Shock Absorbers
I am looking for new shock absorbers for my Chevy dually. I have seen recommendations for Bilstein, KYB, and Monroe Rancho. Nobody has recommended Gabriel or other Monroe shocks. Why are these shocks not recommended?
Forum Discussion
- I went with the Rancho RS9000XL because you can control dampening level. When unloaded, you can dial back the firmness yet crank it up when under load. You want to avoid off-road shock models because they typically do not have sufficient dampening for heavy loads.
- It wasn't a 1 ton dually, but I was very happy with the Monroe Reflex on my 2500hd diesel.
- I just put Rancho rs7000's on my F350. They do what they are supposed to do and they have a decent price. I think the KYB Monomax are just as good and a bit cheaper. I also think between the KYB, the Rancho 7000's and the Bilstein 4600/5100 you will not notice a difference in everyday life. Pick the one that is your favorite color or your favorite price.
I think the other shocks you mention are going to be valved a bit to soft for dually use, but that is JMO. - Gabriel are lower-end shocks, and Monroes tend to be engineered for a softer ride vs. handling and control. Put Monroes on DW's 05 Hemi Magnum and very disappointed...nice cruising on the highway, but zero control on body roll, etc. Wanted Bilsteins, but Monroe was half the price so thought I would give them a try....now I know why they are half the price LOL.
Generally when towing you want firm suspension control to resist inputs from the trailer and limit porpoising, etc., but at the same time you don't want it so stiff that you lose your fillings when not towing. Bilstein is the "gold standard" and you pay $$$ for them....I went with KYB on the Suburban based on good reviews on this and other forums, and they were less expensive. So far I am very happy with the performance. Firm but not obnoxious. - I have Monroe Reflex on my 3500 Dodge. They were recommended by the shop that rebuilt my leaf springs this past spring. I asked about the Bilstein and the told me that they carry them and can put them in but that they have customers that tell them the Monroe Reflex is an upgrade from OEM monroe and is just as good as Bilstein and is about $40 each cheaper. I have been very satisfied with them so far this season.
