Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives Shocks......

While I'm doing tires I'm giving some thought to new shocks too. Is this a DIY thing? Looks pretty straight forward.

What is a good shock for a 99 Tahoe?

Shocks are simple. Usually 2 bolts ( top and bottom). Being in rust bucket michigan, I would replace the bolts also.

The factory shocks on my last two 3/4T Chev trucks were a just horrible. I replaced them with Bilstein. Much improved ride and they last a long time.

Just priced the Bilstein's, there not exactly givin them away...

Recently replaced shocks on the 1/2 ton Suburban. Went with Monroe Reflex Monotube. Took about 3 hours to do all 4. Much improved ride.

T Bone, what year is your burban?

I have been shopping shocks on line, seems like there either cheap or pretty expensive, is it worth it to spend the extra coin?

Put some new Monroe or KYB's on it. Not that hard, will be a definite improvement.

I put a set of Monroe Reflex shocks (non-monotube) on my truck and here's the good and not quite so good.

The good ...

My truck corners like it's on rails and they're a definite improvement over the OEM shocks as far as handling goes. There's no body roll to speak of on windy roads. I can take 45 mph corners at 65 mph and it stays flat. It also sits up slightly higher and there's no problems with carrying heavy loads.

The not quite so good ...

The suspension is slightly stiffer and it doesn't have the Cadillac ride it had when it was new. It has the feel of a sport tuned or touring suspension. Don't get me wrong though it's not harsh like an off-road suspension and it rides smoother than a stock Z-71 with Bilsteins.

One other factor is the tires (Firestone LEs) I have on the truck. They have a slightly stiffer sidewall which is a good thing because they don't sag. They can hold 40 PSI (I run them at 35) which is higher than the previous tires I've had and I can pump 'em up when I load the truck to the gills.

One other factor that might contribute to the slightly stiffer ride is my truck is 16 years old and the rubber bushings in the front end are getting stiff. They don't dampen minor bumps as well as they used to.

The Reflex shocks improved the cornering and handling but it also comes with the compromise of a slightly firmer ride. I like the ride and I really like how it corners but if I have to replace them I'm going to look for a different brand or type of shocks that give a slightly smoother ride.

I'll add this too. A brand new OBS Tahoe, IMO, rode really nice. They had a little bit of body roll in the corners but they were smooth as can be on the road.

IME, if you mostly drive on pavement, Monroes would be my choice. If you throw in a lot of unpaved roads, two-tracks and other rough surfaces, I would recommend Ranchos. Admittedly, there are several other brands that I haven't tried but these are the ones that have worked best for me.

Not to disagree but just to add ...

I put a set of Rancho shocks on a 86 Toyota and I didn't like them. They were way too stiff for that truck.

The Monores I have do great on bumpy dirt roads but my 1/2 T Chevy has always been smooth. At 30 mph it's a bit bumpy but if you speed up to 50 mph or so it smooths right out.

Bilstein's Best ride. Best performance......

My 98 Z71 came with Bilstien's
When it was time for new shocks, I bought and installed Bilstien's.

Same firm ride that I was used to.
Shock replacement is easy.

'04 1/2 ton Suburban. Replaced shocks at 100k. 95% pavement. Can't say if it's worth it to spend a bit more $. Usually, you get what you pay for.

Bilstein shocks are great. Had a set on my 1 ton dodge diesel and it wasn't a bad ride at all. I think that most aftermarket shocks are an improvement over worn out stock shocks

I went with old man emu on my tundra as they were valved for use with the springs I put on it and it rides great

That is a fact. Same for new OEM's...

No, but they're good. That would be my choice.

I have had bilstein and the monroes, bilstein's are better, but not sure if the price difference is worth it. Either one will give you a better ride.

+1
I sold and used both brands for 15+ years either will cut the mustard. Just match the shock with the kind of driving/loads. You will be good to go.

I know the Bilstein 5100 is the preferred shock but which model Monroe is the best? And what is a KYB?

http://www.kyb.com/ another shock company