Choosing Shocks for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The GMT800 platform sees minor changes from the previous platform, aimed at more road comfort, with a slightly different suspension than C/K1500 models. The GMT800 platform features a torsion bar suspension on the 4WD models, with a coil sprung suspension on the 2WD platform. In 2004, some 2WD models came with torsion bar suspension, keep an eye out for those differences when shopping for your shocks.

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Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 1999-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD
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Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
  • Long lasting, very durable
  • Reduces nose dive and body roll
  • Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Higher tier shock, higher price
  • Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Shocks Set for 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD w/Torsion
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Overview
KYB's Gas-a-Just shock is a factory upgrade, utilizing a monotube high pressure gas design that improves handling and other performance factors for your vehicle. These shocks have a better lifespan than most factory-replacement shocks, and provide noticeable ride quality improvements.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Increased handling and performance over factory shocks
  • Longer lifespan than Excel-G and factory shocks
  • Monotube design translates to more consistency
Cons
  • More road feedback
Skyjacker Black MAX Hydro Shocks Set for 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
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Overview
Combining a softer daily driver comfort with easy and moderate offroad use, the Black Max shocks are a good factory-upgrade. The foam cell technology allows for good off-road control in the easy stuff, while giving smooth handling behavior on the pavement.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Softer ride comfort
  • Still gives decent off-road handling
  • Budget friendly
Cons
  • Shock life not as good as a monotube design
  • Will not withstand consistent hard hits or high speed off-road
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Shocks Set for 1999-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD w/1-2.5" lift w/Torsion
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
  • Great off-road capable shock upgrade
  • Durable, long lasting
  • Improved handling on & off-road
  • Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Performance Shock, higher price
KYB Monomax Monotube Gas Shocks Set for 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD w/0" lift
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Overview
The Monomax shock is KYB's heavy duty shock absorber meant for workhorse trucks or offroad vehicles that see tough terrain. These shocks have increased compression and rebound damping to account for heavy loads, larger wheels & tires, or aggressive terrain.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
  • Increases handling and performance significantly
  • Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
Cons
  • Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
  • Red may not match your vehicle well.
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD w/0" lift w/Torsion
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Control for soft or firm compression damping
  • Thick bodied, large oil volume
  • Excellent adjustable shock for the price
  • 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
  • Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Skyjacker M95 Monotube Gas Shocks Set for 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
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Overview
Skyjacker's Monotube M95 shock is a great all around performer, good daily driver comfort mixed with excellent off-road ability in all terrains. The monotube design allows for a more consistent feel under most driving conditions, giving more confidence in handling ability.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Monotube design provides great shock life and longevity
  • Off-road capable for easy trails, gravel, and slower tough terrain
  • Great road manners and comfort for a daily driver
Cons
  • Not budget friendly
  • Limited application availability
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein 5160 w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD w/0-2.5" lift w/Torsion
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Overview
The reservoir upgrade on the 5160 shock allows a more go-fast attitude offroad, providing more travel and heat dissipation, and less operating pressures for off-road longevity. These shocks are for off-road enthusiasts who see a lot of dirt, and need all the capability possible in a compact inexpensive package.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Inexpensive reservoir shock upgrade
  • Allows higher speed offroad travel with control
  • Increased travel vs 5100 counterpart
Cons
  • 90 day warranty
  • Not rebuildable unless sent back to Bilstein
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
  • Excellent High Performance entry level shock
  • Handles hard hits well
  • Improves handling and traction in all terrains
  • Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
  • Higher price point compared to similar offerings
  • Requires servicing for optimal performance
  • Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades