Need New Shocks

billtex wrote:

jimh425 wrote:

billtex wrote:
Just curious; why replace shocks on a new truck?

The same reason people replace other parts ... there are better parts on the market.

I don't know...some Folks swear OE shocks are the best...I wouldn't rush to replace shocks before they showed signs of wear.

I just don't see the point in replacing something that's not worn yet.

Tires/wheels...because you need the capacity...safety is one thing...but replacing (almost) new shocks?

Just curious if the OP has bench tested them for performance.

This is a simple answer. My shocks are a year old..they a valved to give a smooth ride and are "soft". Last weekend I replaced them with new Bilstein 5100's. I noticed the change as soon as I went over a speed bump, no longer did it bounce up and down like I had hydros. Still a comfortable ride but just more under control.
Next weekend Ill post up what its like with a camper on the back.

Thanks Guys...lot's of good info. Also interesting that the posters from the North East corner are going to non-adjustable after market shocks!

Now...which NA shock will I choose?
4600 or KYB?

Bill

Bill

I can relate to the two previous posters . When I bought my '03 2500HD driving empty over our infamous spring frost heaves was like having no shocks at all . Changed out to Bilstein 4600 series and it was night and day . Apparently GM has not improved the quality of their shock for at least a decade . That being said , ride quality is a very subjective thing .

billtex wrote:
Just curious; why replace shocks on a new truck?

Can't speak for the OE shocks on anyone else's truck but I replaced the stock shocks on my 08 Chevy at around 20,000 miles and there was a world of difference between the stock and the KYB I replaced them with. I could practically compress the OE shocks just by turning them over and letting their own weight compress or expand the them. The KYB's came with a strap holding them in position and my attempts to compress the shock before removing the strap made me decide to leave it on until they were bolted in place. I think the stock GM shocks were meant to give a nice ride when the prospective buyer takes the vehicle for a test drive. Loaded, they didn't seem to do a whole lot.

Bill,

Our Chevy has just over 20,000 miles on it and the OEM shocks are not doing what they should be. There are some situations where we get too much side to side movement, not necessarily sway.

I think that the loads we put in the bed of our trucks just overwhelm the shocks. Most of us have increased spring capacity so OEM shocks are unable to control this greater energy- that isn't what the engineers designed for. They were looking to control their designed load while hitting a $ point.

On a previous truck I changed to Rancho 9000 shocks front and rear. Big difference in handling with the TC loaded.

BUT

As you can imagine our salty winter roads were very hard on the adjustable shock. In a couple years when I traded the truck in the adjuster was rusted solid.

New shocks are planned for next spring, but they won't be OEM or externally adjustable.

John

jimh425 wrote:

billtex wrote:
Just curious; why replace shocks on a new truck?

The same reason people replace other parts ... there are better parts on the market.

I don't know...some Folks swear OE shocks are the best...I wouldn't rush to replace shocks before they showed signs of wear.

I just don't see the point in replacing something that's not worn yet.

Tires/wheels...because you need the capacity...safety is one thing...but replacing (almost) new shocks?

Just curious if the OP has bench tested them for performance.

billtex wrote:
Just curious; why replace shocks on a new truck?

The same reason people replace other parts ... there are better parts on the market.

egarant wrote:
I would love to put a set of KYB Mono Max's on the truck, but they won't have them out for my model until early next quarter (2015).

I have heard they are really good for hauling a TC. I think I am going to hold off on the RS7000MT install and wait until the MonoMax's arrive next year.

Just curious; why replace shocks on a new truck?

I would love to put a set of KYB Mono Max's on the truck, but they won't have them out for my model until early next quarter (2015).

I have heard they are really good for hauling a TC. I think I am going to hold off on the RS7000MT install and wait until the MonoMax's arrive next year.

HMS Beagle wrote:
What we need is to hear from an observant individual who has run Rancho, KYB, and Bilstein on the same truck under the same conditions. Until then, this is all just testimonial opinion without reference or control. Anybody know of/done a head-to-head comparison?

The only thing I know for sure is that running your Ranchos at 9 while empty in a 1T dually is bad for your teeth and kidneys, while 3 or 4 isn't too bad.

Yeah that would be great. I am reluctant to put R9000's on our truck in New England...