What’s a good shock

[Faded_blue_obs]

I am looking for a cheap ish(around 200 dollars) quality shock for my k2500 8600 gvw that I will be 12 valve swapping in the future. Should I go with a HD shock of some sort to handle the extra weight? Are the 6.5 trucks shocks heavier duty then the gasser shocks? Won’t be towing super heavy but will be towing

 

[Caman96]

My first choice is Bilstein, but these are good too:
KYB Gas Shock
https://a.co/d/giyahq6

 

[clalonde]

I put these kyb shocks on my truck not too long ago. I have a 1999 k2500.They seem ok.
Rear shock
https://www.kyb.com/wp-content/them...Gas-a-just&parttype=Suspension Shock Absorber

Front shock
https://www.kyb.com/wp-content/them...el=MonoMax&parttype=Suspension Shock Absorber

 

[Komet]

You'll need to crank the torsion bars some for the Cummins but you can use the same shocks. I like Rancho shocks, they might be in your budget. Air shocks in the back can be nice for towing.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Bilstein 4600s (blue and yellow) are the typical go to on a GMT400 4wd.

5100s (aluminum tube) are the next step up, they provide a little firmer ride.

 

[Carlaisle]

Bilsteins worked fine but were unremarkable when empty. They were completely incapable of controlling the suspension under load. Many people like them. I replaced them with a pair of Monroe's that have functioned flawlessly despite the terrible factory color choice. Before the Bilstein disappointment I had Ranchos. They had no trouble controlling a heavy load and were only replaced due to dying an honorable death after a long and full life. I've never run KYBs on the truck, but have on many cars and never had trouble with anything bearing their name.

 

[Caman96]

My 2018 Silverado came with Rancho’s. Very unimpressive imo, Bilstein 5100’s totally elevated that truck’s ride.
Shocks, oil, gear oil…there’ll never be an agreed consensus.

 

[Scruffy]

My 92 K1500 has bright yellow Napa sourced, installed by the local farm co-op tire shop. They seemed to work alright.

My 99 K3500 has Bilstein 4600s, look like factory issued based on the surface rust. Nothing special, they kind of work. Will probably replace with Gabriel load assist, truck rides like a 1970s Freightshaker day cab.

85 C10 swb, since 2017 Gabriel load assist, perfection.

1972 Super Beetle, KYB gas whatevers, on there since the 90s, perfection.

I don’t care what the shocks look like out of the box, that’s what spray paint and aftermarket boots are for. I tend to replace factory shock bushings with red Energy Suspension before installing. I also use the matching swaybar end link bushings. And keep the leaf springs flushed/flooded with oil for a softer ride on my 1/4t and 1/2t trucks.