Shocks

[Halgar]

Hey Guys!

I'm in the market for new shocks for my 03 Burb. I replaced them 3 years ago with Monroe OES Spectrum. The rear has been making noises for quite some time, probably a year and a half or more. Truck was at the mechanic for unrelated services and they said that the rear shocks were leaking and need to be replaced.

I thought Monroe was a decent brand, made sure the OES Spectrum were the correct shocks for my application. Well . . .

So, now I'm on the hunt for new shocks. What brands do you guys run and why did you choose them? I'd like to stick with OEM shocks, but AC Delco are wildly over priced. Being a Suburban, I'd like to have as smooth and quiet a ride as possible.

Is Gabriel any good? This is what the mechanic was recommending.

[RC10th]

Bilstiens probably impressed me the most for ride quality and control.

[juicedcoupe]

Bilstiens probably impressed me the most for ride quality and control.

This.

I had Bilsteins on my last truck. When it comes time to replace the shocks on my current truck, that is likely what it'll be.

For a little less money, I like KYB as well.

Stay away from Rancho for a daily driver. They make great offroad shocks, but not so much for DD.

[jwscab]

I don't think you will go wrong with Bilsteins or Gabriels or Delco ones. Rock Auto lists like 900 shocks for that chassis but there are some ac Delco ones that are in the same price range as the Gabriel's, Bilsteins are always more expensive.

[R6cowboy]

From experience on my vehicles, Bilstein will give you the better ride and quality without a doubt over KYB or Gabriel. The first time I used Bilstein shocks, I'd never spend another dollar on KYB or Gabriel ever again for my own vehicles. The cost is a little more, but they're well worth it. And I don't mean KYB or Gabriel are complete crap, just Bilstein is that much better.

[BattleTrak]

You should be able to get those Monroe’s replaced under warranty If you want to give them another go. Monroe isn’t what they used be. I’ve seen them leak after 6 months. Definitely go for the Bilsteins.

[juicedcoupe]

And I don't mean KYB or Gabriel are complete crap, just Bilstein is that much better.

I agree. I just mentioned KYB as a cheaper alternative.


Before I switched to Strange adjustables, I had Gabriel rear shocks on my Mustang. They stood up to a lot of abuse. Just saying.

But Bilstein would definitely be my choice, especially for something that heavy.

[Halgar]

Thank you, guys! Much appreciate the input.

Bilstein has always been a top recommendation. I don't remember what they cost for the Burb, but they were significantly higher than Monroe, Gabriel, and other "consumer" brands back when I put the Monroe's on her.

I'm at a crossroads with the Burb as to whether or not she will be a forever vehicle or merely something to get me to the next vehicle. I could go either way, however, my significant other hasn't driven in 20+ years and is afraid of large vehicles, so when I finally get a pickup for my work needs, the Burb will initially return to a weekly grocery getter. Because the SO isn't inclined to drive the Burb, that means trading her for something smaller, at least a Tahoe/Yukon, but more likely something along the lines of a Grand Cherokee of similarly sized SUV. With this said, I'm trying to keep expenses down for the time being until we can surmise how much longer she will be with us.