Shock/suspension choices for '08 Sierra Z71

gmyeah · June 4, 2012

2008 Z71 4x4 GMC Sierra 1500, 1-1/2 leveling kit in front + set of super springs in back.

So you see what I have. My biggest beef has always been the very plush ride of the GMs. Great ride, but honestly I would take more capablility with a harsher ride. Either way, my truck gets used quite a bit and I'm considering replacing the shocks and/or ?

Are the factory OEM shocks a good replacement choice......or what do you suggest. I'm hoping for something with more capability/durability. I know there's a lot of choices, but looking for some advice. I trailer and use the bed of the pickup very often.........just for some added info. Thanks.

One other thing.....would you replace all 4 shocks at once?

00Silverado4x4 · June 4, 2012

I replaced all 4 of mine with Monroe Reflex's and I think they are great. The performance for "truck" use definitely improved (~70k on OEM, they were tired) and the price was pretty reasonable. I like a truck that is "stiff" or "rough" riding. I like to know what it is that my truck is hitting. I use my truck for well...everything so I spend a lot of time to research everything that I install on my truck. The alternate (costs more) would be Bilsteins. From what I've researched, they are also fantastic shocks, they sound even stiffer for ride quality but they were out of my price range at the time.

rfh1030 · June 4, 2012

I used Rancho RS9000XL shocks. I like them a lot because they have 9 settings so I can adjust them for off roading, towing, and everyday driving.

gmyeah · June 11, 2012

rancho rs9000xl

rancho rs7000mt

rancho 5000

bilstein 5100

monroe sensatrac / reflex

So, I've looked at the above shocks and curious on how much ride difference there will be compared to my stock 1/2 ton equipment. Any worse than a stock 3/4 ton? I'm looking for added control with a load and towing in addition to less wheel hop. The more research I do, it seems likethe monroe shocks I listed are basically a replacement of the oem parts. No real added benefit. haven't checked the cost of the rancho's, but i'm thinking the 5000 series is just a bit stiffer than oem. 9000 looks pretty nice, but need to check and see if the adjustments on the shock really make a differnence. Anybody have some experience, thoughts on the shocks above?

stingerz16 · June 12, 2012

Bump

I am very interested in this as well.

I have been considering the Rancho RS9000XLs for my '12 2500HD.

i like the idea of the ajustability.

Thinking i can soften them up a couple notches for highway and every day use and tightening them up when towing or hauling.

Anyone have any experiance with these?

gmyeah · June 12, 2012

name='StingerZ16' timestamp='1339463407' post='1269389']
Bump

I am very interested in this as well.

I have been considering the Rancho RS9000XLs for my '12 2500HD.

i like the idea of the ajustability.

Thinking i can soften them up a couple notches for highway and every day use and tightening them up when towing or hauling.

Anyone have any experiance with these?

[/b]

I'm glad you piped in on this subject. I hear a lot of interesting feedback like, 'the adjustment knob freezes up' after a few years of salt/mud/etc. I've never had adjustable shocks before, so I'm a little gunshy. I called Rancho and the tech dept did tell me that a setting of 1-3 is actually softer than a Z71 1/2 ton's OEM shocks. I don't want to go any softer....so I guess I would have to start at 5-6. Makes me wonder if I should just put the rancho 5000 or Bilstein 5100 all the way around. As you can see, I'm a bit undecided. I see you have a 3/4 ton as well....so not sure if this info helps.