Choosing Shocks for your Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss / GMC Sierra 1500 AT4

The Chevrolet Z71, X31 for the GMC trucks, packaged some off road oriented upgrades over the LT and SLE model trucks. In the 2019-2021 Silverado 1500 Z71 and the 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 X31 packages, customers were given a dual speed transfer case, steel skid plates, Hill Descent Control, All Terrain tires and Rancho Twin Tube shocks. GM took these upgrades further with the introduction of the Trail Boss and AT4 Packages. Chevrolet did offer a Trail Boss package in 2016 but that was short lived and only offered for 1 year before being discontinued. With the new Trail Boss and AT4 packages, GM gave customers a 2” lift in the front and a 1” lift in the rear supported by Rancho monotube struts and shocks tuned specifically to GM’s specifications, higher angle CV axles to accommodate the extra lift and factory 275/65 R18 tires.
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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
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Height Shocks - 2019-2026 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss
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Overview
The Bilstein 5100 shocks utilize the factory springs and strut mounts off your Trail Boss or AT4. The 3 settings on these shocks allow no additional lift, half an inch over stock, or 1.1 inches over factory height. These Bilstein shocks will also produce a tighter and sportier feel to your truck compared to the factory Rancho monotube shocks.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 0-1.1" Height adjustment using factory springs and components.
  • Tighter and sportier ride quality compared to the factory Rancho shocks
  • Zinc plated for rust and corrosion resistance
  • Cons
    • Firmer than stock-like shocks
    • Performance Shock, higher price
    Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers Front Pair for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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    Overview
    The Fox 2.0 shocks for the Trail Boss / AT4 trucks are for a go-fast attitude when in the dirt, providing improved damping to handle bigger bumps and uneven terrain. If you're driving your Trail Boss / AT4 hard offroad, or want similar comfort to the factory shocks - but improved handling on rougher terrain (potholes, rough asphalt, poor highways) these are a solid option.
    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
    Special Notes
    Fox 2.0 Coilovers provide the Trail Boss / AT4 models +1.5in of additional ride height (lift) over the factory TB/AT4 trucks off the lot. With these coilovers, the truck will be sitting 3.5in taller in the front compared to a base model truck (non TB/AT4).
    Icon 0-1.5" Stage 1 Kit for 2019-2026 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss / Sierra 1500 AT4
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    Overview
    Icon's Stage 1 kit is the entry point for drivers who want more handling and road feel for their Trail Boss or AT4 truck. Icon's valving drastically improves load handling and overall vehicle composure compared to the stock Rancho shocks. "The faster you go, the smoother they get" - how you can think of these shocks. Offroad performance is night and day compared to the factory Trail Boss / AT4 shocks.
    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
    Special Notes
    These Icon 2.5 coilovers provide up to 1.5in of lift over the factory Trail Boss / AT4 suspension.
    Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
    The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
    Bilstein 5100 Monotube Adjustable Strut Front Pair for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD w/0-1.1" lift
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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
    Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Front Pair for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD
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    Overview
    A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 shock is equipped with a massive 60mm active piston and 2.6" shock body, providing exceptional off-road capability and handling. This shock is aimed solely at the adventurer, offroader, and overlander that sees a lot of dirt, but also doesn't want to sacrifice daily driver comfort.
    Price

    3 dollar signs out of 4

    $$$$
    Pros
    • 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
    Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Adjustable Coilover w/ Reservoir Front Pair 883-06-157
    Buy Now
    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
    Off-Road Shock Recommendations
    The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
    Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Front Pair for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD
    Buy Now
    Overview
    A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 shock is equipped with a massive 60mm active piston and 2.6" shock body, providing exceptional off-road capability and handling. This shock is aimed solely at the adventurer, offroader, and overlander that sees a lot of dirt, but also doesn't want to sacrifice daily driver comfort.
    Price

    3 dollar signs out of 4

    $$$$
    Pros
    • 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
    Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers Front Pair for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
    Buy Now
    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
    Icon Stage 3 System - 1.5" Lift - Silverado 1500 Trail Boss / Sierra 1500 AT4
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    Overview
    Icon's Stage 3 system for the Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks utilize a 2.5 front and rear shock body, giving a huge improvement to vehicle handling and stability - no more slop from shocks that are too soft. These 2.5 Icon shocks will allow a much more aggressive approach to all things dirt related, keeping your Trail Boss / AT4 truck stable under the most uneven terrain at faster speeds.
    Price

    4 dollar signs out of 4

    $$$$
    King Shocks 2.5 Performance Coilovers w/ Remote Reservoir Front Pair for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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
    Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Adjustable Coilover w/ Reservoir Front Pair 883-06-157
    Buy Now
    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