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Opinions Needed On Stiffer Riding Shocks

overlord1

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overlord1 Enthusiast

overlord1

Posted
Posted

Guys,

I have an '06 Z71 Silvy with only 12K miles but I'm not at all happy with the way the suspension bottoms out very easily in off-road situations (especially the front). Even highway and in-town driving the oem shocks are too soft in my opinion. The truck hits a mild bump in the road and it floats up and down like a boat riding on waves :confused: I've done a bit of research on shocks and it seems that just about any decent aftermarket shock will stiffen up the ride some. I'm considering Rancho RSX shocks or maybe the KYB Monomax shock but I'm definitely open to suggestions. Ideally, the shock I buy will stiffen up the ride noticeably, make the truck handle better, yet not rattle my fillings out. Does such a beast exist? Thanks.

 

Ed

C & A s Dad Senior Enthusiast

C & A s Dad

Posted
Posted

If you have read any of my shock replies, you will know I am a KYB Monomax fan. They are superior quality and really well engineered shocks. I know the Bilstiens are nice as well but I cannot really comment on the Ranchos.

 

I have not heard of one complaint concerning the Mono Max.

overlord1 Enthusiast

overlord1

Posted
  • Author
Posted
If you have read any of my shock replies, you will know I am a KYB Monomax fan. They are superior quality and really well engineered shocks. I know the Bilstiens are nice as well but I cannot really comment on the Ranchos.

 

I have not heard of one complaint concerning the Mono Max.

 

Trey,

I know you are a big fan of the KYB Monomax shocks. Do you know if they are valved for a stiffer ride than the OEM shocks?

C & A s Dad Senior Enthusiast

C & A s Dad

Posted
Posted

Actually Performance + series which is the same as the Gas Adjust shocks are valved a little stiffer than the Mono Max. In my opinion they are too stiff unless there is some weight int he back of the truck. However this series is designed for off road and is not engineered as heavy as the M M. I think the MMs are valved apprx 20% stiffer than the OE but I cannot promise you that.

 

I can contact our rep next week and see if I can get you some more specifics.

 

I can tell you on my Yuk XL. They did not stiffen the ride any that I could tell but did offer better control on the front when I have may camper hooked up. Of course it is not a 4x4 and I was not looking for it to be any stiffer.

 

I am not sure where you are locate in Carolina but I think our stores serviced from Raleigh and Ashville still have Gabriel. I would not suggest them unless price is what you are looking for. Their Bruiser truck shock is not a bad shock but does not compare to the premium brands avail. We changed to KYB over a year ago in MS and LA but and have been very pleased. I think The Carolina's are not scheduled to change until this fall but I do not have the exact date.

GDSQDCR Enthusiast

GDSQDCR

Posted
Posted

I had Rancho's on my 03 F150 FX4, and they were pretty pathetic shocks. At 21K, they were replaced because of many of the same issues tha you are mentioning about your stock set up. They floated on the highway, they allowed the truck to bottom out; disappointing all the way around.

 

I went with Bilstein's on my F150, (also what I ordered for my 04 z71 Crew Sierra). They firmed up the ride nicley, but my teeth still did not rattle when I drove the rode. Monroe's seem to be nice, but I have no actual experience with them, so I can't compare them to the Bilsteins.

 

My .02 worth

Anthony

rjirvine Enthusiast

rjirvine

Posted
Posted

I don't off road at all, but I really like the Monroe Reflex shocks on my 2000 Silv Z71 4x4. They are really great on the highway and are "just right" as far as stiffness for me. I do also have Michelin LTX M/S tires which have a pretty stiff sidewall though.

Indy Enthusiast

Indy

Posted
Posted

I switched to Bilsteins from the red Z71 shocks (Tenneco). The difference is incredible. The ride is a little firmer but the biggest difference is in the handling. The truck rides much flatter through turns and tracks straighter through bumpy turns. With a heavy load of firewood the ride is greatly improved also.

99silveradoz71 Senior Enthusiast

99silveradoz71

Posted
Posted

Replaced the stock red Tenneco's on my 99 with Bilsteins at 36k and haven't looked back. 108k on the clock now and she rides smooth and solid.

durlacher Enthusiast

durlacher

Posted
Posted
Guys,

I have an '06 Z71 Silvy with only 12K miles but I'm not at all happy with the way the suspension bottoms out very easily in off-road situations (especially the front). Even highway and in-town driving the oem shocks are too soft in my opinion. The truck hits a mild bump in the road and it floats up and down like a boat riding on waves :) I've done a bit of research on shocks and it seems that just about any decent aftermarket shock will stiffen up the ride some. I'm considering Rancho RSX shocks or maybe the KYB Monomax shock but I'm definitely open to suggestions. Ideally, the shock I buy will stiffen up the ride noticeably, make the truck handle better, yet not rattle my fillings out. Does such a beast exist? Thanks.

 

Ed

 

Hey,

I experienced more or less the same on my '01 Tahoe (which i suspected to have the original shocks @ 125K...)and stuck a set of Edelbrock IAS Performers on it, all 'round.

Amazing! Still a smooth ride, but much better handling! Doesn't want to dive under the tarmac under braking and actually goes there where i aim the wheel.....! See if you can find someone araound that has these and try to give it a go. Not expensive either!

TooTall1 Enthusiast

TooTall1

Posted
Posted
Replaced the stock red Tenneco's on my 99 with Bilsteins at 36k and haven't looked back. 108k on the clock now and she rides smooth and solid.

 

Which Bilsteins did you get? I'm thinking about the 5100's for my '99 Z71

bossier62guy Senior Enthusiast

bossier62guy

Posted
Posted
Guys,

I have an '06 Z71 Silvy with only 12K miles but I'm not at all happy with the way the suspension bottoms out very easily in off-road situations (especially the front). Even highway and in-town driving the oem shocks are too soft in my opinion. The truck hits a mild bump in the road and it floats up and down like a boat riding on waves :) I've done a bit of research on shocks and it seems that just about any decent aftermarket shock will stiffen up the ride some. I'm considering Rancho RSX shocks or maybe the KYB Monomax shock but I'm definitely open to suggestions. Ideally, the shock I buy will stiffen up the ride noticeably, make the truck handle better, yet not rattle my fillings out. Does such a beast exist? Thanks.

 

Ed

 

Ed,

I changed out my factory shocks for the Rancho RSX shocks about 25K miles ago. At 40K miles you could compress the factory shocks and thats the position they stayed in. I could tell the difference in handling immediately but I've never put that much of a load on them either w/ the exception of towing a Mustang on a car trailer to Dallas once. Of course the rear end came down about level with that much weight on the back of my truck but I've been happy so far. This is also the second truck I've put Rancho's on but the last one weren't nearly as nice as the RSX shocks.

John

Senshark Enthusiast

Senshark

Posted
Posted

I've had both Monomax's and Bilsteins, and I would take the Bilsteins over the Monomax. Just my opinion. Ride quality was much better with the B's , I found the MM way too harsh when unloaded, actually took them off and got a refund on them.

svensk Senior Enthusiast

svensk

Posted
Posted

I think I'm still running the original blue z85 shocks. Those suckers are stiff...I go over a pothole and the truck takes it pretty hard. However when she's fully loaded down it handles like a 'burb.

C & A s Dad Senior Enthusiast

C & A s Dad

Posted
Posted
I've had both Monomax's and Bilsteins, and I would take the Bilsteins over the Monomax. Just my opinion. Ride quality was much better with the B's , I found the MM way too harsh when unloaded, actually took them off and got a refund on them.

 

Dave, I had heard this complaint concerning the Gas A Just KYB Shock that we sell as a Performance Plus shock but never have heard even one coplaint on the Monomax.

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