Shocks

[Blue Mist '97]

GF, I agree with you on OEM shocks. That stabilizer did, in fact, look pretty pitiful. It looked about like an OEM shock from an old '61 Chevy.

Although the shocks on this truck look much beefier than older models, I still don't think they are worth much. I can remember having to change many original shocks at 5K-10K miles cause they were just wore out (junk). I gave it the old "bounce and jounce" test today and it recovered better than I expected, but still, they're OEM. The truck seems to be riding much rougher lately. I suspect that in part it's because I am being much more critical of the ride right now, but I do know that it is not as good a ride as when new.

I am still leaning toward the KYB's, but if I were going to go with Bilstein, in order to get a better ride, would it be better to go with the closer to original shock 4600's (which are said to be HD) or the stiffer ride of the 5100's? I know it's personal preference, but I would still like to know.

I have found a place to order full set of KYB for $206 drive out, inc. shipping and $40 off of that from KYB rebate. Bilstein 5100's I can get for $309, inc. shipping. 4600's are $335 inc. shipping. (No Lift and no off road stuff, unless I've had too many.)

$166 vs. $309/$335. Is Bilstein that much better?

 

[atc250r]

I think you can do better with n the Bilstein if you keep shopping. The 4600's should be cheaper than the 5100's. Quality wise I think they are much better than KYB.

 

[Gimme Fuel]

KYB are an excellent shock but don't look it on the outside. Just a plain red simple looking shock.....but they hold up real well. Bilstein's you pay a lot for the name and they have a fancier exterior.

 

[Blue Mist '97]

Did some further checking on the Bilstein 4600 and 5100's tonight as atc250r suggested. Cheapest price found is:

4 - 4600's - $282.96 to my door
4 - 5100's - $282.64 to my door

I probably could have saved another couple of bucks if I bought the front and rear from different places, but it didn't seem like it was worth the trouble. It wouldn't be very much savings anyway. One place, one price, done. It is not unusual to see varying prices on items up for sale, but it is a little puzzling to me, to see most every place lists a different MSRP. I would have thought that MSRP is a set price from the manufacturer, but they are all over the place.

Still not sure if these are worth the extra $120 over the KYB's.

 

[Blue Mist '97]

Installed new shocks today. Finally made up my mind, pulled the trigger and went with Bilstein 4600's. Took a drive this afternoon and it made a big difference.

Below is a pic I took of the OEM shocks. Can you guess which one is bad (46600 miles)?

If you guessed both, you would be correct. When compressed, one only expands 3" and stops dead. Other only expands 5" one time and then the next time it expands 5" and then just pops out to total extension. Not much resistance in either one.