Chevy & GMC Vans

So here's my issue:

I've read all the threads and posts about shocks and what everyone likes and what they think sucks.....what's expensive, what's cheap, what's in-between and what's crap. About all I can say is that I wish I had the option to buy shocks at Nordstrom's........so if I'm unhappy with them after driving around for a month, I can return them and try out "another set", until I find the one's I am happy with. Unfortunately, this is the real world and I have two problems:

1. Auto Zone hasn't embraced the Nordstrom's business model.

2. I'm not printing money.

I hate to have you guys revisit this topic.....but the wealth of information here is far to good to let everyone take it with them to their graves. I have checked the list of topics and it's been over a year since shock recommendations have been discussed....maybe a year is enough time to formulate new opinions?

My manship is stock and I pretty much intend to keep it that way. The only thing I primarily use it for is to get to my cabin on the Wenatchee River (Eastern Washington state) sometimes with teenagers, sometimes without....or to be the guy who can take up to 8 people somewhere. I have to travel over 2 mountain passes in summer and winter (Snoqualmie Pass and Blewitt Pass). The ole manship has been a little bouncy the last few years and I need to smooth it out a bit. I don't need anything to straighten out the curves........I just want a smooth ride. The girlfriend already hates my manship and it's hard to get the lovin' ......after she's been bounced around for 2 1/2 hours.

John

I think Monroe's are inexpensive and should do the trick for you. I've had them on two vehicles and had no complaints.

The KYBs might be a good choice for you. I didn't think they were stiff enough for my hi-top, but I had no real complaints other than that. (I want the Bilstiens next time.)

I second the KYBs suggestion. I'm running Bilsteins on my 'stro, but I had KYB Monomax shocks on one of my jeeps and I liked them a lot. The KYBs are very good shocks for the price. I tried Monroe Sensatracs on the 'stro and they sucked IMHO. I got rid of them and went to the bilstiens long before I wore them out.

I installed Monroe Sensa-tracs in my Astro a while back, and rode on them for less than a year. Unfortunately, I can't give you a detailed review because I am not a shock expert, I don't race or otherwise push the limits of my shocks, and because I don't remember all that well. The reason I had them for such a short period of time, is that I lifted my suspension, rendering them incompatible. Consequently, I sold them to a member here who goes by blacknome (which you may have read about). He already has them in his possession, so you could ask him for an evaluation, though I'm not sure if he installed them yet. What I can say, is that I was satisfied with the handling. I am of the opinion that if you don't notice something is there, then it's doing a good job. Certainly, it was a world of difference comparing to the old, worn out shocks. No wallowing or bouncing.

I also had Monroe's in my old car, a Pontiac Grand Prix. Again, there, they handled admirably. Sadly, again, I can't report on their longevity, because the shocks outlasted the vehicle itself. Say around 3 or 4 years.

People who complain about Monroe's either A- got a bad batch (highly unlikely) B- had unrealistic expectations or C- used them in a way that was not intended. Surely they won't handle as well as some fancy Bilsteins, but Monroe's were the least expensive, yet didn't feel cheap. Good value for my money if you ask me.

I now put my van through a lot. A lot of rough roads. Sometimes heavy loads. I'm using the Ranchos that came with my lift kit, and they're pretty good. Maybe a touch too soft.

Hope this helps

Hey John,

I love this topic...

Everyone has a different opinion, myself included.

Why not just get the Stock Shocks from GM?

Jim

EDIT: Then you can save that 2 1/2 hours of bouncin for when Y'All get there...

I have been running the Mountain Ryder XTs from Les Schwab for a couple of years now. I don't have any complaints really. Schwab may be the closest thing to Nordrstrom in the shock world I reckon. Plus, free pop corn man

http://www.lesschwab.com/shocks/mountainryder_xt.asp

What did you pay, peelers?

Crud.... I can't remember. I probably paid too much. I'll see if I can find the invoice.

astroturf wrote:Why not just get the Stock Shocks from GM?

Would that be ACDelco?

I think so ???

i'm pretty sure the ones i took off my van when i put my ranchos on were indeed stamped delco. If you are looking for a smooth ride Rancho 999000 series are not for you even on the softest setting they are harder then oem

Astroturf.........nice post. You maked me laugh and spit up my coffee.

I was going to mention about the bouncing around part, but I didn't want to offend any of the female board members. Gotta be pc ya'know?! I would much rather do that kind of bouncing for when I get to my destination....... then bouncing down the highway.

I went to Autopartswarehouse.com and here's what I find:

Bilstein: Heavy Duty #1608553 rear / 1608584 front

Fronts: $85.00
Rears: $80.00


ACDelco:

Fronts: $60.00 - $82.00
Rears: $59.00

KYB:

Fronts: $40.00 - $60.00
Rears: $31.00 - $70.00


AutoZone:

They sell a Bilstein heavy duty gas model @ $108.00 fronts / $99.00 rears

Anybody have another "preferred" source to look for shocks? I'm more than willing to shop online. I will check out that link to Les Schwab, thanks.

astroturf wrote:Hey John,

I love this topic...

Everyone has a different opinion, myself included.

Why not just get the Stock Shocks from GM?

Jim

EDIT: Then you can save that 2 1/2 hours of bouncin for when Y'All get there...

These are almost as good as oil filter and oil brand discussions. I still stand by my statement about the Sensatracs, no "complaints" here, just an opinion based on personal experience. They were inadequate for the empty curb weight of the van.

I think the Monroe's were around $25 CAD.

Females like bouncin too don't they?