved performance (of course, but my truck is not a race car), but still want to maintain ride comfort without breaking the bank. What's the best value? Are there any house brands out there that are repackaged from major manufacturers? Also, I don't the pros and cons of monotube versus twin/dual tube shocks.

[jerry d]

I am looking to buy shocks also for my Tahoe. The KYB's are a popular model on here, but all the stores I keep calling are trying to sell me Monroe Sensa Tracks, only 1 store told me to go with Monroe Reflex, the others all said Sensa Track. I did ask about the KYB Mono Max and found a place that would order them for me, but they are about $20.00 higher per shock. I am about to go buy the Sensa Track, unless someone on here makes me understand how the KYB's are worth the extr$80.00.

[mcreyaufmiller]

I went with KYB's after being told that the reflex is not designed for trucks. It has the weight range, but our trucks are at the top of the range so they cannot handle it well. I replaced all 4 corners of mine for $130.

[rtbrick]

After much research I have found the following shocks to be in good standing:

 

Monroe:

-Reflex ($176 for 4)- Some say they are stiff, those that have after Bilsteins say they are soft. Also the point was made that they are at the upper weight limit for the Sivlerado.

-SensaTrac ($146/4) - Many good reviews as an all-around improvement

 

Rancho:

-9000 ($85 each. Summit has 3, 1 free deal) Good adjustability to get the ride where you want it, though expensive.

-5000 ($53 each) Well reviewed shock. Good improvement over stock

-RSX ($159/4 at Summit with a 3, 1 free deal) Lots of good reviews and folks really like these

 

KYB:

-Monomax ($172/4) Only a few reviews, but many compare them to the Bilsteins (maybe a little stiff)

-Gas adjust ($37 each) Several members have these and like them very well

 

Gabriel:

-Mono Control ($200/4) Compared to Edelbrocks, but not many reviews

-Ultras ($27 each) Good economy shock

 

Pro Comp:

-ES9000 ($136/4) Seem like Pro Comp is liked as a lower end shock that is better than stock

-ES3000 ($135/4 with boots and free steering stabilizer from 4wheelparts) Most Pro Comp reviews were of this model. Good upgrade at the lower price range

 

Bilstein:

-HD ($250/4) The most well liked shock, though at the more expenisve end

 

Heckethorn:

-Nitro9000 ($148/4 with boots) No data at Gm-Trucks

-Hydro8000 ($110/4 at JCW) No data

 

 

I am leaing towards the Rancho RSX or maybe the Sensatracs. I have the phord keys and the Ranchos may have a little more travel. Though it seems a monotube shock is the better design so, maybe the KYB Monomax. What other opinions are out there? I would like to stay in the lower price range, but don't want to say later on "what if I would have just spent $50 more!"

 

Anybody care to weigh pros and cons?

[woyster_00z71]

I put a set of Rancho RSX shocks on my Silverado with Ford keys and they aren't any taller than stock so there is no improvement.

 

I am personally thinking about the Pro Comp ES9000's in either a 0-3" lift or 4-6" lift configuration. I only have the torsion bars for a lift but based on the shocks the 4-6" may be the best bet.

 

B.J.

[rtbrick]

Woyester, So did the RSXs perform poorly? How was the ride? I'm not looking to rattle my bones. There is some back and forth about whether longer shocks are actually necessary with a T-bar raised front. As well, I thought I read here that Ranchos are good for a 0-2" lift (something like that). Maybe I'll give Rancho a call and see if they make a slightly longer application.

[woyster_00z71]

IMO, I think you need longer shocks with the torsion bar keys. They stock shocks are just too short. Anyway, no the RSX's didn't perform poorly, they are just too short so there isn't a whole lot of improvement over the stock shocks.

 

Hopefully I can get some new ones soon and see for myselft what the difference in a longer shock would be.

[hihosilverado]

I have the sensatracs on my 02 and I think the truck rides much much smoother. But if you are looking for a good deal, go to ebay and pick up a set of OE Tennecos for less than $50 with 20 miles on them.......that is an undeniable bargain.

[rtbrick]

As far as I can see, most folks on the forum complain about the OE shocks. That is usually why they start the hunt for new shocks. I've actually liked the ride of my truck since new and even my wife said it was smooth. I figured at 77,000 miles my ride may be improved by a set of aftermarket shocks. Lately, I've noticed that my truck takes bumps in the a little too hard. I don't do any actual offroading (it would get my truck dirty! LOL). The Ranchos are a good deal right now, but I do not want a harsh-feeling ride. Better handling would be nice, but not at the cost of a stiff ride. That is why I also considered the Sensa-Tracs. Most quote a good ride, but what about the handling (roll, brake dive)? Can you comment on those aspects? I was hoping to get some comments in my "Best Value" thread, but no takers.

[mcreyaufmiller]

The KYB's I put on my 2wd eliminated a lot of body roll and brake dive. Although I liked the stock ride, the new shocks ride much better. I would go fo a set of aftermarket shocks over the stocks anyday.

[rtbrick]

mcrey, what do you know about the RSXs? I agree that aftermarkets are probably better, but satisfaction depends on the use/design of the shock. Do you think the KYBs and RSXs are comparable for use and design?