How Long Do Shocks Last In New Pickups ?

[Chevymax]

How long do OEM shocks last in a modern day pickup?

 

I have a 2006 1500 4wd CC Silverado, with 40k miles. I need to put new tires on it, and I figured that new shocks maybe in order as well.

 

I've usually replaced the OEM shocks when I change the first set of tires, but the dealer mentioned that they rarely change them anymore, as the life expectancy of the shocks has greatly increased.

 

I've usually changed to Rancho RS5000 on my half tons........

 

 

Any ideas ?

 

Chevymax

[marko]

How long do OEM shocks last in a modern day pickup?

 

I have a 2006 1500 4wd CC Silverado, with 40k miles. I need to put new tires on it, and I figured that new shocks maybe in order as well.

 

I've usually replaced the OEM shocks when I change the first set of tires, but the dealer mentioned that they rarely change them anymore, as the life expectancy of the shocks has greatly increased.

 

I've usually changed to Rancho RS5000 on my half tons........

 

 

Any ideas ?

 

Chevymax

 

It really depends on what you do with it. I found that when I went from the crap P tires on my truck to LT tires, the shocks couldn't keep up. After about 10000 miles the shocks, while still passing the rebound test (jump up and down on the back bumper and see how many "echoes" it takes for the shocks to settle the truck down) would not pass the test satisfactorily.

 

It takes a good shock to make the truck feel 'nimble'. The OEM shocks on my truck never did it but after 10000 miles they were really getting sloppy. You could feel it. I suggest just going straight to a good set of bilsteins and you will feel a difference.

[facn8me]

Depends on the particular shock if it's bad. As a Sales man I can easily condem your shocks at 40-50k just with a short explanation of how they work and factories using the cheapest available. Could probablly even show you some sepage and of course the bounce test. The shock controls the spring so a good shock will let you "feel" the road rather than glide. As a car guy and mechanic I'd do do the bounce test and look for obvious signs of leakage and if they passed I'd say it's up to you. They do have 50k. A cheap good shock is better than a worn shock but a "Great" shock will increase handleing and stability. Also when you get tires upgrade to LT's instead of P's. This will help greatly on the feel of the truck also but you may need to tinker with air pressure to get ride and tire contact patch right for wear. I run 40 and 38 psi front and rear respectivly for ride and even tire wear. They are nitto terra grapplers and have a 50psi max pressure on the side wall. Have 50k on them so far but do rotate often. by the way I'd recomend you look into them they are super quiet with decent traction in all conditions. Well sorry for rambleing.