Choosing Shocks for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The GMT900 platform saw significant changes to the suspension, namely being moved to a strut and coil sprung front end, shared between the 2WD and 4WD models. This has opened up a wide range of suspension modifications for these vehicles, from factory replacement parts to high performance shocks. Through the use of struts, there are also adjustable height struts, which can provide a leveling solution for the front of the vehicle, increasing ride height up to 2" or 3", and improving the stance.
Shock Buyer's Guide Video
We answer your questions regarding suspension, ride quality, performance needs, and everything else that stems from a vehicle's suspension.
2 dollar signs out of 4
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
3 dollar signs out of 4
- Easy install, no coil spring compressor required
- Factory replacement for original ride quality
- Leveling Kits are available for these Plus units
- Not as offroad-able as some other options
2 dollar signs out of 4
- 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
- Ride quality leaves something to be desired
- Mass produced, shows in the details
1 dollar signs out of 4
- Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
- Increases handling and performance significantly
- Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
- Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
- Red may not match your vehicle well.
2 dollar signs out of 4
- 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
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
2 dollar signs out of 4
- 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
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
3 dollar signs out of 4
- Leveling Height Adjustments
- 60mm piston, "best in class"
- Price-to-Shock ratio through the roof, 2.6" shock & spring less expensive than 2" coilovers
- Massive off-road ride upgrade, improved road handling and comfort
- Long lasting, durable, serviceable
- Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
- Requires coil-spring compressor for installation
3 dollar signs out of 4
- Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
- Excellent High Performance entry level shock
- Handles hard hits well
- Improves handling and traction in all terrains
- Rebuildable / Serviceable
- Higher price point compared to similar offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance
- Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
4 dollar signs out of 4
- Improved handling on and off-road
- Built for moderate to high speed
- Rebuildable and serviceable
- Can upgrade through higher stages
- Requires servicing for optimum performance
- Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
4 dollar signs out of 4
- 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
- Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance