What is your driving style: Extreme Conditions

Vehicle Setup: 4 Wheel Drive

Suspension Type: Regular Shocks or Struts

Question: I’m shopping for shocks for a 2004 Hummer H2 that has been armored for use in Iraq, it has about 2,000 lbs of extra weight added and it will be used in some very harsh conditions

Answer: Your best bet will be the Bilstein 5100 series shocks built specifically for the Hummer H2.  Normally the Bilstein 5100 series offroad shocks are only available for lifted trucks, but for the H2, they are actually designed for stock height trucks.  These will give you the extra control you need with the heavy armor on the truck.

2004 Hummer H2 Bilstein 5100 Front Shock

2004 Hummer H2 Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock

What is your driving style: Normal Driver

Vehicle Setup: 4 Wheel Drive

Suspension Type: Regular Shocks or Struts

Question: Truck has towing package.  I regularly tow a 27′ RV and occasionally haul firewood in the bed.  Looking for recommendation for a front strut (OEM struts have spring coils) and rear shock that best fits this need.  Only travel off-road occasionally.

Answer: We carry a variety of options for your application. I would prefer Bilstein Heavy Duty’s, as they will probably last the longest, and provide you the smoothest ride. You can see the options we have available on our website by clicking on the link below.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3997&selected_year=2005

Chassis Designation: SUV

What is your driving style: Offroad Driver

Vehicle Setup: 4×4

Suspension Type: Lifted Suspension

Question: I have a 4″ suspension lift on my 1991 Ford F150 4×4 with quad shocks and it has some crappy store brand shocks on it now.  My offroader friend says to get ANYTHING better than these, do you have anything for a 4″ lift and quad shocks

Answer: We carry Bilstein 5100 series shocks for a four inch lifted 91 F150 4wd with quad shocks, and these high pressure monotube Bilsteins will give you better handling both on and off road as well as taking a lot of abuse.  These will be a huge upgrade over the cheap shocks you have on now.

Front Primary Shock for 1991 Ford F150 4×4 with 4″ Lift and Quad Shocks – Bilstein 5100 Series

Front Auxiliary Shock for 1991 Ford F150 4×4 with 4″ Lift and Quad Shocks – Bilstein 5100 Series

Rear Shock for 1991 Ford F150 4×4 with 4″ Lift and Quad Shocks – Bilstein 5100 Series

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: Vehicle has 174,000  miles and when first bought at 112,000 replaced all with Monroe Sensortrac shocks.  Always road hard and was thinking about going with the RS5000 set…with a new Monroe SC2958 Axle dampening shock as this was never replaced.  Was told it never needs to be replaced from a Ford dealer.  Possible use in future as a work vehicle so not sure if I should stay with Monroe.  I understand being a short wheelbase vehicle makes it rough ride but was curious if the RS5000 is a better shock than the Monroe to give a better ride.  All suggestions would be appreciated.  Does Rancho make an axle dampening shock for this vehicle  ?

Answer: Rancho doesn’t make an axle dampener for your application, but Monroe and Bilstein do. There are a few options for your application when it comes to shocks. You can see all of the options for your application at our website here:

1997 Ford Explorer Aftermarket Shocks

I would recommend Bilstein if you do intend to use the truck for commercial/work use. The Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks are specifically designed to handle the tougher loads.

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

Question:

I use my 2007 Chevy Uplander van for work and usually put very heavy loads in it, The van doesn’t sag but it handles terribly, do you have anything that will improve the van’s handling?

Answer:

We have a KYB Gasajust performance shock available for the rear of your van and a KYB GR2 strut available for the front.  I would recommend this set up for the best possible performance with heavy loads in the back of your van.

2007 Chevy Uplander Van Aftermarket Shocks and Struts

Question:

I need new shocks for my 2007 Hummer H2 but there are a lot of options on your site, can you explain what the differences are?

Answer:

It can be complicated with so many choices, but you’re lucky there’s a lot of aftermarket support for the H2.  If you’re looking for a basic OEM replacement shock, we have a Rancho RS5000 that will give you a soft ride.  If you do any aggressive driving, towing, offroading, or just want the truck to be planted on the road for safety, I recommend the Bilstein heavy Duty or KYB Monomax lines.  If you’re looking for a sort of middle ground between performance and softness, the KYB Gasajust and Monroe Reflex Monotube are both good choices.  You can see all of those here:
2007 Hummer H2 Aftermarket Shocks

Question:

Our van is for highway driving and we tow a 18′  pontoon boat. Because conversions add weight I think our shocks should be heavy duty. Is that correct

Answer:

You’re absolutely right, with the extra weight of your conversion van and the boat you tow, Heavy Duty shocks will be needed to keep you safe and in control, expecially at highway speeds and on rough roads.  I think your best bet will be the Bilstein Heavy Duty or KYB Monomax shocks.  Both are very well built heavy duty high pressure monotubes that will take whatever you throw at them.  You can see those here:

1997 Ford E150 Aftermarket Front Shocks – Bilstein Heavy Duty
1997 Ford E150 Aftermarket Rear Shocks – Bilstein Heavy Duty
1997 Ford E150 Aftermarket Front Shocks – KYB Monomax
1997 Ford E150 Aftermarket Rear Shocks – KYB Monomax

F 250  2 1/2 doors need new shocks and also need to make the rear more strong for work loads and towing at least 12000 pounds
The best shocks for towing and hauling with your truck are the Bilstein Heavy Duty, they will give you much more control and better stability, especially at highway speeds.  You can see those here:

2001 Ford F250 4×4 Front Shocks for Towing – Bilstein Heavy Duty

2001 Ford F250 4×4 Rear Shocks for Towing – Bilstein Heavy Duty

To add extra towing/hauling capacity to your truck, I think your best bet is an airlift superduty kit, this is a heavy duty airbag that works alongside your springs and shocks and can be inflated when you need the extra capacity but can be deflated for daily driving.  There are actually three different kits available for the 01 F250, depending on  what kind of towing hitch your truck uses.  You can see those here:
2001 Ford F250 4wd Aftermarket Shocks and Suspension
You’ll just need to scroll down about a page to see them.

If you’re looking to replace your steering stabilizer too, I recommend the
Bilstein unit you can see here:
2001 Ford F250 4×4 Steering Stabilizer – Bilstein