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
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2011-2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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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
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 2011-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2011-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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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
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 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
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
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
Fox 2.5 Factory Series Shocks w/ DSC Reservoir Set for 2011-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD RWD
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Overview
Stepping up to the Fox 2.5 Factory Race series shocks brings significant improvements in both comfort and ride control. The increased size of the 2.5" shock offers increased shock oil, lower operating pressures, and allows high speed driving on aggressive terrain while maintaining great control of the vehicle through race-level tuning.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
  • Adjustable & Reservoir options
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance