Need new shocks/struts?

[sx460]

I've got a '99 Silverado, 5.3, 50K miles, 2WD, automatic, ext cab.

 

The truck seems to ride rough in a bad way. I've been in many Chevy trucks, but they've all been 4WD. Going over rough spots in the road, the truck shimmys and sways a bit, almost feeling like a torque understeer on a front wheel drive vehicle. I've hit a few large unavoidable potholes and the suspension didn't absorb the shock well at all, instead it hit the pothole hard and and was very jarring, unlike other Chevy trucks I've been in before. Additionally, you can feel the road through the steering wheel also unlike all other Chevy trucks I've been in before.

 

Do I need new shocks/struts/bushings/tighten something, or is this normal?

 

Thanks!

[sx460]

So what do you guys think? Would replacing the shocks/struts help any?

[PELICAN]

If you have the stock shocks still on, I would replace them first. I have Rancho rs 5000 shocks on mine and really like them.

[sx460]

If you have the stock shocks still on, I would replace them first. I have Rancho rs 5000 shocks on mine and really like them.

 

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Yep, I've got both the shocks and struts on that are original. 51K miles, and it a '99. So just replace the rears or replace both?

[OUMike]

If you have the stock shocks still on, I would replace them first. I have Rancho rs 5000 shocks on mine and really like them.

 

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Yep, I've got both the shocks and struts on that are original. 51K miles, and it a '99. So just replace the rears or replace both?

 

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I'd do 4 new shocks. Changing just the rears would almost be a waste IMO.

[sx460]

Can shocks/struts go bad in just 51K miles?

[ZZebes]

you dont have struts... but yes i used to blow shocks on my ranger every 10000 or so until i replaced them with rancho's and then they were on there till the day it was totaled

[redvett]

If you have struts you dont have a Silverado pickup. Only shocks on a rear wheel drive vehicle.

[sx460]

you dont have struts... but yes i used to blow shocks on my ranger every 10000 or so until i replaced them with rancho's and then they were on there till the day it was totaled

 

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Fair enough. I'm sold on these ranchos. Sounds like good stuff.

[sx460]

If you have struts you dont have a Silverado pickup. Only shocks on a rear wheel drive vehicle.

 

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Ahh... so do front wheel drive vehicles have shocks in the rear and struts in the front of struts in both the front and rear? Confused....

[ZZebes]

front wheel drive cars usually have Struts front and rear

[sx460]

front wheel drive cars usually have Struts front and rear

 

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So what do all wheel drive vehicles have?