Choosing Shocks for your 19-26 GMC Sierra 1500

We made this guide specifically for the 2019-2026 Sierra 1500, based on thousands of miles running these shocks ourselves, on our own staff 2023 4WD RST Duramax 1500 truck. We address different budgets, different vehicle uses & needs (plush daily comfort, more handling, off-road, etc), and identify exactly what these shocks mean for your GMC. We truly test these products ourselves, and are open to any and all questions for your vehicle, reach out to us with any questions!

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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.

Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Eibach Pro-Truck Shocks Set - 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500
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Overview
Eibach Pro Truck shocks for the Sierra 1500 has become one of our go-to recommendations here at Shock Surplus because of its balanced approach to comfort and handling. These shocks are forgiving over small bumps and rough terrain, while improving handling and control compared to stock. These shocks are for drivers who want to maintain daily driven comfort, while adding some extra capability for the trails.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Re-uses factory coil springs
  • Height adjustable between factory height or up to 2.5 inches over stock height
  • Monotube design provides consistent fade free performance
  • Perfectly matched springs and shocks in a single package which improves comfort and handling over factory
Cons
  • Requires coil spring compressor for installation
Special Notes
We've put more miles on Eibach than anyone else! See our sit down review about 3 different vehicles on Eibach Pro Truck Shocks.
Bilstein 4600 Shock Set - 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500
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Overview
The Bilstein 4600 shocks are the go-to shock for drivers who want more control over their Sierra 1500. Where the stock Rancho shocks falter under every driveway and highway joint, the Bilstein 4600 keep the truck composed, even in the roughest conditions. These shocks deliver a sportier feel to the truck, giving confidence through control.
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
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Shocks Set for 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD RWD
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Overview
While the Fox 2.0 is typically geared towards offroad performance, our tests showed that both the 2.0 coilovers and the 2.0 snap ring options from Fox gave an equal amount of comfort as the softer stock shocks, while improving handling on the 2019+ Sierra 1500. Where the stock shocks failed to reduce body roll and excessive sway on highway joints, driveways, and speed bumps - the Fox 2.0 settled the truck noticeably better.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Available for factory height, or can level/lift the front by 2-inches
  • 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
  • Premium price point compared to similar 2-inch shock offerings
  • Requires servicing for optimal performance at approximately 50k miles
  • Warranty requests and service goes through Fox directly
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Rancho RS9000XL Quicklift Shock Set - 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500
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Overview
The RS9000XL shocks are the adjustable solution for drivers who do it all with their Sierra 1500. You can dial in your ride comfort softer for the daily drive, or increase the control for heavier loads or rugged terrain to keep the chassis composed without excessive movement.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Raises the front end by 2-inches out of the box
  • 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
  • Firmer ride over factory shocks and springs
  • 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 6112 & 5160 Shock Set - 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500
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Overview
Bilstein's 6112 big-bore shock that is a big step up from the standard 2in options (4600, 5100) in the handling and performance department. Road comfort isn't an afterthought here, but these shocks are aimed at the 2019-2026 Sierra 1500 driver that likes to pickup the pace offroad and on the trail. The thicker nature of these shocks are geared towards bigger bump handling and rougher terrain, keeping your Sierra 1500 consistent and composed during dirt adventures.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 2.5-inch 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
Cons
  • Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
  • Requires coil-spring compressor for installation
Icon Shocks Set Stage 1 - 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500
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Overview
If you're looking for a noticeable increase in on-road handling, while smoothing out the tougher terrain on the weekends in the dirt with your 2019+ Sierra 1500, Icon's 2.5 shocks address both issues. Icon's digressive-hybrid valving provides great handling on-road, and then when the speeds pickup in the dirt - the shocks get softer, yet still predictable. "The faster you go, the smoother they get."
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Purpose built for on-road handling, while softening up in the rougher offroad environments
  • Excellent road manners, predictability, and comfort through control
  • Serviceable and rebuildable for extended shock ownership
Cons
  • May be firmer than people expect at this price point
  • Does require servicing for long term ownership, approximately every 50k miles
Special Notes
More questions about Icon? See our FAQ Blog here
King Shocks 2.5 Shocks Set for 2019-2026 Sierra 1500
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Overview
Kings Shocks for the 2019-2026 Sierra 1500 deliver out-of-the-box comfort for the daily drive, while giving progressive support on the weekends for the tougher offroad terrain. We'd be lying if we said these shocks were pillowy out of the box, or extremely plush - lets remember that these shocks are performance oriented, and aim to improve handling in all environments. Offroad is where these shine, progressive support means that these shocks seem to handle the bigger the bumps get and the more you cycle the suspension through the chunkier terrain.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Ride height between factory height or up to 2-2.5 inches
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Standard or Extended travel option available, Compression adjuster options available
  • Badass Blue color
Cons
  • Lacking on features from competitors
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Shocks Set for 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500
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Overview
The Fox 2.5 Performance Elite shocks are more than a jack-of-all trades package, the dual speed adjustment dials give you fine tune control for the daily drive, the road trip trailer haul, or weekend activities in the dirt with your 2019+ Sierra 1500. The DSC adjuster can change how the truck feels through turns and small bumps on pavement, while also ramping up damping for big bumps offroad.
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
  • Ride quality is firmer than what some drivers anticipate at this price point