What should I replace OEM shocks and struts with?

I have searched high and low and cannot find a definitive answer. Everyone says Bilstein/Tenneco/Rancho etc. I do very little offroading, so Im not looking for anything designed for that. I just want an all around good replacement that matches or surpasses the OEM shocks. I dont want to spend more than I have to, but dont mind spending more to get increased life and performance out of them.  Im not certain what I have on it right now. I bought my 11' with 64k on it and now have 95k. I figure its probably time to replace them. The ones that are currently on it are, from what I can tell, red. I cant see any other writing other than the ID tags with what appears to be a part #. I have a 2011 Z71 LS model.

Bilsteins are the way to go on our AV's, 5100's are what most choose. They are self adjusting and will give a smooth ride until you need them and then they firm up instantly to handle the turns and rough stuff.. Double check the PN's for your AV..

Page 441

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/BILSTEIN_Application_Guide_2014.pdf

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsn-24-186940

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsn-24-187237

About how long will they last compared to OEM shocks?

Lifetime...  I've got 200,000 on mine right now...


http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/search-service/warranty/

I've got Rancho RS5000 shocks on mine. about 30,000 miles on them right now. Much stiffer ride compared to the oem shocks. If I was to do it again I'd probably go with the 9000's that are adjustable so you can choose how you want the ride. So adjustable bilsteins are probably the way to go.

That's the beauty of Bilstein's, you don't have to suffer with a stiff ride and then get out to adjust then for the next off-ramp, going off road or an emergency maneuver that you would have to do with a non-self adjusting shock.

They might cost a little more but will outlast most other shocks, best shock out there IMHO..

I have to agree, I did the Ranchos years ago the ride was very unfriendly. I'll stay with Bilstein 5100 way better ride, my AV came with Bilstein 4600 and they are a nice upgrade.

I replaced the factory Bilstein's with Monroe gas magnums at 95K.  I am very satisfied with the ride control of the Monroe's.  Monroe shocks tend to be off the radar screen of many enthusiasts, but, I have used Monroe's for years and have been very happy with their quality and performance.

Don't want to hijack but what about replacing the OEM on a 2003 Avy 1500 4x4 WBH, it has 192,000 on it. All stock as far as I know.
Thanks

JASKIN said:

Don't want to hijack but what about replacing the OEM on a 2003 Avy 1500 4x4 WBH, it has 192,000 on it. All stock as far as I know.
Thanks

Click to expand...

Same shock Bilstein 5100

Thanks