Our 2003 Duramax has nearly 15.000 miles on the odometer. Would like some feedback as to when Duramax owners have replaced the original shocks and the type of replacement shocks.

Do yourself a favor and get some Bilsteins ASAP.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif I have always said that the best upgrade for the money is my Bilsteins. Got mine at KennedyDiesel.comhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif. Great price and service.


It's unbelievable that you can improve your ride soooo much with just shocks.

I replaced mine after 3000 miles - the OEM were useless.


Go with Bilstein shocks - - -http://www.kennedydiesel.com/





2004 GMC 2500HD EC LB D/A (LB7); GMC bed liner;Air Lift Super Duty air bags; Michelin LT265/75-R16 LTX M/S ;Luverne Running boards; Bilstein shocks; Delvac 1300; Isspro gauges.


Towing a 2004 Everest 291L 5<SUP>th wheel</SUP>

Bilsteins from www.kennedydiesel.com (http://www.kennedydiesel.com)


260.00 shipped

Ditto

Put the Bilsteins on with 400 miles.....at first I was not real happy. I did have anything to compair it to. NOW I LOVE THEM.....what a nice change to the ride!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif Very easy job to do on the driveway.

Put Bilsteins on mine at 10,000 miles (from Kennedy Diesel). Wish I had done it as soon as I bought the truck. Get the Bilsteins and change now. You won't be sorry!

For some reason I waited until 18,000 miles to put my Bilsteins on...Front shock was broken internally...when you shook it, it sounded like a Fisher Price toy, great HD quality...
Ordered mine from Kennedy diesel as well, had 'em 3 days after I ordered them!!


Bob

Bilsteins put on at around 700 miles; ordered from KennedyDiesel. Two of the stock shocks were bad and truck handled/rode terrible. Replaced when wife spun truck 180 on a corner on a snow covered road when even SHE said that the back end was bouncing so bad that she lost it. Replaced them and what a difference in the ride, no bounce and excellent control empty or towing!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

To those with Bilsteins with MANY miles on them.... How long do they last? 5 years, 50K or more?

I can jump up and down in my truck bed and it sits there and continues to bounce about 3 times after I stop. It almost feels like they're dummy shocks with nothing in them. This was like this since new, and with 637 miles on it it still rides and jiggles you.

I realize I should have weight in the bed to make the ride better, but I'm beginning to think that a good set of shocks would work wonders.

Rancho 9000's 5500miles, I love them, took that hop right out. I like the adjustability of them.

To those with Bilsteins with MANY miles on them.... How long do they last? 5 years, 50K or more?

I can jump up and down in my truck bed and it sits there and continues to bounce about 3 times after I stop. It almost feels like they're dummy shocks with nothing in them. This was like this since new, and with 637 miles on it it still rides and jiggles you.

I realize I should have weight in the bed to make the ride better, but I'm beginning to think that a good set of shocks would work wonders.




My 1500 Z71 had over 100,000 miles on it before my Bilstines got weak. Now I am wondering should I go with Bilstiens again for my 2500 HD, or try the Ranchros, Rs 9000?

Personally, with having Rancho RS-5000's on my '90 (they're circa 1992 models though) with about 100K on them. Just observing the overall build quality between those, and my Dad's Bilsteins, there is no comparison. Maybe Rancho has improved, but they still never really impressed me.

I do hear good things about the RS-9000X's though.

I'd still love to ride in a properly shocked REGULAR cab though. As I'm used to an additional 20 some inches of wheelbase in my old Ext cab.

My 1500 Z71 had over 100,000 miles on it before my Bilstines got weak. Now I am wondering should I go with Bilstiens again for my 2500 HD, or try the Ranchros, Rs 9000?





Why mess with success? Have the Bilstiens and love them. They have about 12,000 miles. I sure wish Monroe still made the Gas Magnums, I had a set of those for 160,000 miles and they were still tight.

Like the other thread..... Bilsteinshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I broke the norm and went with Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks. I would highly reccomend them. I ordered mine from E-Shocks.Com.


They also have Rancho and Bilsteins.


http://www.e-shocks.comEdited by: Bronco

Bilsteins at 3,000 miles.


Now at 29,000 and still loving them!

Bronco,


How do the Edelbrock shocks handle on the highway. Inparticular, concrete surfaced highways that tend to make the HD's bounce a bit.Edited by: creech

I've got a set of Billsteins coming from John that should be here any day now...

I'd like to hear more about the Edelbrocks, but the consensus here has me obviously leaning toward the Bilsteins.


Gar

Try them and find out for your selves! You will not be disapointed.


I recomend a comprehensive approach to improving the ride.


First, unless you are at full load you do not need 80PSI in your rears. I reccomend 60-65 all the way around for everyday driving with a load E.


Second, level your truck a little. Either drop the rear via velvet shackle or raise the front a little by the tbars. 3/4" of an inch is nothing at all for the t-bars.


Third, throw a little weight in the rear. Either campershell or sand bags or what ever. You need at least 300LBS to notice a difference.


Fourth after all of this go have a good alingment tech straighten you out.


Fifth, remeber it is a 2500HD and will always be a bumpy SOB!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gifEdited by: Bronco

Fifth, remeber it is a 2500HD and will always be a bumpy SOB!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif





You've got to take a ride in mine. It rides better than my wife's last car, and better than any truck I have ever owned, including the light duty ones.

I find its the concrete Freeways that are the Achilles heel for the HD, The washboard effect is a killer, have Rancho 9000's coming, should help, stock shocks are a joke! Otherwise the ride is good!

Fifth, remeber it is a 2500HD and will always be a bumpy SOB!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif





You've got to take a ride in mine. It rides better than my wife's last car, and better than any truck I have ever owned, including the light duty ones.





Amric,


If your truck rides better then your wifes car, she must have got the short end of the stick. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif


ON EDIT: Amric, I noticed your tires. Are they load E? Big cushy tires will help out alot. The mods. I have done are probally the best you can get with stock suspension and Load range E tires as far as ride improvement.Edited by: Bronco