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.
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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
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
KYB Excel-G OEM Shocks Set for 2011-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
If you're on a budget, the KYB Excel-G will restore factory ride quality to your 2011+ Silverado 2500 truck. These KYB shocks aim to restore factory comfort and damping to the 3/4 ton chassis, but dont expect any gains in handling or performance.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Budget level factory replacement shocks
- Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics
- Softest riding shock available for most applications
Cons
- Lifespan is typical of factory shocks
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 2011-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
While the 2011+ Silverado 2500 HD comes with red and white Rancho shocks from the factory on most trims, these Rancho RS5000X are an upgraded version. The RS5000X gas charged shock is a thick bored twin tube gas shock, meant to increase performance in a budget package. Economical Performance. While there's more oil volume here than in the factory shocks, with slightly improved damping, the twin tube nature and smaller piston still leave a lot to be desired on your Silverado 2500 in the handling department.
Price
1 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to performance longevity
- Reliable twin tube technology
- Great price for a 2" gas shock
- 90 Day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Ride quality leaves something to be desired
- Mass produced, shows in the details
Recap of the Daily Driver Shocks
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2011-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000X shocks benefit the heavy duty 2011+ Chevy Silverado 2500 by allowing a soft or firm response from the shock. This nearly 3in thick shock holds a ton of oil, so cavitation isn't ever a concern if you're on lease or county roads. Being able to increase damping through compression and rebound (single dial) allows better handling when the truck is under heavy loads. The RS9000X shock can also be tuned softer than what you would see out of the comparative RS5000X model.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein 5160 w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 2011-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD w/4-6" lift
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Overview
Bilstein's 5160 reservoir shocks deliver a bit smoother response when compared to the 5100 series, helping reduce front and rear end harshness over bumps on your 2011+ Silverado 2500 truck.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Inexpensive reservoir shock upgrade
- Allows higher speed offroad travel with control
- Increased travel vs 5100 counterpart
Cons
- 90 day warranty
- Not rebuildable unless sent back to Bilstein
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 2011-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
- Excellent High Performance entry level shock
- Handles hard hits well
- Improves handling and traction in all terrains
- Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
- Higher price point compared to similar offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance
- Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Fox 2.5 Performance Series HTO Shocks Set for 2011-2019 GMC Silverado 2500 HD w/1.5-3.5" lift
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Overview
Fox's 2.5 HTO shocks for the 2011+ Silverado 2500 give the increased (over stock) damping that these 3/4 ton trucks need. The Hydraulic Top Out piston inside these shocks smoothens out the big hits from driveways, highway joints, and unexpected obstacles. These 2.5 shocks are a night and day difference in feel for your Silverado 2500 when compared to stock.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Offered from stock height up to 6" lift kits
- Massive damping improvement over stock, reducing all forms in slop from the stock suspension
- Aluminum bodies resist rust
- 2.5 shock damping without the expensive reservoir
Cons
- Requires servicing eventually, often between 50-100k miles
- Will still see some corrosion in salty environments
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Front & Rear Reservoir Shocks Set 2011-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
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Overview
King's tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
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