bossman79

It's well past due for me to replace the shocks on my truck (I've had it over five years and never replaced them). I'm trying to get an oppinion from you Chev owners out there. What would be some decent brands that make a good replacement set of shocks? I'm looking for something good for the price but not cheaply made. Also, if you've done the work yourself how would you rate the level of difficulty in changing shocks? To give you an idea I've done minor work like alternator replacement, serpentine belt switch, brake work. Is it something I can do or should I stick with a Mechanic?

in2pro

I would recommend the OEM AC Delco's they have served you well this long that should go that distance again...the 03 has front shocks so they are very do-able..check out this youtube

Joe In NY

Ranchos are awesome.

You do have the regular shocks right? Not the auto ride.

bossman79

No, no auto ride. Just the shocks that came on it.

bossman79

[QUOTE=bossman79;257739]Thanks, the video looks very easy and straightforward. But what about the rear shocks? Should I replace all four at the same time if they have never been replaced?

in2pro

Yes, the rears are just as easy, if not easier... I did my 07 rears without jacking up or removing the tires...
Joe In NY did his by removing the rear wheels , so its up to you....

you are probably looking at about 30 min average to replace each shock...

country_09

Hardest part about replacing the shocks is gettin the new ones pressed in enough to line the holes up. Very easy. And I'll recommend bilstein 5100s. Great shock at about 80 bucks a piece. Shock warehouse can get the whole set for 220-240 I think shipped. Only shock I really recommend to people and never have one bad thing come back on them.

Joe In NY

how do the bilstein 5100's ride compared to stock? my friend did rancho 5000's to his dodge ram, we can go 35 mph over a brutal speed bump and its hardly there! Handles and rides so much better than factory ride... well worth the switch.

bossman79

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm leaning toward the Ranchos5000. Looking around the net and I seem to see nothing but good things said about them performance wise, and they seem to be reasonably priced.

bossman79

Ok....So I'm researching and I see some people pointing out that Rancho 5000's aren't pressurized shocks. I just assumed that all light SUV off road shocks would be pressurized. .
1. Whats the difference (performance wise) in pressurized vs. not pressurized?
2. Seeing as how my driving habits are 95% highway should I even care? Closest I come to off roading is driving through downtown Wash DC or Baltimore (anyone that ever been here knows exactly what I mean).