Searched: Still Need Help With Shocks

grimmysnr · February 23, 2008

Got an 06 Sierra 1500 z71 ECLB and im finally finishing up everything i messed up while offroading. I need some shocks to replace my Tenneco's. My suspension has been making a lot of noises for a while, knocking and rattles. Have to take it in next week to front output shaft seal replacements.

Iv researched and found a lot of people like Bilsteins and Rancho RSX. Basically, i want a nice smooth ride while on pavement i dont want to feel every bump in the road and i dont want to hit pot holes or something and my spine shatters. I also still go offroad quite a bit. So i want to be able to smoothly handle off road conditions. Im not talking about a smooth dirt road or something the roads i go down can be pretty rough. Rocks, potholes, ruts, hills, and whatever else. So bottoming out is probably not a good thing either.

What do you guys recommend?

Zembonez · February 23, 2008

Got an 06 Sierra 1500 z71 ECLB and im finally finishing up everything i messed up while offroading. I need some shocks to replace my Tenneco's. My suspension has been making a lot of noises for a while, knocking and rattles. Have to take it in next week to front output shaft seal replacements.

Iv researched and found a lot of people like Bilsteins and Rancho RSX. Basically, i want a nice smooth ride while on pavement i dont want to feel every bump in the road and i dont want to hit pot holes or something and my spine shatters. I also still go offroad quite a bit. So i want to be able to smoothly handle off road conditions. Im not talking about a smooth dirt road or something the roads i go down can be pretty rough. Rocks, potholes, ruts, hills, and whatever else. So bottoming out is probably not a good thing either.

What do you guys recommend?

If you dig deep into the reviews, the Ranchos get hosed. Bilstein still has a lot of followers. I'd choose a KYB over the Ranchos myself... just my opinion.

silversport · February 24, 2008

Bilstein's...I like that they keep their firm (but not too firm) ride for nearly the life of the shock which should be over 100K miles...independent tests of their shocks on squad cars...and those take a beating...have shown their shocks to react nearly the same when new and after that much abuse...I have had Bilstein shocks on my Z71 Avalanche (2002) and now on my OBS 2000 Escalade...love 'em...good luck with your quest.

Bill

MS3DALE · February 24, 2008

I'd go with Bilstein's for sure.

I wish they made them for the GMT-900 trucks,but not yet.When they do I'm getting a set for mine.

For now I just bought a set of the OE Rancho's from a GMC with the "All-Terrain" pkg.,so I can't wait to see how they make the truck ride and handle once I get them installed.

overlord1 · February 24, 2008

Bilstein without a doubt. I put on a set last year and they are a huge improvement over stock. They are more firmly valved than Rancho or KYB which is what I was after.