Don't balk: more shock discussion

[rtbrick]

I know that shocks is a topic that has been discussed a great deal, but I don't see much resolution on choices. Here is my current situation: '00 1500 has 97K and I believe it rides well with the stock shocks. I travel often and every time I return from a trip and dirve my truck I can't believe how good it still rides on the stock shocks. Even after driving a buddies 2WD Ford F150 ('01?), I can say my truck is worlds better. Maybe I'm just used to the degraded ride and it seems that it will only get better with new shocks.

 

Other than the Bilstein following, opinions vary greatly on shock choice. Monroe, Rancho, KYB and NAPA seem to be popular brands. Even some cheapies get good reviews. What I want is a nice smooth controlled, comfortable ride. I don't do any offroading, so I don't need a really firm shock. I also do not have deep pockets just now. Seems like my last bit of research pinpointed the Rancho RSX as a good choice between price and the performance I want, though a bit more than I would like to spend. I also looked at the Pro Comp 3000s because of the increased travel for raised front ends (T-bar adjusted). After those two, I'm lost.

 

Because my shocks seem ok, and at least not broken, I have not been in a hurry to change them. I really only get more confused the more I look into replacements. Are there any tests available with technical data to review?

[firstruck]

Original shocks? at 97K? are you for real? OEM shocks are toast at 15K. I'd say you've been enjoying a smooth shock free ride for 80k or so. Plush ride baby! I am adicted to Bilstiens, but they are a stiffer riding shock and probably not what your after. If price is a point and performance not, why not just get some NAPA or sears shocks? Smooth ride, inexpensive(you could replace them again in the future and still be ahead $ wise from any of the high end shocks.

[rjirvine]

I too have 97k miles on my 2000 Ext cab silverado 4x4 Z71. I just put monroe reflex shocks on this afternoon on the front. I got them for $42 each at Pep boys. They are WAY better than the red (don't know the brand) shocks that came standard. The truck doesn't even roll around corners anymore, and the ride is excellent. I also only drive on the freeway and city roads. To take to old ones off you'll need a 15mm socket, and to put them on a 14mm for the top nut. I can't remember what the bottom bolt was, (I think 22 mm) but when you're done, the top nut is 15 ft-lbs, and the bottom one 49 ft-lbs.

[Jeff1]

I just replaced the factory shocks on my 00 sierra z71. I went with the bilsteins after reading many positive reviews on them. They are considerably stiffer than the stockers, but at least one was bad on the front and it was very soft. The ride is much improved, but now I can feel every bump I hit.

[pm26]

I too have 97k miles on my 2000 Ext cab silverado 4x4 Z71. I just put monroe reflex shocks on this afternoon on the front. I got them for $42 each at Pep boys. They are WAY better than the red  (don't know the brand) shocks that came standard. The truck doesn't even roll around corners anymore, and the ride is excellent. I also only drive on the freeway and city roads. To take to old ones off you'll need a 15mm socket, and to put them on a 14mm for the top nut. I can't remember what the bottom bolt was, (I think 22 mm) but when you're done, the top nut is 15 ft-lbs, and the bottom one 49 ft-lbs.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I believe that the stock shocks on my '06 Z71 crew cab are a bit too stiff. what brand are these shocks? Are they any good. GM used to install Billsteins on Z71s.

 

Anyway, did those Monroe shocks make your truck ride less stiff with less bounce? I was also wondering if the OEM 4X4 k1500 shocks are any better than the Z71 package shocks? I am looking for a little less bouncy ride. It is not bad as is, but I do not take my truck off road and I like a smooth ride.

[Weasel]

I just replaced my original 'red' shocks this weekend at almost 101k miles. They were totally shot and have been for at least 10k if not longer. Anyhow, after much research on this board and elsewhere I went with the Gabriel's that have a rebate right now at Autozone. Apparently Edlebrock's are just relabeled Gabriel's and I've heard lots of good things about Edlebrock's. They are the Max Control's and total for four of them was $145 plus I think I get a $30 or $40 mail in rebate. The ride is much improved and I don't think that price can be beat. If I had more time and wanted to spend more money I probably would have gone with Rancho 5000's but no one had them and they run about $45 per. If you don't want the rougher ride of the Billstien's that everyone here raves about and don't want to spend the money on something like a Rancho 9000 then I don't think it matters too much. The only other shock I read a lot about was the Monroe Sensitrak. Those seem pretty popular as well. Good luck

[sbatzold]

Weasle which Gabriel's did you get?

[Weasel]

Max Control's

 

http://www.gabriel.com/max_animation/pdfs/Features.pdf

 

The rebate can be found on the webpage as well:

 

http://www.gabriel.com/documents/Rebate_Pa..._rebate_pad.pdf

[scrapykunas]

loosening those torsion bars some might help your ride.

tighting them increases the resistance to gravity thus raising the ride height, in turn increasing the firmness.

[michigan2500hd]

Been wanting to change the shocks on my work truck for the last 30,000 miles. Have almost 100,000 on the stockers. the truck is a 2wd 1500 reg. cab. I put some cheap E- load range tires on it and wow, does it ride like a brick now. They will be worn out soon so i can find some D-range tires so maybe it will ride a little smoother. Any suggestions on a set of inexpensive shocks?