2001 Silverado 2500HD front shocks 2 wheel drive

[zieg85]

Looking for recommendations for an inexpensive shock absorber (relatively).  I've read as many reviews as I can find about folks reviews on various types and brands and frankly it is giving me a headache.  Can anyone shed some light? 

[bd]

If you prefer a "sporty" ride, use KYB Gas-A-Just.  A broader use shock for regularly hauling heavy loads is KYB's MonoMax.  If you prefer a slightly improved OE ride, use the Gabriel Ultra.  I do not recommend Bilstein as they are overpriced and under-performing.  And the other common shock brands are just that.  But this is my cracker barrel opinion of what I would use on my own vehicle.

[zieg85]

If you prefer a "sporty" ride, use KYB Gas-A-Just.  A broader use shock for regularly hauling heavy loads is KYB's MonoMax.  If you prefer a slightly improved OE ride, use the Gabriel Ultra.  I do not recommend Bilstein as they are overpriced and under-performing.  And the other common shock brands are just that.  But this is my cracker barrel opinion of what I would use on my own vehicle.

Thank you Rich, got a pair of Ultra ordered... I will let you know my thoughts on them.  Spent a little of my PayPal stash.

[zieg85]

Got em today and put them on the truck.  Night and day difference, so much so I just ordered the rear just now...  Thanks again Rich!!!

[bd]

Pleased to hear it!  As always, you are most welcome.

[Jason S]

If you prefer a slightly improved OE ride, use the Gabriel Ultra.   But this is my cracker barrel opinion of what I would use on my own vehicle.

Got em today and put them on the truck.  Night and day difference, so much so I just ordered the rear just now...  Thanks again Rich!!!

Probably a dumb question, but have to ask...  What was the ride like prior to the replacement? 

The reason I ask is I have a '05 Chevrolet 2500 4x4 since new. It's at 96K, but the ride seems to be much rougher, but not sure if its the shocks or age that is the symptom.  I've thought it's probably time for replacement, but tires are wearing normal and don't have the Cadillac bounce that I would expect out of a IFS.

[zieg85]

Ride was bouncy before but not like bad shocks normally would be.  I have country roads that have a lot of waves, (stone chipped) and 30 mph was too fast.  Now the front is smooth.  Never had a HD torsion spring truck before.  Coil springs are much easier to tell if shocks are needed.

[Jason S]

The description helps, thank you!

I've had this torsion bar truck for 12+ years, but it's hard to say if/when things were/are actually needing replacement.  No leakage & no wear issues showing and don't want to throw parts around trying to diagnose a potential issue. 

 

[zieg85]

The description helps, thank you!

I've had this torsion bar truck for 12+ years, but it's hard to say if/when things were/are actually needing replacement.  No leakage & no wear issues showing and don't want to throw parts around trying to diagnose a potential issue.

No leaks or tire wear either.  I took them off so I could put them back on as I read some reviews of other shock types.  The gas charge is gone but the resistance to pull up on them and push them back down sure seems like they would work.  For $68.74 I took a chance and I am so happy I did, it is a much more enjoyable driving truck.  I can't wait till the new rear shocks come in.  By the way my truck only has 130K on the clock.