Shock Absorbers

[Rick Norwood]

Here is a topic that I Don't see much about on the AF. Shocks. Some places tell you that you need shocks every time you drive in, while others tell you that unless the shock is leaking oil, it is still good. I know there is a multitude of shocks out there, and you can pay as little as $5 per shock up to hundreds of dollars per shock. I know there are many different brands names, types, ratings etc. But what I'm looking for is information on shocks. Generally speaking, I know that you basically get what you pay for, but are the bigger bore ratings better?

I'm not looking to Jack the truck up like a monster truck, Nor do I haul alot of payload, I don't take the truck off road. I have a 2000 Jimmy 2WD, (which is the same as an S-10 Blazer) and I don't want to spend alot of money needlessly. I really don't care about brand names but I'm willing to spend what it takes. Basically my Goal is to return my ride to the smooth ride that it was when it was new. I know I could go down to the Dealership and buy a set of "GM Standard Issue" Shocks that it came with, and if that's what it takes, so be it.

I do know that no matter where you go, the store you're in has the best made shocks in the world, So I'd sure like to see what all of you guys recommend or have to say on the subject.

[old_master]

Monroe matic or Sensa track, both are excellent shocks. Sensa track is a little better performer. Bore size does matter, larger the better. More importantly is the valve system that is used in the shock, and Monroe is known for having a proven quality system. Reasonable price, great ride, available just about everywhere, lifetime warranty. Ya just can't go wrong. And BTW, shocks will not raise a vehicle. A shocks job is to dampen the action of the spring. It's the spring’s job to raise a vehicle.

http://www.monroe.com/

[TDQ]

I'd suggest the Monroe Sensa Tracs, just did ball joints and decided while I was tearing stuff apart to go ahead and replace the shocks...Not to mushy, not to stiff.

[the87hyper]

Billsteins!! They're from the factory (hint hint). For once GM used something else that has no relation to them. They're great shocks in my opinion. Then again opinions are like assholes, everybodys got one!

[biv343]

I put Gabriel's on mine - got them at autozone. I got the middle of the road shock - think they were about $28-30 each. No complaints, they do what they need to, ride was much better than the six year old shocks they replaced.

[drdd]

second on the Billsteins. good shit.

Originally Posted by the87hyper

Billsteins!! They're from the factory (hint hint). For once GM used something else that has no relation to them. They're great shocks in my opinion. Then again opinions are like assholes, everybodys got one!

[dmbrisket 51]

i third the billstein, but if its a ride height adjustment you need, you need springs, does it sag one way or the other? front to back? or just a bumpity bumpity ride??

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by dmbrisket 51

i third the billstein, but if its a ride height adjustment you need, you need springs, does it sag one way or the other? front to back? or just a bumpity bumpity ride??

It doesn't seem to sag one way or the other but it just doesn't seem to take the pot holes etc. like it used to. I'm not looking for ride height adjustment, that seems fine, but compared to the Kid's 2001 S-10 it is a bit more bumpity-bumpity. I realize that the shocks do not control the sag or the ride height, but I have seen guys try to "fix" weak springs with air shocks.

[old_master]

I have seen that too, Rick. I have no use for air shocks. I just love it when people spend hard earned money on them only to find out they're nothing but more work! I suppose air shocks would be fine to level the vehicle if you're carrying a heavy load, or towing a trailer. However, in order for that to work without adversely affecting front wheel alignment, you'd have to measure empty rear ride height, load the vehicle, then adjust the air shocks to bring it back up to where it was. Seems like a lot of unnecessary fooling around to me. Not to mention constantly dealing with leaks all the time and making sure ride height is correct when you’re empty. Why not just fix it right and put beefier springs on it and align the front end? For about the same money, you can have a spring shop add a leaf or two.

[dmbrisket 51]

align the rear too, sounds weird but the rear of vehicals need aligned in todays day and age

[Brian R.]

Koni makes great shocks. I had Koni adjustables on my 454 Chevelle and they never wore out (15 years). Also, you can adjust the ride to be anywhere from moderate to dead stiff. Don't know how pricey they are nowadays.

[BlazerBoyLT98]

My Edlebrocks are great but you feel everything. Tires are always nice and flat on the road and tire wear is great with these shocks, handles more like a highend sports car now

[Teal95Jimmy]

I will agree with the billstein, i had them on my 76 blazer, 86 camaro (and lasted longer thant he car 210k miles on the shocks and could have kept going) and my 95 jimmy came with them from the factory. at nearly 100k miles they are still good to go.

[TDQ]

Billsteins are not bad shocks, however, the ones that came stock on the Blazer are junk...overpriced junk. If you want to spend the money for some of their better shocks, sure they're great. So are the Gabriels, Koni's, Edelbrocks and so on and so forth.
Unless you're doing some serious 4 wheeeling, which I'm going to have to assume your not (2000 Jimmy), there's no point in going all out on shocks. If your mainly on the street, do some hunting, woods, back roads kinda thing you can't beat the Monroe SensaTrac. Dollar for dollar it's the best deal.
Again, it's an opinion.

[horse482]

I have been selling shocks for the last ten years and have sold about everything on the market, bilsteen is an excelent shock, but the ride will be a little stiff. From what you describe I would recommend the KYB GR2 they are and excelent shock, they carry a life time warranty, and in the last three years that I have sold KYB (on the average of 100 sets a month or more), I have not had to warranty one set. On the other hand when I sold monroe I was always having to warranty them, and to warranty them you have to have the receipt, the box ends, a copy of your registration or insurance card, then have to fill out a warranty for, ship them back to monroe on your dime and then they will decide if they will warranty them or not. With KYB take them back to the place that you purchased them with receipt and get a new pair, that is if they go bad. I would rate gabriel about he middle of the road between kyb and monroe. Hope this helps.