Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2011-2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Choosing Shocks for your GMC Sierra 2500/3500
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
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
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 2011-2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
Serving as an upgrade option on factory trucks, the Rancho RS5000X is a thick bored twin tube gas shock, meant to increase performance in a budget package. The thick body of this shock ensures that it can handle tough situations and loads without much problem, and the budget price means its accessible to a large application base.
Price
1 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to performance longevity
- Reliable twin tube technology
- Great price for a 2" gas shock
- 90 Day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Ride quality leaves something to be desired
- Mass produced, shows in the details
KYB Excel-G OEM Shocks Set for 2011-2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4WD
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Overview
The Excel-G shock is KYB's direct factory replacement shock (for most applications) to restore factory-like handling characteristics. KYB is an OEM supplier, and produces aftermarket parts with as much precision as factory parts, ensuring exact fit and restoration.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Budget level factory replacement shocks
- Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics
- Softest riding shock available for most applications
Cons
- Lifespan is typical of factory shocks
Recap of the Daily Driver Shocks
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Fox 2.5 Performance Series HTO Shocks Set for 2011-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 HD w/1.5-3.5" lift
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Overview
Fox's 2.5 HTO shocks is exactly what the heavy duty and super duty truck needs - big bore support while maintaining daily driven comfort. The increased size of the 2.5in shock gives much needed handling ability for truck duties, while also being capable of hitting the dirt on the weekends without issue.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Big Bore 2.5-inch upgrade provides significantly more support for heavier trucks
- Increased heat capacity to sustain handling longer during jaunts in rough terrain
- Rebuild-able and tune-able for extremely long life Aluminum body to shed heat and to resist corrosion in tough environments
Cons
- Durability of these shocks can vary greatly, Fox recommends servicing ~50k road miles
Special Notes
The Fox 2.5 HTO is more than enough for most drivers, and cuts out the need to step into a full reservoir setup.
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2011-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2011-2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein 5160 w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 2011-2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4WD RWD w/4-6" lift
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Overview
The reservoir upgrade on the 5160 shock allows a more go-fast attitude offroad, providing more travel and heat dissipation, and less operating pressures for off-road longevity. These shocks are for off-road enthusiasts who see a lot of dirt, and need all the capability possible in a compact inexpensive package.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Inexpensive reservoir shock upgrade
- Allows higher speed offroad travel with control
- Increased travel vs 5100 counterpart
Cons
- 90 day warranty
- Not rebuildable unless sent back to Bilstein
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks w/ Reservoir Set for 2011-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
The 2.0 Performance Reservoir shocks are the upgrade you may be looking for in order to smash through those offroad trails and terrain a bit faster. The addition of the reservoir allows for higher offroad speeds with improved heat dissipation, and slightly increased travel in the main shock body.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Significantly improved off-road capability
- Improved road handling and bump compliance
- Serviceable and rebuildable
- Custom Tuneable
Cons
- Requires servicing at approximately 50,000 miles
- May be too firm for some drivers
Icon 0-2" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit K78101
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Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Improved handling on and off-road
- Built for moderate to high speed
- Rebuildable and serviceable
- Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
- Requires servicing for optimum performance
- Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Front & Rear Reservoir Shocks Set for 2011-2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD
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Overview
King's tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
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
Recap of the Off-Road Shocks
