What shocks do I buy?

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Sparkysikes

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The. Monroe magnum is a decent shock. But only stock height levels. I like the bilstein 4600 for a heavy truck and 5200 for a lifted truck. The 5200 helped my bro's 4x4 ram huge amounts. And he beats on those things. I bener had luck with kyb's. 3 different trucks lowered stock and slight lift. The lowered were horrible and leaked inside of 2 weeks. They were replaced under warranty
After 2 weeks. I bought some others.

Rancho RS auto adjust are nice too. I'll stay with bilstein on my dually.

And huge shout out to sulastic. Shackles for the rear
 

1989GMCSIERRA

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Those KYB shocks OP referred To at the start you put on a car you’re selling to say hey it’s got new shocks. CHEAP shocks are cheap for a reason. Like anything else. Sure it will
work in a pinch. I had a set of those on a work truck. Rode worse than the original worn out shocks. Finally threw on a set of Ranchos. Which weren’t anything to brag about, but I was selling the truck and the guy wanted new shocks on it and I told him I’ll put some Ranchos. They were the 1000 series nothing special.

Personally I run Bilsteins if it’s stock and Fox if it’s lifted. The Fox shocks are rebuildable. I don’t see the point in wasting money on shocks that last a year or two and you’re doing the job or paying to have it done again. Tires aren’t exactly cheap either. I blew a shock one time at the beginning of a trip. By the time I got home the tire was cupped like you wouldn’t believe. Noisy as hell too. Eventually I bought another tire and the cupped one became the spare
 

MatSLO

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Can you give me some advice regarding new shocks for my K1500 Tahoe? (see details in signature)
Stock suspension, stock height.

Currently I have ACDelco "Premium Gas charged" shocks (530223 front and 530238 rear). They've been on the truck since mid-2016, driven for 30-35k miles. Mostly paved roads (which are not in good condition around here) and some light offroading (dirt roads).
At first I was pleased with them, now I feel like they need replacing.

I know the first answer is Bilstein 4600 and I would indeed like to get them, but they are quite expensive here in Europe, they would cost me at least 400 EUR (450 US bucks) or even more for all 4 corners and that's a bit too much for me...


So what are good options for a reasonably good shocks that won't break the budget? I hear good things about Monroe Gas Magnums, what do you think?


My personal preferences: I want as comfortable and plush a ride as possible. I know ride quality depends not only on shocks, and I realize I can't have Cadillac-like ride comfort on this truck with stock suspension, but I always prefer soft suspension over stiff/harsh. In a way, I kinda like a bit of soft, wallowy, boat-like ride, unless it adversely affects handling and driving safety.
 

Dravec

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Unfortunately for me, my last GMT400 - a '93 full size Blazer Silverado - gave up the ghost recently when the frame rotted out too badly. I now have a 14 GMC Sierra Double Cab and a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 2 inch IRO coils spring lift.

For the Cherokee, I used Pro Comp 9000 series shocks instead of the Bilstein 5100's. My decision was purely financial as the Pro Comps came in a little less expensive.

But (on the old Grand Cherokee atleast) I love the ride and handling.

I am looking to level my GMC, and have thought about the Bilstein 5100's but I'm not sure. Does anyone else have any insight or experience with the Pro Comps?

I installed a set of 5100s I bought my dad for his birthday almost a year ago on his '11 Titan, and on a strut type like his Titan or your Sierra, you can adjust from stock to about 2" of lift, depending on application. They were not that hard to install, and the ride was immediately improved, braking improved, handling improved. Well worth the money and time spent to swap over the springs. I just wish they made a set that fit stock GMT400s.
 

F4U-1A

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Had to replace my OEMs at 45K miles, replaced with Monroes and they are KA KA. Did not have the benefit of this forum back then. Just put Bilsteins 4600 series in my JK Wrangler, next year going to put them in my Chev. My truck is off the road soon ( winter).
 

96-2D-Hoe

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I replaced 20+ yo Bilsteins with the KYB Monomax for 1-3" lift.

If I hadn't thrown the Bilsteins in the trash I would have put them back on.

The front digs in too far and the rear bounces around.

I was a bit spoiled as the PO that bought the Bilsteins had the fronts custom valved. That and they weren't rated for the crank/lift was why I didn't just buy new Bilsteins. Live and learn.
 

Supercharged111

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I replaced 20+ yo Bilsteins with the KYB Monomax for 1-3" lift.

If I hadn't thrown the Bilsteins in the trash I would have put them back on.

The front digs in too far and the rear bounces around.

I was a bit spoiled as the PO that bought the Bilsteins had the fronts custom valved. That and they weren't rated for the crank/lift was why I didn't just buy new Bilsteins. Live and learn.

Bilstein 5100 is valved for crank.
 
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