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

Question: I replaced my worn out shocks with some gas shocks from a local autoparts store. They are crap. I was told to try liquid (no gas) shocks. Can you recommend a brand.

Answer: There are basically no shocks sold today that aren’t gas pressurized, and if there are any available for your truck you really don’t want them. Shocks are gas pressurized so that when the shock moves up and down over and over, such as when riding on a rough road or even a twisty one, the hydraulic fluid doesn’t become over heated, which causes the shock to lose dampening power. There are huge differences in the quality of gas shocks though, and if you’re looking for something that will
give you great control over the truck, for towing, hauling, offroading or just daily driving, you should upgrade to a monotube shock. Monotube shocks resist fade even better than a traditional twin tube gas shock and are specifically valved for your application to provide the best ride and handling possible.

We have a few different monotube shocks available for your truck:

The KYB Monomax is available for truck that do not have a 137 or 156-inch
wheelbase:
KYB Monomax Front Shock 2001 Ford F250 4×4

KYB Monomax Rear Shock 2001 Ford F250 4×4

The Edelbrock IAS Performer:
Edelbrock IAS Performer Front Shock 2001 Ford F250 4×4

Edelbrock IAS Performer Rear Shock 2001 Ford F250 4×4

And the Bilstein Heavy Duty, which is our most popular shock for the F250:
Bilstein Heavy Duty Front Shock 2001 Ford F250 4×4

Bilstein Heavy Duty Rear Shock 2001 Ford F250 4×4

Question: Planning to replace struts, shocks, axle dampner’s and all bushings, etc. Looking at putting KYB Gasajust (P/N KG9023) shocks on rear axle. What would be a good strut for the front that will give an equal balanced performance with the Gasajust shocks on the rear? I am looking for better performance than the KYB GR2 series replacement struts.

Answer: you have three good choices to pair with the Gasajust shocks you’re getting for the rear that will all give you great handling. We have high pressure monotube struts available from Bilstein and Edelbrock, which you can see
here:
3381 Edelbrock Performer IAS Front Strut 2001 Ford Mustang GT

F4-V36-4138-H5 Bilstein Heavy Duty Front Strut 2001 Ford Mustang GT
And a manually adjustable twin-tube KYB AGX:

734014 KYB AGX Adjustable Front Strut 2001 Ford Mustang GT
The KYB is the least expensive, and is great for street cars because you can set the stiffness of the struts to your preference, but if you’re planning on doing extended periods of aggressive driving like track days for example, the monotube shocks may be a better choice for you, as they resist fade much better than a twin tube unit when heated up.

What is your driving style: Normal Driver
Vehicle Setup: Four Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Regular Shocks or Struts

Question: Hi, I just recieved my order of Bilstein shocks from  you and I have a question on installation.  From the way I see it, up  front the dust boot is going to be on the top, while on the rear shocks  the dust boot will be on bottom.  Is this correct that they will be  opposite of each other?  Is it correct to assume that they are stickered  to be installed so that the writing is right side up?

Answer: Generally the sticker method is a pretty good way to determine which side should be up with a shock.  On a monotube shock like a Bilstein, the shock can actually be mounted either way and still work properly (unlike a traditional twin tube unit) So if the shocks fit properly and there are no clearance issues, you’ll be safe with them either way.  Typically the shocks are designed to be installed boot up, but because Bilstein shocks have a larger body than a typical OEM shock, some are designed to be installed boot down.

Question: 1970, f250, camper special. lookin for a “stiffer” ride. been running the gas magnums for a while, kinda sloppy. is the kyb gas-a-just the way to go?truck is restored and is stock height. concerned the monomax may be too much.

Answer: The KYB’s are a great choice for stiffening the ride of your truck. Monroes do tend to be a bit sloppier in the way that the valving is setup in comparison to the KYB’s. Monroe uses a twin-tube design, which is great for OEM replacements, but KYB uses a mono-tube design for more control, better heat dissipation, and longer life.

1970 Ford F-250 Front Shocks – KYB Gasajust

1970 Ford F250 Rear Shocks – KYB Gasajust

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

Question:
I’m trying to figure out the differences between the Rancho RS5000 and 9000 as well as the Bilstein Heavy Duty and the 5100s.  I do a lot of everyday driving, but I also go off road and do work in my  truck.  Also it has 295/65/20s and a Truxxx leveling kit. On my old 1/2  ton GMC I ran the old Gabriel coil spring assist rear shocks and their  heaviest front shocks.  Right now in my current truck I’m getting a lot of axle hop and longer recovery time.  Any guidance will be appreciated.

Answer:

The Rancho RS5000 will be a basic OEM replacement shock, while the RS9000 is adjustable for the level of ride comfort / performance that you want.  The Bilstein Heavy Duty is a high pressure monotube shock that will give you a firmer, more controlled ride while towing, hauling, offroading, or just highway driving.  The 5100 series is a stiffer monotube shock designed to be able to level your truck by lifting the spring seat between 0.5″ and 2″.  With a leveling kit already installed, you’ll want to use the Bilstein 5100 shocks, the front is logner than a standard unit to compensate for the suspension lift.  You can see those parts here:

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4wd aftermarket Shocks and Suspension

Question:

I have a 2007 BMW X5 and want to replace my worn out shocks and struts, and I think I should upgrade them at the same time.  I have done some aftermarket engine mods to my X5 3.0 to give it more power and want to work on the suspension now.  Do you have any aftermarket shocks and struts that will give my X5 better handling?

Answer:

Yes we do! the Billstein Heavy Duty series of shocks and struts will give you a firmer, more controlled ride than your factory units and reduce your body roll in corners, nosedive while braking, and squat while accelerating.  You’ll have a lot better handling and more confidence to throw your X5 through the turns.  You can see those here:

2007 – 2010 BMW X5 Front Shocks

2007 – 2010 BMW X5 Rear Right Shock

2007 – 2010 BMW X5 Rear Left Shock

Question:
I’m looking for a set of shocks (bilstein) front and rear.  The truck is a 1972 chevy C10 with coil springs all the way around.Can you help me with this? Thanks.

Answer:
Bilstein makes a front shock for your truck, but doesn’t have a rear shock right now. We do have a couple options for high quality rear shocks that will pair well with the Bilsteins. The KYB Gasajust is a softer, less expensive monotube shock that will be more suited to relaxed driving. The Edelbrock IAS Classic is a stiffer, more performance oriented shock that will give you the best handling. Both of those shocks are high pressure monotubes that will give your truck much better handling than a factory style twin tube shock would.
1972 Chevy C10 Front Shock Bilstein Heavy Duty
1972 Chevy C10 Rear Shock for Coil Spring Trucks KYB Gasajust
1972 Chevy C10 Rear Shock for Coil Spring Trucks Edelbrock IAS Classic

Question:
I have a 1500 Z71 package. I just wanted to know why I can’t use the monroe sensa-trac with the Z71 package? Thanks!

Answer:
There is no fitment issue with using a standard shock on a Z71 model truck, Monroe doesn’t advise it because it won’t restore your handling to the same level it was from the factory. The Z71 package came with high pressure monotube shocks for offroading, so if you want to restore the factory ride you’ll need an equivalent shock. Using a low pressure twin tube shock like the sensatrac will give you a ride similar to the standard 1500 pickups.

2002 Chevrolet Silverado Shocks