Quality Replacement Shocks?

I'm looking to replace the shocks on my 2002 Avalanche 1500. Does anyone have any recommendations? I want a Cadillac ride without buying an Escalade. The Avalanche rode well from the Factory, what would be the best replacement shock? I'd hate to make a mistake & install some heavy duty shocks that made this thing ride stiff.

Thanks, Dennis

Hi, MONROE REFLEX!!!!!!!!

I also have a 2002 Avalanche with 50,000 mile. I have had new tires and balance, front end alinements and still have problems with shudder or vibrations when hitting small bumps. Now my dealer says-NEW SHOCKS at $468.00. Blistein shocks are warrenty for life, except thru a dealer, so how can they be bad at 50,000?
Was this your problem also? Why are you replacing shocks now?
I hate to replace with more Blisteins if they wear out this quick, but what is recomended as replacement? Do they need to be TUNED as is factory?
Thanks for any info Greg

my 2002 ava has 60,000 & shocks r bad. when i go over a bump, it jumps into the air. gonna try monroe reflex. 42 ea for the fronts or rear at murrays auto. i seldom haul & carry light loads, but the monroe web site says they r 1 step above the sensatracs & good for stability.

had an 03 avalanche traded it in with bad shocks, went bad at 44k, avalanche is garbage bad worksmanship, went through 2 power steering pumps needed new shocks and brakes went at 40k

Q: How many miles do shocks and struts last?

A. It's hard to say how many miles a shock or strut will last since the amount of work they do (converting suspension motion to heat) varies by road conditions; however, Monroe suggests that they should be inspected by your local Monroe Expert Plus dealer or any ASE Certified Technician once a year, or every 12,000 miles. For example: Unlike a tire, which rotates a specific number of times per mile, a shock absorber or strut may compress and extend several times per mile on a smooth road, or several hundred times per mile on a very rough road. There are other factors that affect the life of a shock or strut, such as, regional weather conditions, amount and type of road contaminates, driving habits, loading of the vehicle, tire / wheel modifications, and the general mechanical condition of the suspension and tires.


--the above taken from monroe's website

I have installed/sold many sets of KYBs. People seem to like them, but they are a little pricey. Maybe not quite as high as Bilstiens (?) but far from cheap. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for.

If you want a shock that will handle the weight and make it handle properly, I would use the Kyb Mono-Max, they are built a ton better than any monroe shock. As far as how long factory shocks are designed to last, if it is a Bilsten they will last quite a while, but if they are not they can go bad in 15,000-20,000 miles. The factory will only pay about $7-$12 for the low end shocks. I have the Mono-Max on my wifes 4-door s10 4x4 p/u and it rides fine. Hope this helps. BTW all kyb shocks come with a Limited Life Time Warranty.