Answer: Chevrolet switched their normal naming in 1987 from the K series (K10, K20, K30) for four-wheel drive trucks and C Series (C10, C20, C30) for two-wheel drive trucks to the V series (V10, V20, V30) for 4WD and R series for 2WD (R10, R20, R30)  This same change was made to the Suburban and Blazer and the GMC Sierra and Jimmy.  GM only kept the V and R naming for five years, so any truck made between 1987 and 1991 will use these names (GM changed the naming in 1989 to the more modern 1500/ 2500/ 3500 naming scheme, so any 1989, 1990 or 1991 truck will be a V1500/ V2500/ V3500 or R1500/ R2500/ R3500.

We include the V series trucks with the K series and the R series with the C series  because most customers associate 4WD with the K name and 2D with the C name.

For your 1988 V10, you can see the shocks that will fit here:

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3820&selected_year=1988

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These popular kits designed to eliminate the rear air leveling on the 1997-2005 Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue, 2006-2010 Buick Lucerne, 1995-1999 Buick Riviera, 1998-2005 Cadillac Deville, 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville, 1995-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora and 2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville.

These kits completely eliminate the rear air leveling on GM cars while retaining the stock ride height and feel and will not cause any warning lights to come on.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm?id=869197

Question: Does the Z71 suspension require a special shock ?

Answer: The Z71 suspension uses high pressure monotube shocks from the factory, so we recommend replacing those with similar units so that your truck’s handling isn’t adversely affected by swapping out the shocks. We have a few great choices, all of which will perform as well or better than the factory shocks.
The KYB Monomax, Monroe Reflex Monotube and Bilstein Heavy Duty are all good choices for your Z71.

KYB Monomax Front Shock – 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71

KYB Monomax Rear Shock – 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71

Monroe Reflex Monotube Front Shock – 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71

Monroe Reflex Monotube Rear Shock – 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71

Bilstein Heavy Duty Front Shock – 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71

Bilstein Heavy Duty Rear Shock – 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71

Additional Comments: I have a crew cab 2500HD 6.6L diesel
I would like the truck to handle better yet be able to tow a full load with trailer and snowplow. Also if you could suggest some adjustable performance shock as well. Thank you

Answer: For the load(s) I would recommend using Air Lift products 52212 Airlift Air Spring for 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 for the front, and 52202 Airlift Air Spring for 2002 Chevy Silverado for the rear. These will allow you to keep the truck at the appropriate height whilst either towing a trailer in the rear, or using a snow plow up front.

The shocks I would recommend are the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks, but if you’re looking for an adjustable shocks you can go with the Rancho RS9000X Series. Those shocks can be seen on our website by clicking on the link below.

2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 Air Springs and Shocks

Answer: We have a set of Bilstein 5100s designed for 0-2.5 inches of lift in the front and 0-1 in the rear, you can see those here:
2005 Chevy Tahoe 4×4 Bilstein 5100 Front Shock – 0-2.5 inches lift
2003 Chevy Tahoe 4×4 Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock – 0-1 inches lift

What is your driving style: Normal Driver

Vehicle Setup: 4 Wheel Drive

Suspension Type: Regular Shocks or Struts

Question: My S-10 Blazer is a 4-door LS model with the towing package.  It has the larger 4.3 V6. Even though it doesn’t have the ZR2 setup, I do want a good heavy duty type shock that would work well for towing.  Not just a fluffy stock shock.  Could you recommend the best model from either the Monroe, Bilstein or KYB lines that would work?  What would you consider to be the best shock out of them all? What would you buy for your own vehicle?  You guys deal in this stuff all of the time.  I figure that you know more about the differences.  Also, does a 98 Blazer have a stearing stabalizer shock on it?  Can I add one if it does not and will it make a difference or help? Thanks.

Answer: The best shock that we offer for your vehicle is the Heavy Duty shock from Bilstein. The next best choice would be the KYB Monomax, or the IAS Performer from Edelbrock. These are all monotube high pressure gas designs, and provide a much better ride over a stock shock. I would go with the Bilsteins because they are rated at 360 PSI which helps reduce aeration, and they’re valved to adjust to the ever-changing road conditions. You can see the options at our website by clicking on the link I have provided below.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3780&selected_year=1998

Question:  I’m looking for a performance shock for my 1958 Chevrolet Impala.  Do you have anything that will fit and give me better handling?

Answer:

KYB offers a mono-tube Gasajust shock/strut for your vehicle. This will give you a better ride over a twin-tube design such as the Monroe Sensatrac’s, or the KYB GR2’s. You can see all of the options on our website. The link below will take you to the shocks/struts we have available for your vehicle.

1958 Chevrolet Impala Aftermarket Shocks.

Question I have an extended cab 2wd 2002 silverado i am looking for a shock to reduce rear end bounce on the highway. What shocks would be best for that?

Answer:The best shocks we have for your truck are the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks. They are high pressure monotube shocks that will give you a firmer, more controlled ride, which will reduce your truck’s bounce on the highway as well as give you more control for towing, hauling, or driving on rough roads.  You can see those here:
Front -
2002 Chevy Silverado 2wd Front Shocks – Bilstein Heavy Duty
Rear -
2002 Chevy Silverado Rear Shocks – Bilstein Heavy Duty

Question: I AM INSTALLING A FRONT SUSPENSION LEVELING SET ON MY  TRUCK WHICH WILL RAISE THE FRONT ABOUT 2 INCHES. I AM LOOKING FOR A SET OF  SHOCKS THAT WILL FIT.

Answer: The best shocks we have for a leveled truck are the Bilstein 5100 series. These are high pressure monotube shocks that will give you more control for offroading or highway driving and are specifically designed for leveled trucks.  You can see those here:
2006 Chevy Silverado 4×4 Front Shocks for Leveling Kit
and the matching rear set, which is designed for stock height or up to 1 inch of lift:
2006 Chevy Silverado 4×4 Rear Shocks for Leveling Kit

Question: With the extra weight of the Duramax diesel, Do I need the  5100 series Bilstien or will the heavy duty Yellow Bilstien shocks work?

Answer:

The Bilstein heavy Duty is designed to work with diesel powered trucks, and will be an upgrade over the factory shocks, but many of our customers prefer the extra stiffness of the 5100 to give them as much control as possible with the heavier diesel engine.  You can see the 5100s here:
2006 Chevy 2500 4×4 Front Shocks – Bilstein 5100
2006 Chevy 2500 4×4 Rear Shocks – Bilstein 5100

And the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks here:

2006 Chevy 2500 4×4 Front Shocks – Bilstein Heavy Duty

2006 Chevy 2500 4×4 Rear  Shocks – Bilstein Heavy Duty