Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2011-2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Choosing Shocks for your 2011-2019 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500/3500
The 2011-2019 Silverado 2500 and 3500 chassis need more support than what the factory Rancho shocks can do. We've always said that 3/4 and 1-ton trucks need at minimum a monotube gas pressured shock to stabilize the body roll, slop, and porpoising that happens with these heavier trucks. Improved shocks create better consistency to your 2011+ 2500 or 3500 truck, giving more confidence and ultimately more comfort in the vehicle. Here are some important things to keep in mind when hunting for replacement shocks on your GM HD. If you have a leveling kit, you should get shocks specifically for that leveling kit, somewhere in the 1.5-2.5" height range, which will be indicated in the title or description. If you have a 4" or 6" dropdown crossmember lift kit, that setup requires special extended length shocks, which will be shown in the title or description of our shock kits.
OEM Shock Replacements
The shocks in this table are the confirmed factory replacement shocks for various trims. The shocks in this guide below are confirmed to fit as replacements, without any modification required.
| Part # | Drive Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Front Shocks (2011–2019) | ||
| 84721620 | 2WD/4WD | Standard, without Adaptive Ride Control. Replaces 84171364. |
| 84171353 | 2WD/4WD | Standard Suspension, current supersession, without adaptive ride control. |
| Rear Shocks (2011–2019) | ||
| 84805978 | 2WD | With Performance Package, without Adaptive Ride Control. Replaces 84448057, 84514294, 84673877, 84721613. |
| 84805971 | 4WD | With Z85 Package (standard suspension), without Adaptive Ride Control. Replaces 84171428, 84514295, 84673875, 84721612. |
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Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Overview
The Bilstein 4600s are Shock Surplus' most popular factory-upgrade for the 2011+ Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. These shocks dial you in with way more control, while maintaining really good comfort when the truck is unloaded. When the truck is loaded is where these shocks really shine, heavily reducing front to back porpoising, and side to side sway.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Huge improvement to vehicle handling compared to stock, body sway and sloppy feel is virtually eliminated
- Long lasting, very durable, designed for 100k+ miles
- Improves rear end feel and confidence under a loaded vehicle
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
KYB Excel-G OEM Shocks Set for 2011-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
If you're on a budget, the KYB Excel-G will restore factory ride quality to your 2011+ Silverado 2500 truck. These KYB shocks aim to restore factory comfort and damping to the 3/4 ton chassis, but dont expect any gains in handling or performance.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Budget level factory replacement shocks
- Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics
- Softest riding shock available for most applications
Cons
- Lifespan is typical of factory shocks
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 2011-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
While the 2011+ Silverado 2500 HD comes with red and white Rancho shocks from the factory on most trims, these Rancho RS5000X are an upgraded version. The RS5000X gas charged shock is a thick bored twin tube gas shock, meant to increase performance in a budget package. Economical Performance. While there's more oil volume here than in the factory shocks, with slightly improved damping, the twin tube nature and smaller piston still leave a lot to be desired on your Silverado 2500 in the handling department.
Price
1 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to heat dissipation and sustained use on rough terrain
- Economical performance, budget friendly
- Multiple height options for leveling kits and full lift systems
Cons
- Ride quality firmer than stock-level Rancho shocks from the factory
- Fit and finish are a step behind what you'd expect
Recap of the Daily Driver Shocks
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2011-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000X shocks benefit the heavy duty 2011+ Chevy Silverado 2500 by allowing a soft or firm response from the shock. This nearly 3in thick shock holds a ton of oil, so cavitation isn't ever a concern if you're on lease or county roads. Being able to increase damping through compression and rebound (single dial) allows better handling when the truck is under heavy loads. The RS9000X shock can also be tuned softer than what you would see out of the comparative RS5000X model.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- 9 damper settings from soft and compliant to firm and controlled
- Thick body with large oil volume to protect against fade in rough conditions
- On the fly adjustability for vehicles that do it all
- Available for leveling kits or lifted vehicle applications
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2011-2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
The 5100s are the go-to shock solution for many GM Heavy Duty owners that see heavy loads, tow, run larger wheel and tires, or have a taller-than-stock ride height (leveling kits included). Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires. Body roll, porpoising (bouncing front to back), and nose dive are virtually eliminated - these shocks handle loads with confidence.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Multiple lengths available for different ride heights, leveling kits, or full lift systems.
- Sporty and top-tier handling feel for the daily drive
- Durable, long lasting, designed for 100k+ miles on your vehicle
- Well suited to handle heavier loads and towing trailers
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein 5160 w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 2011-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD w/4-6" lift
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Overview
Bilstein's 5160 reservoir shocks deliver a bit smoother response when compared to the 5100 series, helping reduce front and rear end harshness over bumps on your 2011+ Silverado 2500 truck. These shocks are tuned for drivers that see a lot of dirt, and want smoother response over rougher terrain.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Linear response over small and big bumps, resulting in a smoother response compared to the digressive 5100s
- Available for multiple ride heights and lift kits
- Stays cooler for longer while under sustained offroad use
- One of the most affordable reservoir shock packages available
Cons
- 2 year warranty
- Not rebuildable unless sent back to Bilstein
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 2011-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 Performance Series shocks for the 2011+ GM HD Trucks are one of our go-to recommendations for trucks that want a smoother overall response on the road, over both small and big bumps. Similar comfort to stock, but with a large improvement to handling improvement to remove body roll and excessive sway under load. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Available for factory height up to 6" lift kits
- Linear damping for predictable feel over big and small bumps to increase comfort
- Noticeable improvement to rough pavement or rocky terrain
- Serviceable and Rebuildable for extended ownership
Cons
- Higher price point compared to similar offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance
- Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Fox 2.5 Performance Series HTO Shocks Set for 2011-2019 GMC Silverado 2500 HD w/1.5-3.5" lift
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Overview
Fox's 2.5 HTO shocks for the 2011+ Silverado 2500 give the increased (over stock) damping that these 3/4 ton trucks need. The Hydraulic Top Out piston inside these shocks smoothens out the big hits from driveways, highway joints, and unexpected obstacles. These 2.5 shocks are a night and day difference in feel for your Silverado 2500 when compared to stock.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Offered from stock height up to 6" lift kits
- Massive damping improvement over stock, reducing all forms in slop from the stock suspension
- Aluminum bodies resist rust
- 2.5 shock damping without the expensive reservoir
Cons
- Requires servicing eventually, often between 50-100k miles
- Will still see some corrosion in salty environments
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Front & Rear Reservoir Shocks Set 2011-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
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Overview
King's tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- One of the highest performing shocks available for OE apps
- Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
- Compression adjustment and reservoir options
- Badass Blue color
Cons
- Lacking on features from competitors
- Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance