I just took delivery of a "new" 2004 Silverado K1500, V-8, 5 spd., with 100,000 miles. The body and mechanically are in very good shape - it needs new shocks. My driving style, at least with the 5 spd., is sports truck style, using the gears for acceleration, cornering, braking, etc. I want a good shock, but not breaking the bank. I've narrowed it down to three - Bilstein 4600, Monroe Monotube, and Rancho 5000. I've done a search on this forum and some others, but have come up with very little information. It seems like the Bilstein has good comments from all, the Ranchos, some are critical, and nothing about the Monroes.

FWIW, I had Ranchos on my 1995 K10 5 spd - they were a little stiff, but the handling was very crisp. Right now the handling on the 2004 is a little sloppy, with bouncing over bumps. The good thing about the Ranchos is that I'm able to install them myself, with a minimum of fuss. I'm nit so sure about gas charged shocks - wheel removal, suspension drop and all that.

I'm grateful for any opinions on the three shocks.

 

Generally I say get the bilstein 5100s. Great all around shock with good handling characteristics

 

I have a 2004 Silverado 2wd and had four Monroe shocks installed last summer. I wish it rode firmer, but they do a pretty good job for $100 total for all four of them. They are better than the OEM ones, but far less expensive than some of the higher-end types.

Since yours is a 4x4, you might need stronger ones.

 

Looks like I'll go with Monroe mono tubes. Don't want to order online, and Bilsteins are over $100 each over the counter here in Brownsville, TX. Monroe gas mono tubes are about $60 each. I really liked Ranco 5000 in the past, but no one stocks them locally. I prefer buying locally to facilitate returns if there are figment problems.

 

I just got an 04 1500 Z 71 with 95K on it. I ordered Monroe Reflex shocks from Amazon they were about 45 bucks each. I had them in an 01 1500 and my Dodge 1500 Mega cab also my 05 Durango they ride great and no worry about the on line order you can look them up on the Monroe site to check the application I chose free shipping and had them in a week. (sorry about throwing the two Dodges in with the mix)

 

I just bought Rancho 5000's for the front of my 04 2500 4x4. Really like them over OEM. Still need to get the backs. Bought them from Advance Auto...ordered them Thursday and they were there by 8:00 a.m. the next morning.

 

Just ordered the Monroe mono tubes, 4 for $220 including tax, from Autozone. The Bilsteins would have been about $80 more.

 

Just got and installed the rear Rancho's yesterday. Drove the truck today and it feels alot better over my worn out OEM's. I now have Rancho 5000's on all 4 corners plus a Rancho steering stabilizer.

 

Hi!

Correction - got mine from Advanced Auto Parts, not Auto Zone. Got the Monroe Monotubes, not the Rancho 5000's, although I did look at them when I was there. I had the 5000's on a 1995 SWB and it handled like a sports care.

 

Monroe Monotube Reflex shocks installed with some difficulty. Rust! Fronts literally had to be cut out! The new shocks considerably firm the handling - it's much tighter control now. Next project is the frame and rust.