Replacing Dampers

[nardeezy]

We have approx. 78,300 miles on the Tahoe and I am planning on installing a set of Bridgestone Dueller Revo's. At the same time I am contemplating on replacing the dampers as well. The ride doesn't feel as comfortable as new yet I am not sure if the ride is floaty either. When's a good time to replace the dampers and what would you guys recommend? We mostly drive highway/city.

[Loomis462]

i would also like the know the answer to this. 160 on the clock and it seems like a new set of shocks would help a lot.

[Rolandd]

Shocks need to be replaced any time you can see evidence of oil leaking from them or other damage to the shock housing. Modern shocks do pretty well under normal circumstances. Usually a jounce test can determine if they are still doing their job--bounce a corner of the truck up and down as hard as you can a few times and let it go at the bottom of the down stroke. The body should rebound up and then settle to a stop down a little bit, if at all. If you get a second up stroke of the body that shock is done. Always replace shocks by axle (pairs) if not all four. I usually stand on the bumper and jump off after getting the body to bounce as much as I can at 185 pounds and have someone observe the rebound behavior for me. If I have a heavier friend available, I have them do the jumping.