Need Shocks

tyhuck · October 30, 2013

OK, a few months back I replaced the shocks on my 05 Z71. At the time I had a very heavy front and rear end replacement on the truck so I opted for a set of KYB Monomax Heavy Duty shocks in the front, and a set of Monroe coil-over load assisting shocks in the rear. Well, a couple months later I bought an 07 Classic Z71, and since the truck had 68K miles on it I opted to replace the shocks with the new ones on my 05. Well, the 07 only has stock bumpers with a much lighter brush guard on it, so the ride is much harsher than the heavier 05 was. With the added weight of the 05's bumpers, the truck rode great. On the 07 however, I HATE the ride.

So, I come to you with a question. Which shocks should I go with for a nice, smooth, comfortable ride on the highway with some offroad performance that wont blow out on me when I drop the front end off into a ditch while on the trail? Im looking to stay under $50 per shock if possible.

kstruckcountry · October 30, 2013

I like my Bilsteins... But they're ~$90 a shock. Worth it for me.

Carder09 · October 30, 2013

Pro comp es9000's? I have them on my 2wd and they ride awesome. They might be under $50 but I also got a discount from auto anything for15%

travis73 · October 30, 2013

Billstein B series shocks are a nice all arround shock,they ride well on the road,and handle light off roading well also,not to mention lifetime guarantee also.If not those then any monotube shock should perform well for you.

tyhuck · October 30, 2013

I forgot about Bilstein. I had them on my Zr2 and really liked them. Im gonna look into some. I was mainly looking into either Monroe, Rancho, or AC delco factory replacements.

Is there an actual difference in the shocks on a Z71 and a regular 4wd?

kstruckcountry · October 30, 2013

I don't know if they put different ones on from the factory, but non z71 and z71 take the same shocks.

tyhuck · October 31, 2013

According to Rock Auto, there is a difference, but Im not sure if that is just because AC Delco has different numbers, or if there is actually a difference.

kstruckcountry · October 31, 2013

I couldn't find an option for z71 when I ordered mine. I know the mounting positions are all the same. I'm sure the z71 factory shocks are different than the non z71 in some way, though I doubt it makes as much of a difference as Bilstiens do.

tyhuck · October 31, 2013

YEah, you are probably right. I just want to make sure the travel length on them is the same. Im sure it is, but I want to be double sure. The last thing I want ot do is bottom out or over-extend a new shock and bust it right out of the box.

Carder09 · October 31, 2013

If you decide on the pro comps I posted before, you can get them at $43.99 each, front and back, and if you call auto anything or use their live chat, they can discount you up to 20%, they will usually give you at least 15%. The standard 4WD shock(s) are for 0-2 in lifts so you should not bottom out or over extend these. They are fairly large and not harsh at all, great all around shock but handles itself well off road too. But either way, good luck on your decision.

travis73 · November 1, 2013

I forgot about Bilstein. I had them on my Zr2 and really liked them. Im gonna look into some. I was mainly looking into either Monroe, Rancho, or AC delco factory replacements.

Is there an actual difference in the shocks on a Z71 and a regular 4wd?

Yes, the z71 have a monotube shock, reg 4wd often have twin tube shocks which do not perform or handle as well but may give a slightly softer ride.Monotubes are the way to go on a truck.