Shocks, which brand for a comfortable driver?

[Patsfan34]

I need to replace the shocks on my 87 GMC 4x4 and just wanted some input on a nice shock that's good for the road. My commute is 2 hours round trip everyday back and forth to work and I want something that is comfortable. I do not want anything that will make this truck ride stiff. Is a stock replacement fine or should I spend the extra couple bucks for a good riding shock?

Thanks

[LONGHAIR]

If your springs are already too stiff, shocks aren't going to fix it.
Is this truck 1/2 or 3/4 ton? lifted? Is it already stiff? any more you can tell us will help.

[Patsfan34]

Its a completely stock 2500 3/4 ton 4x4. No lift. I drove the truck 4 miles home from buying it and felt stiff. I'm sure it didn't help that the shocks in it now are rotted and bent.

[old Rusty C10]

i run plain old Napa ones in mine and im happy i have back problems and i have no issues with the ride quality

[tucsonjwt]

It sounds like any standard shock would be better than what you have. The best shocks I have found overall are Edelbrock IAS, but they are like $100 per shock now, and one of the set I bought for my 2000 Silverado leaked soon after installation (replaced quickly by Edelbrock). I would just go with an OEM replacement shock for the smoothest ride, unless you really value a smooth ride. Some places have a good return policy, so you might be able to test them out, then return them if you don't like them. Rock Auto seems pretty good about that.

[Seven9er]

I got the cheapest ones auto zone had. some kinda gabriel ones. work good enough for me.

[Adams74Chevy]

A 3/4 ton will be on the stiff side just the nature of the beast, but worn out shocks definately don't help.

[79gmcc15]

While your under there, lubricate your leaf springs. Take a flat head screw driver in between the leafs and spray them down with a good lube. It might help.
Posted via Mobile Device

[LONGHAIR]

If it's already too stiff, shocks won't help it....unless one is bent in a way that would make it bind.
The best way to determine what you really have is to disconnect/remove them completely and test drive it.
If it is still to stiff at that point, shocks are never going to fix it. All a shock really does is take the "bouncy" (springy-ness) out of the springs. They cannot soften the ride of a spring that is too stiff already.

[78 Chevyrado]

probably the best thing for a better ride would be to remove some leafs. you'll lose capacity, but it will ride better. If you load the truck heavily often, softer shocks will make it bouncier when loaded though.

[Melmann]

I am running Rancho 5000 on my 4WD. I am satisfied with there performance.Like everyone said you have a 3/4 t. It will not be as soft as 1/2 t is. I was always told you get what you pay for. Cheap is not always the best.

[Patsfan34]

This is why I love this board, all great info and everyone's willingness to help. Thanks again guys!

[N2TRUX]

While it may not help the ride, shocks can "hurt" the ride. Since you already have stiff springs the last thing you want to add is a stiff shock. A good heavy duty shock should suffice. Avoid a gas charged shock as it will only make the ride more firm.

Something else to look at are your tires. If you have tires with a stiff sidewall, they will compound the stiff suspension. As mentioned you may consider removing a leaf or two if you don't need the additional load capacity.

[isptech]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Something else to look at are your tires. If you have tires with a stiff sidewall, they will compound the stiff suspension. As mentioned you may consider removing a leaf or two if you don't need the additional load capacity.

That is what is did on mine. It had an old set old of 10 plys on it, switched them to a new set of tires with 6 plys. The ride is greatly improved, however it is still a 3/4 ton.

[tucsonjwt]

I mentioned Edelbrock IAS because they adjust to the driving condition - at least that is their sales pitch. I imagine there are other shocks now that can do the same thing in a differnt way. Actually, a too smooth ride shock can give you a bouncy ride because they react to every bump in the road. Also, I have found that a tight front end helps the ride. If I were you, I would crawl under the front end and see how it looks. I have a big front swaybar in my 3/4 ton that had shot rubber bushings, and when I replaced them it improved the handling but also the ride (less bouncing/shimmy.) I have owned 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons and prefer the ride in the 3/4 tons, specifically because they don't bounce as much, especially on washboard roads. The bouncing, even if slight, gets to my lower back after a short time.

[Justins76]

I like my Bilsteins.

[Adams74Chevy]

I bought these for my '74 but have yet to install them (now will probably go on my '73)...anyone else have any experience with them?
KYB-KG5408
KYB-KG5415

[DetroitIron]

Great thread...I have an 85 K20 that is ready for shocks...good info to have before I buy.

[foamypirate]

Originally Posted by Adams74Chevy

I bought these for my '74 but have yet to install them (now will probably go on my '73)...anyone else have any experience with them?
KYB-KG5408
KYB-KG5415

KYB makes pretty good shocks for your money. I'd take Koni or Bilstein over the KYB's if they didn't cost an arm and a first born child, though!

[Adams74Chevy]

Originally Posted by foamypirate

KYB makes pretty good shocks for your money. I'd take Koni or Bilstein over the KYB's if they didn't cost an arm and a first born child, though!

Ok good to know...yeah I can't get rid of my first born, the wife wouldn't forgive me. and I'm attached to the lil fella too.

[ElGracho]

I'm a big fan of the Monroe Sens-a-trac shocks. I had them on my M1009 CUCV (the Blazer one) and it rode significantly better than my Jimmy which is the civilian version of the same truck. Same engine, same tires etc. They use similar technology to the Edelbrocks for less money.

[Patsfan34]

Originally Posted by ElGracho

I'm a big fan of the Monroe Sens-a-trac shocks. I had them on my M1009 CUCV (the Blazer one) and it rode significantly better than my Jimmy which is the civilian version of the same truck. Same engine, same tires etc. They use similar technology to the Edelbrocks for less money.

My local auto parts shop also recommended the Monroe's. I'm going to do a little more research but that was the suggested stock replacement. I'm leaning that way.

[bowtiecb]

do anyone know wat brand shocks was factory for a 80? i had a 80 long wheel base that rode just as good as the cadi i had at the time, shock could have worn, but a very smooth ride, with 255/70 regul sport tires

[Adams74Chevy]

Originally Posted by 79gmcc15

While your under there, lubricate your leaf springs. Take a flat head screw driver in between the leafs and spray them down with a good lube. It might help.
Posted via Mobile Device

Any particular lube better than another for this?