I have a 2003 8.1L 2500 LS Suburban that I bought in 2013. A previous owner had already replaced the factory shocks with Ranch 5000's that were completely worn out when I got it with 134000 on the truck. No idea how long the Rancho's were on there. I put on Bilstein 4600 and have been pretty happy with them, they don't seem to have quite the control I was hoping for, but close. I put them on my Roadmaster wagon and after 130000 miles on the 4600's they still work like new. So although I wish they were a little firmer, I'm still happy that they will likely last the life of the vehicle. No idea how the electronics were resolved, the connectors are just hanging there near the shocks, no resistor in site. Can't help on that one.
I did add Hellwig sway bars front and rear, those I love. Much better roll control and handling.