So, I have a 2012 Suburban 1500 4x4, and it just hit 71,000k miles. Original shocks on rear, original struts on front. Ride is seeming a littler rougher that what it should be.I DO NOT TOW my TT with this suburban, its my wifes DD. Debating on what to replace with. I loved the Bilsteins that I put on my truck a few years ago, but it seems Bilstein doesn't even sell the strut assembly for the front for my Suburban. However, I can get the Bilsteins for the rears.Debating on just getting the NAPA/Monroe OEM replacements, as they can sell me the struts for the front, and shocks for the year.Opinions?

Bilstein help when towing but can be a little stiffer solo. I just put on a set of Monroe reflex designed for taller SUV'S on the Excursion. To early to comment about ride.

You might want to take a look at RockAuto. Their prices are good and they have a wide selection. They also categorize them, i.e. Heavy duty, original ride, etc. Check out Amazon as well.For the usage you want, I don't think you can go wrong with Monroe. I've had them on multiple cars over the years. They provide an average ride - not too harsh or soft. I've found KYB to be a little stiffer. I hope you don't have electronic shocks on the rear. When I replaced them on our Suburban 2500 it was a major shot to the wallet.

Generally worn out shocks make for a softer (floaty) ride, not rougher. Other than that they cause all kinds of ride and handling problems. I would try the Bils. I've liked them on everything I used them on.

I'm happy with the Bilstein HD (Yellow and Blue). It really helped unloaded. Wish it had even more dampening when I'm towing.

Bilstein 4600's yellow n light blue.

Need suggestion with shocks-2012 Suburban | Good Sam Community

falconbrother
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2017
The rear OEM shocks on Suburbans are great. The Sburbs have been using the air assisted shocks on the rear for many years because they are awesome. I think they are way better than so many other vehicles on the road. Here's the whole shootin match with air pump. If you don't need the pump then it's about half this price.

http://www.buyautoparts.com/plabuynow.asp?year=2012&make=Chevrolet&model=Suburban&partname=Shock_and_Strut_Set&partno=75-85157_AA&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&scid=scplp7585157AA-2012-4-3958803&sc_intid=7585157AA-2012-4-3958803&gclid=CM248KjizNICFZFKDQod0YUDoQ
jabres
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2017
Update 2- after checking places like rockauto.com as suggested, it appears some of these options are saying "doesn't fit 22" wheels" which is what exactly came on this suburban. So I am back to square one now lol
jabres
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2017
Update.
I meant to say that my ride isn't necessarily rougher, maybe just a little sloppier is the best way to describe. When hitting bumps and holes, seems like a little loss of control.
And doesn't appear I have the auto ride height, dampened system. Looks like standard shocks on the rear, and standard struts on front.
BenK
Explorer
Mar 08, 2017
OBTW...if you do have the auto ride height/dampened system...replacement with non-auto shocks require a kit to fake out the auto control computer system
BenK
Explorer
Mar 08, 2017
jabres wrote:
So, I have a 2012 Suburban 1500 4x4, and it just hit 71,000k miles. Original shocks on rear, original struts on front. Ride is seeming a littler rougher that what it should be.

I DO NOT TOW my TT with this suburban, its my wifes DD.
Debating on what to replace with. I loved the Bilsteins that I put on my truck a few years ago, but it seems Bilstein doesn't even sell the strut assembly for the front for my Suburban. However, I can get the Bilsteins for the rears.
Debating on just getting the NAPA/Monroe OEM replacements, as they can sell me the struts for the front, and shocks for the year.
Opinions?

Normal life cycle of shocks has them wear out the sealing areas of both piston to cylinder walls and/or the valving (if they are valued). So they lose their ability to dampen...meaning loss of control

To ride rougher...telling me that maybe, your vehicle has the GM smart shocks with metalized fluid...VERY EXPENSIVE to replace

Guessing that the control is "leaky" and turning on the flux field to magnetize the fluid...thereby increasing viscosity...to make the shock ride rougher....

Another tell...does it have auto ride height ?
hellfirehydra
Explorer
Mar 08, 2017
jabres wrote:
So, I have a 2012 Suburban 1500 4x4, and it just hit 71,000k miles. Original shocks on rear, original struts on front. Ride is seeming a littler rougher that what it should be.
I DO NOT TOW my TT with this suburban, its my wifes DD.
Debating on what to replace with. I loved the Bilsteins that I put on my truck a few years ago, but it seems Bilstein doesn't even sell the strut assembly for the front for my Suburban. However, I can get the Bilsteins for the rears.
Debating on just getting the NAPA/Monroe OEM replacements, as they can sell me the struts for the front, and shocks for the year.
Opinions?

Personally I usually prefer the ride of stock vehicles, so I would just go OEM! I've bought Bilsteins before and didn't like the firmer ride they gave that particular truck.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 08, 2017
Bilstein 4600's yellow n light blue.
APT
Explorer
Mar 08, 2017
I'm happy with the Bilstein HD (Yellow and Blue). It really helped unloaded. Wish it had even more dampening when I'm towing.
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 08, 2017
Generally worn out shocks make for a softer (floaty) ride, not rougher. Other than that they cause all kinds of ride and handling problems.
I would try the Bils. I've liked them on everything I used them on.
Mortimer_Brewst
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2017
You might want to take a look at RockAuto. Their prices are good and they have a wide selection. They also categorize them, i.e. Heavy duty, original ride, etc. Check out Amazon as well.
For the usage you want, I don't think you can go wrong with Monroe. I've had them on multiple cars over the years. They provide an average ride - not too harsh or soft. I've found KYB to be a little stiffer. I hope you don't have electronic shocks on the rear. When I replaced them on our Suburban 2500 it was a major shot to the wallet.