aftermarket shocks

ldge · Post by **ldge** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 10:43 am

i was reading the mod info page and under "aftermarket shocks" it said that crew cab stock shocks were worthless after 10k mile. why is that are they really that bad. How many of yall replaced yours.

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 11:23 am

replaced mine with ranchos much stiffer now rides like a truck

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 11:36 am

I just replaced my originals after 60k miles with Bilsteins. I love them! I can't really say how much of an improvement the new ones are though since after 60,000 miles, my originals were so bad they were virtually nonexistant.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 11:55 am

I hated mine when I got it with 600 miles on it. The shocks before my 3rd fillup but, I had traded a ZR2 for my crew and was spoiled.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:47 pm

I had two sets replaced under warranty. The stock shocks literally cost GM .99 and they will warranty them until expiration. I would bet that if you check yours , at least one is leaking already. This is not normal no matter what they might try to tell you.

My wife never liked the ride quality of the stock shocks, she felt car sick while riding. I really didn't notice it until I replaced them with some good shocks (Bilstein's).

Shocks are the first and best thing that you can do. These come stock with way less than acceptable shocks.

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 2:01 pm

I've got about 74k miles on mine and I've grown rather accustomed to the squeaking noise they make and the gentle swaying sensation I get at highway speeds. I wouldn't change 'em for the world.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 7:42 am

Bilstiens at 60K... Love them, mayde a night and day difference in the way it rode, especially when pulling the boat.

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:47 pm

By any chance would bad (factory) shocks make the truck sway a bit at highway speeds???

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 3:01 pm

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 5:18 am

OK. I gotta get `em! 50k miles and mine are TOAST!

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:00 am

Pauleo wrote:By any chance would bad (factory) shocks make the truck sway a bit at highway speeds???

Let's put it this way: They give new meaning to the term "Land Yacht".

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:49 am

I know that there has been a TON of posts about shocks and that Bilsteins are viewed as the best. The thing is, I really don't wanna give $240 them! It's just out of my budget, plain & simple. Is there a "second best" out there? I heard some of you suggest the Ranchos. Are they priced any better? I guess I'm looking for a moderately priced shock and understand that I'll only get moderate performance from them. I just need something better than the stockers.

Oh yeah. And is the set up the same as an extended cab for shocks? Knowing that may make my search a little easier.

CrazyChaz · Post by **CrazyChaz** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:21 am

I suggest the Rancho RS5000's all 4 shocks for me was about $165.00(this is assuming you will be putting them on yourself). I do think the extended cab shocks are the same(ZR2's different?) as the crew's. As for the RS5000's I like them they give my crew a nice firm ride.

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:33 am

Second best and affordable? That is a good question.

I can't say I have a very good answer. Any gas charged shock absorber will be better than the stock shocks.

Do your research and taylor them to your driving. Most shocks do not do a very good job of offering excellent offroad performance/durability and still have good highway/street characteristics. An offroad shock gets pounded in and out for long periods. It needs to handle the rough without beating everything to pieces. This builds heat. So a concern here would be shock fade. You don't want a shock that rides really rough, and only rides nice after you have enough heat to fade. That is a race shock.
A good highway shock doesn't build as much heat. It needs to smooth the road and offer some resistance to body roll during evasive maneuvers. It needs to be soft for cruising, yet firm in a hard corner.

Some of the things to consider:
Oil volume- more is better
Reservoir design: monotube cools better since all the oil is in contact with the cooling surface.

These two have trade offs. A dual tube designed shock will have more oil, but sacrifices the cooling of the monotube design.

Valving- Springs weaken over time. Those that do not have springs last longer. The more springs that a shock has the lower the longevity.
Adjustable valving is fun for a few days. After they are where you are comfortable, it is likely you'll never use that adjustability again.

Piston rod- A durable finish is desireable and bigger is better.

Reservoir position- Up is better. The debris can not sit in the seals and the reservoir is higher to avoid damage.

Shielding- Plastic for sure. The metal shields tend to crack loose and rattle as well as rub the reservoir. Convoluted boots are the better choice.

These are just my opinions. I'm sure there are some points that I missed.

1337vending · Post by **1337vending** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:11 am

I put Monroe Sensatracs on my truck after 25k miles and they handle and ride much better than the stockers (I think thats a given for any replacement to the stockers

) When I took them out on the track (yes in the CC) they handled wonderfully and controlled body motion rather well.

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:21 am

Yeah, I don't do any off roading to speak of. Although I WANT TO BADLY and given the chance I would!!!! All my driving is paved surfaces. So I don't think I need anything heavy duty. Just something that will make the CC ride more like a truck. And, of coarse, be durable.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:59 am

LINK Got my Bilsteins here for under $200

Linked long url-HJ[/url]

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:17 am

If you are shopping for Bilstein's I would recommend trying ORW they frequently offer free shipping on Bilstein shocks.
There must be some sort of manufacturer price fixing since the prices seem to be the same everywhere at $59.99 each.
It is hard to swallow spending $240 for shocks, but they are truly a lifetime shock.

However for someone who may not be keeping their truck "long term" it is reasonable to find "second best" at a more affordable price.

No answers yet, but some one will find the right answer

Tribecrist · Post by **Tribecrist** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:46 pm

Ok should I buy OEM ? Whats the differance between s-10 w/ zr2 or s-10 w/o zr2.

Are skyjackers junk???

Mark

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:59 pm

Tribecrist wrote:Ok should I buy OEM ? Whats the differance between s-10 w/ zr2 or s-10 w/o zr2...

If you are refering to OEM-Bistein's then , Yes.

The RPO ZR2 shocks are longer due to the change in suspension mounting points.

This thread might be worth a look too- Bilstein Shocks
In checking that thread, I see that Performance Products might be a good place to look.
I bought the heavy duty front and rear shocks.

Post by **Walt** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:09 pm

No one's mentioned ProComp shocks, so I guess I'll throw my 2cents in. I've never owned Bilsteins or Rancho's, so I have no basis on which to compare shocks, but I'll give you my opinion.

I bought my ES9000 shocks for about $35 per shock. The front rides about the same as stock to me, but the rear is a bit stiff. It does ride more like a truck though, and swaying is greatly minimized. Body roll in curves is reduced as well. All in all, if you want a set of cheap shocks, I think the ES9000's are a good choice. But again, like someone said above, your shock selection should depend on your tastes as far as ride comfort, handling, etc...

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:25 am

Thinking I might go with these.

Just cause they are RED like my CC!

$146 plus a $12.95 handling fee from this place.

Tribecrist · Post by **Tribecrist** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:06 am

I went with the pro-comp ES9000...

153.45 total inc. s&h & w/boots.

Mark

RocK · Post by **RocK** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:27 am

Has anybody heard anything about them Edelbrock IAS shocks. They are supposed to be "smart".

tzdevill · Post by **tzdevill** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:37 pm

just sold a trans out of my car so i can half way fford shocks for the truck. i am thinking the pro comp but they dont show that they fit the 04 am i just losing my mind???

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 2:49 pm

No diffrence shock wise for your '04 than earlier crews.

tzdevill · Post by **tzdevill** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 6:09 pm

that is what i thought just wanted to make sure before i threw away a couple hundred

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 4:03 am

tzdevill wrote:just sold a trans out of my car so i can half way fford shocks for the truck.

Hmmm, I wonder if I can get away with selling parts off my wife's car to get that lift kit I want?

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 5:55 am

If Mrs Rusty drives anything like Mrs Barch, she'll never miss the turn signals or mirrors.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:16 am

barch97 wrote:If Mrs Rusty drives anything like Mrs Barch, she'll never miss the turn signals or mirrors.

Must be a CC wife's requirement

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:48 am

About the only thing I couldn't get away with is the stereo. Oh and the A/C in the summer. Just about nothing else matters, as long as she can blast her tunes.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:21 pm

Rusty wrote:...Just about nothing else matters, as long as she can blast her tunes.

Funny you should mention that

I just finished installing an amplified sub in my wife's car

jajwrigh · Post by **jajwrigh** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 7:44 pm

I just ordered the ranchos and daystar shackles!! I hope to have a better setup by the end of the week. I have 2 blown shocks for sure and the ride is sloppy at times...the joys of modding!

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 10:01 pm

HenryJ wrote:
Tribecrist wrote:Ok should I buy OEM ? Whats the differance between s-10 w/ zr2 or s-10 w/o zr2...
If you are refering to OEM-Bistein's then , Yes.

The RPO ZR2 shocks are longer due to the change in suspension mounting points.

This thread might be worth a look too- Bilstein Shocks
In checking that thread, I see that Performance Products might be a good place to look.
I bought the heavy duty front and rear shocks.

One thing to mention - my Blazer and most ofther 4x4 Blazers I see have OEM Bilsteins - might be worth checking a local salvage yard - bet you could pull a set for no more than $50.

coreylubahn · Post by **coreylubahn** » Mon Aug 01, 2005 5:04 am

adrenalnjunky wrote:One thing to mention - my Blazer and most ofther 4x4 Blazers I see have OEM Bilsteins - might be worth checking a local salvage yard - bet you could pull a set for no more than $50.

Yeah my wifes has factory Bilsteins...maybe I should make a switch??? She'd never know...hehe....but I think I like the red of the Ranchos....man I need more money (and more time)....for modding.

tzdevill · Post by **tzdevill** » Mon Aug 01, 2005 5:10 am

Rusty wrote:
tzdevill wrote:just sold a trans out of my car so i can half way fford shocks for the truck.
Hmmm, I wonder if I can get away with selling parts off my wife's car to get that lift kit I want?

i was told by my wife to stay away from her car when selling stuff. Honda stuff has gotta go, no more extras.

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Mon Aug 01, 2005 11:37 am

check ebay for shocks I found my fronts new in the box for 50 bucks delivered the guy bought the wrong shocks.