New Shocks

[rickfox]

I now have 40K plus miles on the old 2500HD, and its time to change out the tires, and perhaps the shocks.

I've decided on the tires and now am working on the new shocks idea. Any comments from the MOC brain trust would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Devildog]

At 60,000 miles, I took off the stock shocks on my 2500HD and replaced them with Bilstein. It made a big difference. Also, adding a rear stabilizer bar will stop alot of the body sway when taking corners.
I currently have 129,000 on the truck, pulling a 3295RK. Bilsteins still handle it well without bottoming out, and a good ride.

[RKassl]

Bilsteins are the way to go, great shock, lifetime guarantee.

[rickety]

Bilsteins by all means. They help stop sway, are very well constructed and tough as nails. I had them on my22 foot motor home, and it cut sway enormously and really improved the ride. I will be putting them on my 2500 when the time comes, about another 25000 miles.

[steves]

I would recommend the Rancho RS9000. I had them on my previous TV and will put them on my 06 when its time to change them out. The shocks are adjustable and can be set to provide the best in handling and ride when towing or running empty. They have a life time guarantee. There is also a counterpart compressor available that allows you to adjust the shocks on the fly. These are truly(IMO)a great product.

[CountryGuy]

See our sig line, we LOVE the Bilsteins. Replaced OEM at 18000 miles and they were SHOT! HUGE and I mean HUGE difference in ride in truck (solo and towing)

[Broome101]

OK I thought all Chevy 2500 or 3500 HD came with Bilesteins from factory.

[CountryGuy]

Broome101

We have the GMC, not the Chevy, but ours came with JUNK shocks! No Bilsteins. Wish it would have, or we would not have had to spend the $$ to buy and install.

(But, this is Al's area, not Carol's, and I surely do not keep up with what the new trucks come with as standard OEM, but I do know that our 2003 GMC Big Butt did NOT come with Bilsteins.)

[8.1al]

I'm not sure who manufactures the factory shocks but they are junk. Either the Bilsteins or Rancho's will make a world of difference. You'll wonder why you didn't change many miles ago

[priceml]

I would try this site for shocks

shockwarehouse.com

[rickfox]

I'm willing to climb under my 2500HD to see what's under there! Is there any way of determining what brand of shocks are under there?

[rickfox]

Well, I crawled under there. Those shocks are black, with a black plastic top. There are some numbers stamped on the lower cylinders, 2 paper-type labels that are no longer legible, but no brand name.

Any thoughts?

[Russ and Sandy]

Can't help with who makes the originals. But, sure would agree they are completely different from the Bilsteins. Replaced ours at 33K and difference is night and day - especially empty. Much more controlled ride. Big help on rough dirt roads too.

Ordered mine from http://www.kennedydiesel.com/. I have no connection with him except as a very satisfied customer.

[Montana Sky]

After 55,700 miles I still have the factory shocks on my 2500HD.

Rick, I will be very interested to hear what shocks you have finally selected.

[BillE]

Bilsteins here also from Kennedy Diesel. $270 for all four and that includes shipping AND a free pen. Ordered them on Monday and at my door Wed, Almost too fast of service LOL. The price is well worth it.

At one time (10 years ago or so) Bilstien DID build shocks for GM. But they may have said "Bilstien" but they still didn't have 'that Bilstein feel'

Ya won't be sorry.

Bill

[CountryGuy]

Rickfox,

Al says Bilsteins are always yellow. Also said he thought that Chevy off road 4 X 4 came with Bilsteins. He said he has no idea if that those OEM Bilsteins are the quality of those that we are all purchasing after market.

Carol