Shock recommendations?

[ScottyBoy]

I have been needing some new shocks for the Burban for a few months now. Now that I got a few bucks back on my tax return, its time to pull the trigger. Any recommendations on what I should get?
I do 95% street driving, and 5% off road (dirt roads really). Comfortable ride and good handling are what I am mainly looking for. I'd like to keep cost as low as possible without compromising quality. My MAX budget is $500 for all four.

Also, I do NOT have the "Auto suspension" option, but I do have the Nivomat load leveling shocks in the rear. I do not mind switching to regular rear shocks to save some money.

 

[66nova]

I just installed bilstein shock I got from Only been on for 48 hours or so, but big improvement.

 

[drperry]

I was very happy with my KYB GR-2's that I bought for the rear of my Blazer.

Rock Auto has 'em between $30 - $45 each.

KYB Does make a Nivomat load levelling replacement shock... But they're $250 each...

If you don't haul much heavy loads, or need the levelling effect, they GR-2's should work just fine for ya!

And later on, if you need some levelling help, you can always add airbags... The kit is probably pretty cheap down in the US of A.

 

[daddy]

Scotty, You will have to change the springs if you replace the Nivomats with a normal shock. That said, it's still the cheaper option. Wish I hadn't thrown mine out now.

 

[dirtyoldman]

I'm going to vote for KYB MonoMax monotubes,not terribly expensive and a very good shock.I have a set on my Burb,firm without being harsh.

 

[ksblacksilvy]

I really like my Bilstein 5100's, they made the truck much more stable at speed. I do a lot of dirt road driving and they made the ride a little harder but the truck handles much better over humps and whoops in the road. Plus, they're shiny.

 

[Davy120]

I personally love my skyjacker nitro 8000. My buddy has bilsteins 5100s on the rear end of his prerunner in the making and I feel my shocks out performed his. But he's running king coilovers up front so can't compete with that Haha. And the 8000 are cheaper too I got all 4 for about 175 shipped to my door.

A modder is never truly done, he is merely delayed!

 

[daddy]

Another Bilstein vote, BTW. I have them on the front of the white Tahoe and they've been great.

 

[ScottyBoy]

I was very happy with my KYB GR-2's that I bought for the rear of my Blazer.

Rock Auto has 'em between $30 - $45 each.

KYB Does make a Nivomat load levelling replacement shock... But they're $250 each...

If you don't haul much heavy loads, or need the levelling effect, they GR-2's should work just fine for ya!

And later on, if you need some levelling help, you can always add airbags... The kit is probably pretty cheap down in the US of A.

I put the GR-2's in the wires 05 Altima last year (or maybe it was in 2011). I LOVE the way the car handles now, but the only drawback is that now you can feel EVERY little bump in the road.
But if I cannot have both ride comfort AND great handling, I guess handling would be more important then.

 

[ScottyBoy]

Scotty, You will have to change the springs if you replace the Nivomats with a normal shock. That said, it's still the cheaper option. Wish I hadn't thrown mine out now.

I have heard that as well. I was gonna try first with my original springs and if it sags too much or bottoms out then I will either replace the springs or get ride rite airbags to go inside the springs.
Several folks on TYF forums have replaced the Nivomats on their Tahoes and kept the stock springs and claimed it was just fine. One guy said he put Z71 Tahoe springs on his and it actually raised the ass end about 3/4 inch. I wonder if Tahoe springs are rated to hold up a Suburban?