Stiffer shocks for '98 K1500???

[Bob619]

I have just purchased a '98 K1500 Suburban to replace my old war horse -- an '88 Suburban 1/2 ton 4x4. The '88 had front leaf springs, of course, but also had dual shocks up front and extra leafs added in the rear. The result was a very, very firm ride which I liked.

The '98 torsion bar, independent suspension is very smooth, but a bit too soft for my taste. I'm wondering whether others have stiffened the suspension on their '96-'99 Burbs by replacing shocks or some other means.

Are performance shocks the answer or something else?

If shocks are it, what type/brand/model shock will get the job done right? Do I need coil overs to make a real difference? What brands/models have NOT been satisfactory?

Remember, I am looking for a much firmer ride overall. I do not do offroad driving, but have to deal with sometimes poor blacktop or gravel mountain roads. I don't mind feeling the bumps, but want as little lean in the curves as possible. I'm running Michelin LTX M/S tires with 35 lbs. The only thing I tow is a one-ton utility trailer.

Thanks very much for your thoughts.

Bob

[uwe]

Bob,
I recently put Bilstein HD shocks in my C1500, and they do pretty much what you described you are looking for.
Go to www.shox.com and get the application and a quote. I paid $ 250.00 including shipping for mine.
These shocks litarally last a lifetime. I have Bilsteins in another vehicle and they now have over 200kmiles on them, with no noticeable loss of function.
Good luck!
Uwe

[snidelywhplsh]

I have a 99 1/2 ton 4x4 and raised front arms 1 1/4 inch (p265/75/r16 tires) put Rancho RS5000 shocks on front and good quality air shocks on back to level it out. For the ride you describe this should be a reasonable priced upgrade and do in a afternoon. If I buy another I would do the same to it.I do some field recon for hunting and blast down the interstate at 80 mph.I love the way it rides.

Just my opinion..
snidelywhplsh

[Big Sim One]

My favorite shocks are the Edelbrock ISA Shocks. They are a big improvement over the KYB or Stock shocks. The ride smoother, control my 6.500 lb boat much better and improved handeling. I think E's ISA shocks are better than the Bilstiens I had on other Suburbans

[Vadar-Frank]

Step back a few feet and see if the front end is sagging quite a bit lower than the rear. reason being is that a lot of people complained (mostly soccer moms) that their suburbans were riding to stiff in the front for their comfort. a lot of suburbans have had the torsion bars dropped a bit by the dealers and tire shops to soften up the rides, thus making them ride softer. if yours is riding lower, by raising it up a bit you can add more spring to the front. might as well change those worn out shocks as well. Personally I use pro-comps.