Shock Absorber Recomendations

vodapas · March 9, 2006

Ok need a little help here:

I've got a 2001 Silverado EC/SB with the Z85 Towing Package. It's got over 50K on the original shock absorbers, so as you can probably guess, it's time for replacement.

To add to that it's at the shop right now getting a 3" body lift installed and when I get it back I'm going to be adding 2" coil spacers to level the front out and ensure clearance of the larger tires. So, it seems the perfect time to replace at least the front shocks and why not do the back at the same time. Since the center of gravity is going to be increased I want a good shock absorber that will help reduce excessive roll and keep the tires planted. A decent ride wouldn't hurt.

Now, to make things even more comlicated. I live in Hawaii so I am limited to what I can go out and pick up and to order anything special means paying a lot in shipping plus I have to wait. I don't like to wait. lol.

So, what is available to me through the local checkers is a few of the more common variations of Monroe shocks. They have the Reflex (not mono-tube), Sensa-Trac and Gas-Matic in stock. No Gas-Magnums and no Rancho.

Aside from that I don't want to spend too much on shocks since when I get back to the mainland I'll be doing a suspension lift and will of course be getting new shocks.

I've pretty well decided to go with the Reflex shocks up front since most of the weight is there and I'll be asking the most out of the shocks since they will be extended farther than normal with the spacers. Out back I can't decide what to go with.

I don't tow. In fact I'm putting on a roll pan, so they hitch will actually be going soon which is gonna lighten things up in back. But, I do use the bed from time to time. So, I don't want to just put any shock on the back and lose the extra control the Z85 gives me when carrying loads.

So, the real question is for my needs which shock (that I can get) will work best for my needs? Should I match the Reflex up front or go with the Sensa-Trac. Or, will the standard Gas-Matic do the trick? I appreciate any info. you can provide.

Thanks.

PELICAN · March 9, 2006

I personnally would go with Rancho shocks all the way around. If you live on Ouahu (I think I spelled it right) there is a 4wheel parts store and Ouahu offroad store that should have them at a decent price.

vodapas · March 9, 2006

I personnally would go with Rancho shocks all the way around. If you live on Ouahu (I think I spelled it right) there is a 4wheel parts store and Ouahu offroad store that should have them at a decent price.

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Yeah, I've got to pick my truck up from 4Wheel Parts today so I'm going to check with them and see what they have in stock. I'm also going to check with a few other places to see what they have. The part being in stock is a big thing though. I want to get this job done this weekend.