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Shocks upgrade

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13K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  CallMeCaptain  
#1 ·
My shocks in 2011 GMC 2500 are shot. I haul equipment from time to time and a 5th wheel. Was curious what all components I need to order. Can I just go online and buy front and rear fox 2.0 and then throw them on? Or do I need other u bolts, rubber spacers, etc replaced? Also Bilstein 5100 seems just as good for the price difference as fox 2.0?? Thanks in advance guys. Also side note no joke I have 170k on these original stock (I think rancho is what they put on the Denalis) I bought the truck with 42k miles and I’m just assuming the previous owner didn’t replace prior.
 
#5 ·
Another vote for 5100s. Best bang for the buck. Very happy with the ride quality.
 
#7 ·
Great results with Bilstein 4600's. Fox shocks are rebuildable for a reason, they need rebuilding to last like a Bilstein.
 
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#9 · (Edited)
I'm assuming yours takes the same shocks as mine (Both LMLs and just 1 year apart). The correct shocks don't look like the ones in that picture and the model year is wrong.

They should look like this (note that the rear ones on the right and left are not pictured to scale -- they are much larger than than shown in this picture).

Image


I would call them and make sure they have the right information. Once you have the correct Bilsteins in hand, yes, the boxes will contain everything you need to install them, minus the tools.
 
#11 ·
Nothing wrong with Bilstein's, I've used them before, including motor home. I've found a better way to go if you have changing loads. Go Rancho 9000 which are 9-position adjustable. I switch the original rear Rancho's out on my Silverado 2500HD as soon as I take delivery as we carry a camper almost full time. There is a major difference in ride quality from empty to loaded adjustment. The factory valved-shocks will dampened a loaded bed but it's overkill for an empty bed on the highway. I've used the Rancho 9000 on 1/2 and 3/4 ton Silverado's with great results. They run about $100 each and you won't regret the switch with lifetime warranty. Rancho® Performance Suspension & Shocks
 
#12 ·
Nothing wrong with Bilstein's, I've used them before, including motor home. I've found a better way to go if you have changing loads. Go Rancho 9000 which are 9-position adjustable. I switch the original rear Rancho's out on my Silverado 2500HD as soon as I take delivery as we carry a camper almost full time. There is a major difference in ride quality from empty to loaded adjustment. The factory valved-shocks will dampened a loaded bed but it's overkill for an empty bed on the highway. I've used the Rancho 9000 on 1/2 and 3/4 ton Silverado's with great results. They run about $100 each and you won't regret the switch with lifetime warranty. Rancho® Performance Suspension & Shocks
I just went the link you stated and they don't show shocks for a 2021 2500/3500. I had Rancho's on another truck and they lasted about 5 years; they did replace them though under warantee.
 
#15 ·
Wondering how many miles you have on your ZR2 to warrant replacing your Spool Valves? I know the price is way up there for DSSV (spool valves-shocks) for a replacement but the ride control is amazing. If you don't replace them, the ZR2 won't handle nearly the same under all conditions. We have 38K miles on our ZR2 (2018-Duramax) and it has no sign of becoming loose. We often carry a 1/2 ton of rocks in the bed and tow behind our Silverado with camper. Our bed is always loaded with 100 pounds of fuel, tools and recovery equipment. Photos attached.
 

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