Heavy Duty Shock Suggestions for 1999 C2500 For Hauling Truck Camper

[Westieterrier]

I am very grateful for all the great advice about rear suspension upgrades for my '99. This is an awesome Forum! I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for heavy duty front and rear shocks for my 2WD C2500. It has 152K, a 5/1 leaf pack, 14-bolt rear, but led an easy life mostly towing a bass boat when I bought it from the widow of the original owner. The truck will be hauling a 3,500 lb. Lance Camper out back, and a trail bike of 300 lbs. up front with a new Curt hitch. I've done test runs so far, but realize I must do several suspension upgrades for safe long-distance driving. I'm good on all the great advice I've gotten here on the rear leafs (will prob. go with C3500 helper springs and/or Air lifts). But what about shocks? Right now it has good quality USA-made Mountain Ryder shocks, but the units look quite old and are rated as "light duty," so they have to go. I'd like to keep the stock coils up front. Prefer USA-made HD units, and not terribly price-conscious for this aspect. See pics below. Thanks again to all you wonderful experts here; this is a great community.

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[Caman96]

I like Bilstein or KYB MonoMax. Might want to look at new coils too!

 

[df2x4]

Bilstein 4600s are generally regarded as some of the best available for these trucks, not cheap though. I have them on both of my '97s and I've been very happy with them. I don't do any towing to speak of though.

EDIT - I believe the Bilsteins are made in either the US or Germany, depending on which plant they come from.

DOUBLE EDIT - Apparently they have manufacturing facilities in China and Romania as well.

 

[98chevy2500SS]

Another vote for the KYB MonoMax's. I've got the KYB Gas-A-Just's in both trucks and they ride good, however the MonoMax will be a better suit for that heavy camper.

 

[Caman96]

Bilstein 4600s are generally regarded as some of the best available for these trucks, not cheap though. I have them on both of my '97s and I've been very happy with them. I don't do any towing to speak of though.

EDIT - I believe the Bilsteins are made in either the US or Germany, depending on which plant they come from.

DOUBLE EDIT - Apparently they have manufacturing facilities in China and Romania as well.

The Bilstein 4600’s I just installed on my son’s Tacoma were Made in Mexico. Still great shocks though!

 

[stutaeng]

I'm generally not a big proponent of XYZ brands when it comes to shocks...A few months ago I bought some shocks from the Rock Auto Heavy Duty category and had some bad apples:

Damn you Monroe!

So my DD 06 Suburban needed new shocks. I generally don't really pay much attention to shocks to be honest. I go to RA and select some from the their Heavy Duty category, some Monroe 34694s. They don't have matching yellow Monroe for the front so the next best option is Gabriel 58817...about...

www.gmt400.com

I had previously bought some RA Gabriel "clearance" shocks for my beater K3500 fronts, for like $25 shipped for the pair, without any issues. Those were also also made in Mexico, for better or worse. My next order will very likely be Gabriel Monotubes...

 

[GMCTruck]

When I replaced my original rear shocks about 5 years ago I just put on the NAPA brand yellow coloured ones. One of the original shocks had failed completely. My rear spring pack is so stiff, I have to say I couldn't tell the ride difference between the old ones and the new ones. I don't carry heavy loads with the truck anymore though.

 

[stutaeng]

Yup, I think OP will have plenty of damping with that big ol heavy camper that anything he installs will probably feel the same!

 

[454cid]

"Mountain Rider"? Googling tells me that's the Les Schwab brand.

I'd get Bilsteins. I replaced mine with some entry level KYBs, wore those out and put the Bilsteins back on and could feel an immediate difference in ride control.

 

[454cid]

Ive never seen a rack for a dirt bike like that.