What kind of shocks for 2WD Suburban on BLM/Forest Roads?

[ceceOR91]

I got a 2003 Surburban 1500 2WD.

I'm looking for a way, if possible, to ride on these forest/BLM roads without the car rattling, and at least minimizing it.

I'm not sure if shocks are the answer?

If they are please make suggestions.

I would like to go dispersed camping way out there if possible.

 

[rho]

Take a look at the air pressure you're running. Lowering the air pressure down to 25 or even 30 psi will make a big difference in ride quality on basic dirt roads, suspension can help but its of a pain getting a good setup that in't just basic shocks/torsion bar crank for the GMT800 trucks.

I'd suggest starting with a way to air down in a controlled manner and an air compressor to air back up after you hit the pavement again. Also you have a 17 year old truck, bump stops(jounce bumpers) and ball joints and pivots are probably all worn out as well and that will contribute to the ride quality. There is a LOT that goes into ride quality off-road and sometimes it can be a lot of work to get good ride quality with our trucks...

 

[Autism Family Travels]

Monroe reflex monotubes smoothed out my z71 burb alot.

 

[haaken675]

Bilstein 5100's are always a crowd favorite.

 

[Fly_hippie]

This is a big subject, you can go really expensive or take the other road. Personally, I put Rancho RS5000Xs on my 02 Jeep TJ and it did make a world of difference, especially to Mama.

 

[Autism Family Travels]

THe monroes I quoted I have used on various vehicles with equal results on all. Smoother, better handling and warranty that cannot be beat. I replaced them all once under warranty because of loss of pressure. They had 120k on them at that point. Just ordered a new set at the shop, and then exchanged. They are good for rigs with a couple of inches of lift as well.

 

[ceceOR91]

Bilstein 4600 vs. 5100?

And do I need springs too?

From my understanding:
Bilstein 4600....is for no lift...............$284
BIlstein 5100....0 to 2.5 inch lift........$325

Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD AWD RWD

Fits 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD AWD RWD Bilstein B6 4600 Monotube Gas OEM 24-065009 24-143806. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Shocks Set for 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 RWD w/0-2.5

Fits 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 RWD w/0-2.5" lift Bilstein B8 5100 Monotube Gas 24-186643 24-187237. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

I'm thinking I should pay $41 more for 5100s just in case I want to add a lift later ( I don't care about a lift for looks, just for ride comfort)?

Would love your guys opinion on this!

 

[MidOH]

That'll work.

I went Fox 2.0. Firmer the better. You really need to firm up the shocks on US trucks before playing with springs and bumpstops.

 

[ceceOR91]

I was just about to click the buy button for bilstein, but it's been brought to my attention that they can run stiff.

Can you recommend a shock where I don't have to take a chance that it might run stiff?

Thanks.

Edit: I know Monroe has been recommended, but I'd like to get some more options too.

 

[rho]

I've liked the bilsteins I've run in GM trucks before, they do a lot to help with the ride, given that these trucks weigh upwards of 6k easily.

 

[ceceOR91]

I'm learning now that there are adjustable shocks, and I'm thinking this might be best for me since I'm uncertain what level of firmness to softness I want.

I'm assuming adjustable is in reference to firmness/softness.


Would appreciate critiques/comments.

Thanks!

 

[Lil Bear]

Bilstein 4600 vs. 5100?

And do I need springs too?

From my understanding:
Bilstein 4600....is for no lift...............$284
BIlstein 5100....0 to 2.5 inch lift........$325

Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD AWD RWD

Fits 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD AWD RWD Bilstein B6 4600 Monotube Gas OEM 24-065009 24-143806. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Shocks Set for 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 RWD w/0-2.5

Fits 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 RWD w/0-2.5" lift Bilstein B8 5100 Monotube Gas 24-186643 24-187237. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

I'm thinking I should pay $41 more for 5100s just in case I want to add a lift later ( I don't care about a lift for looks, just for ride comfort)?

Would love your guys opinion on this!

Bilstein 5100s

 

[rho]

I'd still stick with the 5100's.

how many miles are on your truck? hows the rest of the suspension look wear wise? Almost every moving part in the front suspension of our '03 sierra was falling apart at 160k when we got it, so i'm willing to bet part of your ride issues are from other wear in addition to blown shocks.

 

[ceceOR91]

I'd still stick with the 5100's.

how many miles are on your truck? hows the rest of the suspension look wear wise? Almost every moving part in the front suspension of our '03 sierra was falling apart at 160k when we got it, so i'm willing to bet part of your ride issues are from other wear in addition to blown shocks.

170K

 

[MidOH]

Stiff is good. There's no way in heck that a 5100 is too much shock for a pig heavy suburban. Springs and tires would be the problem.

American companies use shocks that are far, faaaaar too weak. To make such an unsafe idea, half way safe, they use extremely stiff progressive springs. Sometimes if you buy proper shocks, without getting rid of crap springs, the ride can suffer.

I also noticed the tendency for some Bilstiens to get ''stiff'' reviews. So I went Fox 2.0. Some of those have stiff reviews as well.

Jump in a sporty Lexus for a test ride. Notice how stiff it rides, without being too harsh. And you feel every bump. That's your goal. Nothing boat like, will perform well.

When in doubt? Convert to coilover Fox or King 2.5's. Coilovers will have easy to change springs. And if the springs are in new condition, spring swaps are free.

 

[rho]

Stiff is good. There's no way in heck that a 5100 is too much shock for a pig heavy suburban. Springs and tires would be the problem.

American companies use shocks that are far, faaaaar too weak. To make such an unsafe idea, half way safe, they use extremely stiff progressive springs. Sometimes if you buy proper shocks, without getting rid of crap springs, the ride can suffer.

I also noticed the tendency for some Bilstiens to get ''stiff'' reviews. So I went Fox 2.0. Some of those have stiff reviews as well.

Jump in a sporty Lexus for a test ride. Notice how stiff it rides, without being too harsh. And you feel every bump. That's your goal. Nothing boat like, will perform well.

When in doubt? Convert to coilover Fox or King 2.5's. Coilovers will have easy to change springs. And if the springs are in new condition, spring swaps are free.

Pretty much this. My jeep has fox 2.0's and they're perfect in that, our GMC has 5100's right now and they're a tad harsh, but ours is a reg cab, short bed 2wd GMC sierra. Its the smallest and lightest of the GMT800 trucks, but towing or with some gear (or two people and gear) its perfect.


I'm working on a coilover setup in our truck and planning on some king 2.5's in the front and its slowly turning into a nightmare of custom fab work. There aren't a ton of great bolt on options for the GMT800 series trucks (1500 silverado, sierra, burbs, tahoes, etc) so a 5100 or 5160, or fox 2.0's end up about the best we're able to do unless you're willing to get the welder out and go to a long travel pre-runner suspension.

170K

I'm willing to bet there are some other things worn out in your suspension too, front ball joints, control arm bushings, bump stops, etc. All of that stuff works together to impact the ride quality both on and off road.

 

[Autism Family Travels]

Stiff is not good. Control is. Smooth without harsh. I have been in and owned many vehicles with bilstiens. They are stiff. As in ride like a 2x4 piece of lumber. Good shocks will ride smooth without being harsh and give control over your ride. Springs are for taking weight, not shocks. So stiff does you no good if your ride is like a piece of wood. Take your rig across a pothole trail at 50mph and see what stiff shocks do. Rattle your brains out your nose. Proper shocks will take the potholes keep you in control with no skidding around the trail and your brains will not leak out your nasal cavity.

 

[MidOH]

^wrong again.

 

[rho]

Yeah, i'm just not going to comment on this anymore.

OP, If you want to drop me a PM I'm more than willing to go through suspension stuff on these trucks with ya, there's a lot that can be done with em to make them ride and drive awesome.

 

[Carl8810]

I have a 2001 four-wheel-drive I have switched to the bilstean 5100s and they are amazing A lot of the suburbans have Nebo Matt or Air ride shocks in the rear of them aren’t great for off-road use the Bilstean 5100s are good because they work for Zero lift to 2 inch lift but if you have either of the OE suspension air ride or Nebo Matt you will need to update your springs in the rear moog makes a set of HD springs that are relatively inexpensive and allow you to switch to a standard shock I have included a picture below of the spring that is on a Nebo Matt set up versus the Moog HD spring