What shocks do I buy?

Hope it's OK if I ask the question about buying shocks again, for my 1997 Tahoe (4door, 4WD, stock ride height).

The consensus seems to be that Bilstein 4600 are the best choice for a typical stock Tahoe for 'normal' use - mostly city/highway, occasionaly some very mild offroad (dirt roads, gravel etc).
However, I usually shop at Rockauto and they don't carry Bilsteins.

Now the question: if you had to buy shocks other than Bilsteins, which ones would you choose from the many options offered by Rockauto? Which would be the closest?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog....7l+v8,1061367,suspension,shock+absorber,7556

NOTE: I'm in Europe so Amazon USA is too expensive shipping-wise.

MatSLO said:

Hope it's OK if I ask the question about buying shocks again, for my 1997 Tahoe (4door, 4WD, stock ride height).

The consensus seems to be that Bilstein 4600 are the best choice for a typical stock Tahoe for 'normal' use - mostly city/highway, occasionaly some very mild offroad (dirt roads, gravel etc).
However, I usually shop at Rockauto and they don't carry Bilsteins.

Now the question: if you had to buy shocks other than Bilsteins, which ones would you choose from the many options offered by Rockauto? Which would be the closest?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog....7l+v8,1061367,suspension,shock+absorber,7556

NOTE: I'm in Europe so Amazon USA is too expensive shipping-wise.

Click to expand...

Darn wish you were in the us. I would of recommended oreilly (autopart store) it's good because I ordered rancho shocks on line and got the wrong front set. Went to the local store and got a refund. Now I can order the correct set. Now if yours is oem. Shouldn't matter until it comes to warranty/ defects.

Sorry not very helpful

MatSLO said:

Hope it's OK if I ask the question about buying shocks again, for my 1997 Tahoe (4door, 4WD, stock ride height).

The consensus seems to be that Bilstein 4600 are the best choice for a typical stock Tahoe for 'normal' use - mostly city/highway, occasionaly some very mild offroad (dirt roads, gravel etc).
However, I usually shop at Rockauto and they don't carry Bilsteins.

Now the question: if you had to buy shocks other than Bilsteins, which ones would you choose from the many options offered by Rockauto? Which would be the closest?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog....7l+v8,1061367,suspension,shock+absorber,7556

NOTE: I'm in Europe so Amazon USA is too expensive shipping-wise.

Click to expand...

Weird that they're not listing Bilsteins.

EDITED: I'd probably try the KYB gas-a-just. I have no experience with them, however.

Can't you buy the Bilsteins locally? I suppose they could be NA market only part numbers since they're for a Chevy.

I've run the KYB's on many vehicles. They are my go to shock. The valving in the Excell G (used to be called GR2) shocks seems to have the same valving as the Gas a Just but are twin tube rather than a monotube. The MonoMax are for heavier than stock wheel/tires or heavier loads (snow plow/ slide in camper etc). This info is from the KYB rep from the seminar from 1998.

They are my go to shock for years the ride is firm but not harsh. The first set I got in 1998 replaced my NAPA (Gabriel) shocks that were replaced every year under warranty. They have been on the car since and are still good. They were a bit stiff at first but settled down after a few miles of driving. Every other set I have gotten since were fine at the time they were installed no "break in" necessary.

If variable loads perhaps the Rancho 9000 adjustable would be best. Crank up the valving when the plow is on and back them back down in the spring. These are also my first choice for "Moon Buggy" or "Mystery Lift" lift kits when I'm forced to choose by dimensions.

I tried the new Summit Racing shocks on my dually and I wish I had gotten the KYB Gas a Just instead. I like the firmer more precise feel of the KYB buy I'm too cheap to change them yet.

Everyone is going to have an opinion on this so I say talk to the shock vendors directly and go with the shock you are most comfortable getting.

O.K. I'm done

Frank Enstein said:

I've run the KYB's on many vehicles. They are my go to shock. The valving in the Excell G (used to be called GR2) shocks seems to have the same valving as the Gas a Just but are twin tube rather than a monotube. The MonoMax are for heavier than stock wheel/tires or heavier loads (snow plow/ slide in camper etc). This info is from the KYB rep from the seminar from 1998.

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That's interesting. I currecntly have the GR2s and I'm not impressed. They're just a cheap shock in my opinion. They were noticeably weaker than the Bilsteins that I was removing. I know pricewise they're not even close to the Bilsteins, but I wasn't comparing them to new Bilsteins either.

I like them but I'm not the original spammer, err umm, poster!

I tell my customers that you can drive over a dime and tell what year it is but you only hear the potholes!

Thanks to all for your input.

How about the Gabriel "Max Control Monotube" shocks?
Max Control MonotubeTthey are listed in Rockauto's "improved handling/stability" section and it looks like they're getting good reviews on Amazon?

MatSLO said:

Thanks to all for your input.

How about the Gabriel "Max Control Monotube" shocks?
Max Control MonotubeTthey are listed in Rockauto's "improved handling/stability" section and it looks like they're getting good reviews on Amazon?

Click to expand...

Oops sorry nevermind

MatSLO said:

Thanks to all for your input.

How about the Gabriel "Max Control Monotube" shocks?
Max Control MonotubeTthey are listed in Rockauto's "improved handling/stability" section and it looks like they're getting good reviews on Amazon?

Click to expand...

Seems to me that nobody gave you any great advice on what shocks to go with. I too am looking for a comfortable ride on a stock vehicle (with larger tires, don't know how much that affects things). I was going to go with the Bilstein 4600s but feel they may be a little too stiff for my liking. What did you decide on and are they working out?

df2x4 said:

I don't have anything against Monroe but I just consider them one of the budget options, and I think those specific ones with the springs around them are gimmicky. I think the Gas Magnums or other standard monotube design would be a better choice. Personally I won't run anything but Bilstein on my trucks now though.

@Supercharged111 I wonder if your experience with the Bilstein 4600s had something to do with your trucks having stiffer springs? I like them on my stock half tons.

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I was on the verge of going with the Bilstein 4600s for my stock truck (with oversize tires, don't know if that matters). But I'm having second thoughts because they are a more heavy duty shock which I believe is stiffer than say OE shocks. I do want to upgrade, but a comfortable ride (over potholes) is a priority. Also, I really don't know how my struts play into all this. Suggestions?