hello all,

what are the best shock absorbers which can give the smoothest ride for the tahoe?

 

Hi,
If you have the Autoride Suspension System option on your Tahoe (standard on LT Premium), what i have understand you need to go with original shocks if you want the system to work.

Otherwise i really like the Edelbrock or Koni shocks but they are a bit expensive, Skyjacker has lower price (and a bit lower quality) but runs really good on 4x4 vehicles.

Good luck!

(I will follow this to see if there is any aftermarket shock for the autoride system...)

 

Autoride was an option available on all LT package Tahoe's in 2001, the "LT" emblem on the C-Pillar will have the words "Autoride" on it if your Tahoe has that equippment, or you can look for Autoride option code Z55 on the option list in the glove box.

The stock factory shocks are pretty decent units for most people and they will last well over 100K miles, the stock 46mm Bilsteins on the Z71 models are even better, sometimes you can go around to a few of the places in town that install lift kits and they will give you (or charge very little) for a complete set of new or nearly new take-off shocks.
If you really want to improve the ride and over all feel of the vehicle you may want to consider replacing all the rubber suspension bushings and body mounts too, they harden over time and that's where most of that new car feel goes.

 

sorry for the late reply,

my Tahoe is a LS 4x4 5.3L, it was imported from Wisconsin with about 97kmiles one it.. so i think the absorbers need to be changed... what i want is something good when i am on the sand in 4wd mode.. and something that gives me a premium drive while on the street..

how can i know if its autoride?

 

Are you joking or did you not read anything above?

 

sorry about that reply... pretty sick here wasnt consintrating...one more question here.. i have been looking around in some websites.. and i see there are some hydrolic adjustable shocks... are those much better than the non-hydrolic in the smoothness of the ride? or is it just fot autoadjusting the hight level of the car if its loaded.??

thanks

 

All shocks are hydraulic meaning simply that there is fluid in the unit that is used to dampen motion.
Most modern shocks are also charged with Nitrogen gas (called Nitro or Gas) under pressure as well, this enhances the shocks ability to rebound quickly and help the tire stay connected.
You can go crazy reviewing all of the many offerings in after-market shock absorbers but when all is said and done the best shock manufacturers are:

Tokico
Bilstein
KYB
Rancho
Koni
And even the premium lines from Gabriel and Monroe.
What you want to look for is a Monotube design with a large piston diameter and gas charged.

 

thanks for all the info...

i will be looking for something the comming weekend... one last question on this subject.. is changing the shocks a job which can be done at home?? or do i have to take it to a shop??

thanks,

 

it should be a good suspension system which are responsible for maintaining relationship between wheels and the frame, allowing them to move in perfect coordination with each other. And efficiency of this system is derived from its fine tuned components such as the chevrolet tahoe shock absorbers..