Time to Replace My Shock Absorbers

TedH · February 13, 2007

Could it be more confusing to select a replacement shock absorber? I've never seen so many variations of a shock absorber based on the suspension options present (I just visited RockAuto's website).

As far as I know, I don't have:

Active Handling Suspension (no variable dampening of the suspension from the driver's seat... had something like that as an option available for my 2001 corvette though...)

I do have:

ABS

4wheel drive (not full-time All Wheel Drive)

Z71 suspension pkg/skid plate

Towing pkg/Trans cooler

Aluminum wheels (20" off the 2003 Silverado SS)

4-wheel disk brakes

I know I don't have:

Quadrasteer

Help!!!

Bish · February 13, 2007

Could it be more confusing to select a replacement shock absorber? I've never seen so many variations of a shock absorber based on the suspension options present (I just visited RockAuto's website).

As far as I know, I don't have:

Active Handling Suspension (no variable dampening of the suspension from the driver's seat... had something like that as an option available for my 2001 corvette though...)

I do have:

ABS

4wheel drive (not full-time All Wheel Drive)

Z71 suspension pkg/skid plate

Towing pkg/Trans cooler

Aluminum wheels (20" off the 2003 Silverado SS)

4-wheel disk brakes

I know I don't have:

Quadrasteer

Help!!!

As long as no autoride, you can replace with standard shocks. I prefer Bilstein HD for improved handling and towing. If you have GM auto-leveling shocks in back, you may lose an inch of ride height switching to regular shocks but you can swap them as I did.

Norseman · February 13, 2007

Monroe Gas Magnum, best bang for the buck and life time warranty from Advance Auto Parts.

C & A s Dad · February 13, 2007

Norseman is right about the Monroe unless being good for the $s. However, if you are looking for a premium shock I would strongly suggest either KYB's MonoMax or Bilstien. They both have some quality features that neither Monroe or Gabriel can touch. IE Solid tube design with no weld seams maiking the surface where the piston runs much smoother for longer life. The seals on the pistons are of much higher quality and the mounting loops are a solid loop with no weld to break allowing the loop to "open up". This was a classic warranty issue with us (CARQUEST) when we sold Gabriel.

The Mono Max and the Gabriel are also a mono tube design meaning the high pres gas and the oil are in sep areas and no matter how hard the shock is used, they can never mix.

It really comes down to what you want to spend.

Indy · February 14, 2007

If you want an inexpensive replacement, there's a set of stock Z71 shocks on Ebay. I think it's someone from gm-trucks.Z71 shocks

Norseman · February 14, 2007

Norseman is right about the Monroe unless being good for the $s. However, if you are looking for a premium shock I would strongly suggest either KYB's MonoMax or Bilstien. They both have some quality features that neither Monroe or Gabriel can touch. IE Solid tube design with no weld seams maiking the surface where the piston runs much smoother for longer life. The seals on the pistons are of much higher quality and the mounting loops are a solid loop with no weld to break allowing the loop to "open up". This was a classic warranty issue with us (CARQUEST) when we sold Gabriel.

The Mono Max and the Gabriel are also a mono tube design meaning the high pres gas and the oil are in sep areas and no matter how hard the shock is used, they can never mix.

It really comes down to what you want to spend.

Hey Trey, do you guys sell those (KYB and Bilstein) and are they really that much better (considering a lifetime warrnaty for the Monroe)? Just curious. Also, Man I'd love to be able to get my stuff from you guys but, the shores never seem to be open when I'm able to do my part shoping.

C & A s Dad · February 14, 2007

Norseman, our supplier for ride control is KYB. We do have some stores who will special order Bilstiens but we are not that competetive on them.

After seeing Monroe and Gabriel shocks cut open, disected and compared to KYB, I was convinced. Monroe and Gabriel are masters at Marketing but not that strong in R & D and Engineering. However, they produce good products and as you say, for the money and the warranty, they are hard to beat. KYB now provides the OE s with shocks for 26% of the cars produced in the world. Most people have no idea they are this strong in the OE market.

As far as the stores in this area, our Richland location has the longest hours of any of our local stores. 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mon - Fri, 7:00 to 4:00 on Saturday and 9:00 to 3:00 on Sunday. Apprx 80% of our business comes from the Professional Service Market including Installers, National Accts ( Firestone, Goodyear etc.), New Car Dealers, Fleets and Industrial customers. Because of this, we set the store hours accordingly. We certainly like the retail market and in some cases we have some stores where the retail market makes up over 50% of their business, but this is the exception.

Norseman · February 14, 2007

Norseman is right about the Monroe unless being good for the $s. However, if you are looking for a premium shock I would strongly suggest either KYB's MonoMax or Bilstien. They both have some quality features that neither Monroe or Gabriel can touch. IE Solid tube design with no weld seams maiking the surface where the piston runs much smoother for longer life. The seals on the pistons are of much higher quality and the mounting loops are a solid loop with no weld to break allowing the loop to "open up". This was a classic warranty issue with us (CARQUEST) when we sold Gabriel.

The Mono Max and the Gabriel are also a mono tube design meaning the high pres gas and the oil are in sep areas and no matter how hard the shock is used, they can never mix.

It really comes down to what you want to spend.

Hey Trey, do you guys sell those (KYB and Bilstein) and are they really that much better (considering a lifetime warrnaty for the Monroe)? Just curious. Also, Man I'd love to be able to get my stuff from you guys but, the shores never seem to be open when I'm able to do my part shoping.

I did not know that the Richland store was open on the weekend. Thanks for the info on the shocks as well

Loomis462 · February 14, 2007

not trying to hi-jack here but I have a 1999 suburban with 163K that still has the original shocks. I got this burb from my dad with about 150K and used to drive a jeep, so the ride quality was much better even with the beat up shocks. Do you think the monroe gas magnums will be a good replacement for the factory shock absorbers?

C & A s Dad · February 14, 2007

Dan, for the money they are hard to beat. Monroe also makes a Reflex and I understand it is better than the Magnum, however you are moving up in cost almost in the price range of the KYB and Bilstien.

Norseman · February 14, 2007

not trying to hi-jack here but I have a 1999 suburban with 163K that still has the original shocks. I got this burb from my dad with about 150K and used to drive a jeep, so the ride quality was much better even with the beat up shocks. Do you think the monroe gas magnums will be a good replacement for the factory shock absorbers?

I use'em and they work great on or off road, loaded or unloaded. Price is good and when they ware out I take them back to the store and get brand new ones at no cost. I'm sure there are better shocks out there but, not for the money.

xsports33 · February 15, 2007

I lifted my truck ~150 miles after i bought it. I kept all 4 shocks and have them just laying around in my garage. It's off an '06 1500 4x4 with Tow package. I don't think they're the HD shocks. They're blue in color if that helps.

If you want them, they're yours. PM me