Silverado / Sierra 1500 Shock Guide - Bilstein / Eibach / Fox / King / Icon / Rancho / UCAs
Get comfy and pour yourself a beverage, we've got a lot of shock talk to do. The Chevy Silverado is not short on suspension upgrade options and we've put together an in depth convo here to help you sort through them all.
Table of Contents:
7:24 - Factory Silverado / Sierra Shocks are Sloppy
9:13 - Rancho RS9000XL on the Silverado, they're OK
10:38 - Bilstein 5100 Tightens up the Silverado Handling dramatically
12:52 - Fox 2.0 Snap Ring is very comfortable on the Silverado 1500
15:07 - Fox 2.0 Performance Coilovers give more ride height adjustment
17:11 - Eibach Pro-Truck Coilovers for the Silverado 1500
25:08 - Bilstein 6112 Silverado Shocks are the best shock-per-dollar there is
29:04 - Icon 2.5 Coilovers on the Silverado give great control and offroad performance
33:27 - Icon 2.5 EXP are the aluminum body alternative to the BIlstein 6112
34:47 - Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Shocks for the Silverado give lots of adjustment
38:53 - Fox 2.5 Factory Race Series are perfect for custom tuning your Silverado
41:13 - King Shocks on the Silverado deliver comfort in a lot of terrain
47:17 - Upper Control Arms for the 07-23 Silverado & Sierra 1500
Select your year range Silverado below for more details on the options available for your truck.
Silverado Shock Guide 2019+
www.shocksurpl...
Silverado Shock Guide 2019+ Trail Boss / AT4
www.shocksurpl...
Silverado Shock Guide 2014-2018
www.shocksurpl...
Silverado Shock Guide 2007-2013
www.shocksurpl...
Пікірлер: 99
This is by far the best shock comparison video on KZread. This needs to be the first response on every message board or Facebook thread asking for a shock recommendation. Thanks for the great info!
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
love to hear it! glad we could help
It can’t be overstated. That wheel and tire combo looks great on that truck.
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
Glad you like em, Jeff picked a great combo
@whiskyobsessed953
Күн бұрын
@@ShockSurplus Maybe it's been said already but would like to know the wheel and tire sizes. Thanks!
I just got a new Silverado non Trail Boss with the 2.7. I recently purchased the Dirt King 2.0 coilovers and UCAs and I love them. I wanted to level the truck, upgrade the shocks and install a new UCA to keep everything in spec. The DK coilovers are manufactured by Elka but tested and spec'd inhouse by Dirt King. This is my daily driver and I didn't need the 2.5 with external resi. I appreciate your videos and have learned a lot, from my Bronco to the Silverado, keep up the good work guys!
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
Very nice!
@OscyJack-
4 ай бұрын
Don't forget to buy something from them now and then ;).
@johndm4300
4 ай бұрын
Do they ride firm having the 2.7?
@KingBeast-ze1we
2 ай бұрын
How is it off-roading?
@OscyJack-
2 ай бұрын
@@KingBeast-ze1we ...
I had 3 stets of 5100's. On a 2008 (Access Cab TRD Sport) and 2013 Tacoma (4 Door, 6 foot Bed, TRD Sport). And on a 17 Silverado (LT 5.3). Absolutely loved them. Turned my truck into a "sports truck". Not stiff. Just an awesome shock that performs so well.
@ShockSurplus
18 күн бұрын
thanks for the feedback!
'18 ccsb Z71 here. Running 6112 (extended version) at lowest 1.85", 5160 rears, B8 UCAs. (From shock surplus). PPE tie rods for some steering love, along with some deaver progressive long travel rear springs/shackles/hangars. Rides great. This is an awesome video that is sorely needed on this topic. Those tires are f'd. Go get an alignment lmao
@CaseyJoe1441
5 ай бұрын
Would you mind linking the deaver progressive long travel rear kit? If you don't have it on hand, no worries.
@OscyJack-
5 ай бұрын
@@CaseyJoe1441 It won't let me post a link. But just Google this: Dirt King Silverado long travel progressive leaf springs. Should pop up for your year. Don't forget shackles/hangars. Skipping those and there isn't much point to doing the springs. About $2k fwiw
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
@@CaseyJoe1441this link goes to the kit you can build with the Deaver springs in the back www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-6112-lift-system-2019-2022-chevrolet-silverado-1500
@OscyJack-
5 ай бұрын
@@ShockSurplus don't forget hangars/shackles ;)
@Sum1snrg
4 ай бұрын
Sounds sweet. I have a 2018 silverado 4x4. Not a Z71. Do you ever tow heavy trailers? I do from time to time and have been concerned about lifting and how much it will sag. I want to avoid airbags because I want the rear wheel travel.
Easily the best video I have seen on this subject. Well done, gents!
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
glad you liked it!
Perfect timing for me on this video. Thank you
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
great to hear, what shocks are you thinking about?
Great info guys! A lot of very informative material. You guys really answered a lot of my questions. Keep up the great work!
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! I do have a question on your Silverado. Was there any concern with the cv angles when you installed the AT4 Bilstein 6112’s that gave you the 3.2” front lift?
Going from a simple spacer to having Kings on my trailboss - I have to say it's night and day. I used a series of large speed bumps on a road for comparison. With the spacers, I couldn't exceed 10mph over the bumps and even then it was jolting. With Kings - I can hit the bumps at 40mph comfortably. I do notice that the faster you go with kings, the more comfortable it gets. I have mine adjusted to the softest setting for this as I love a soft, comfortable on road feel.
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
thanks for the feedback on the Kings!
I have a 2020 Silverado LT 5.3 and am about to hit 60k miles, installed fox 2.0 with the trail boss level which gave my truck 4 inches in the front so I had to install 2 inch blocks in rear to match the front. Fox 2.0 went on a week after I got the truck so they are close to 60k miles as well and 305×55R20 cooper stt pro tires. And this combo gave me great towing and highway and off road capabilties. Shocks are still running great. I will buy them again and slap on some 35's next
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
thanks for the feedback, that's a lot of lift up front, hope its all working well
Fantastic Video! My question may be a bit juvenile for you guys, but I found you while looking for the best strut replacement for my stock magnetic ride control unit. I have a stock 2018 GMC Sierra Denali. It’s a 1500, crew cab with the 5.3 V8. I’m looking to get this done ‘in my driveway’. I’d like your recommendations for durability and comfort in a daily driver.
Thank you Shock Surplus for all the info and content! Currently running a RoadActive Suspension (RAS) on a 2022 Silverado 1500 RST 3.0L Duramax to help with squat towing a 6500lb travel trailer. The RAS lifted the back end around 1.5" and looking to lift the front around 2" to counter the additional rake. Would you recommend the Bilstein 5100s or Eibach Pro Truck Sport Leveling Shocks for mainly daily driving with a handful of trips throughout the year towing the travel trailer?
I just want to be able to drive 40mph down these crappy roads in my city without it feeling like my whole truck is going to rattle loose. I do eventually want to get a 4 inch lift and bigger tires. I know the bigger tires should help some.
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
we hear ya! depending on your year, we'd recommend either the Eibach or Fox setup, they really help eat up poor road chatter.
@dheasley2
4 ай бұрын
@ShockSurplus I have a 2019 Silverado custom. I think fox 2.0 would be the best option from what I'm seeing.
Looking into the 2025 Ram 2500 gasser with COIL springs, supposed to be the smoothest, compared to a possible Ford 250 Godzilla gasser which comes with LEAF springs, my other possible choice. I am looking for the smoothest/quietest STREET/HIGHWAY suspension. No off roading with possibly only towing a motorcycle trailer. Yes, the Cadillac ride is what I am looking for. Won't mind losing some bed load lbs capability if I switch out for softer COIL springs in the Ram. May only level out as well as raise/lift only 2-3". Would you recommend changing all 4 OEM Ram COIL springs for softer COIL springs? And what Shocks would you recommend, not for performance, but for smoother highway ride than the OEM shocks? Thanks also for the awesome video and info.
all of the options that work on the silverado should also work on the gmc sierra?
Do you have a recommendation for rear shocks paired with front 6112? Seems there are a lot of recommendations for the 5160s for rears. Just curious of your thoughts.
@OscyJack-
5 ай бұрын
I run mine with the 5160s. If they ever release the 8100 series for the truck, that would be the perfect match. It felt well balanced front to back everywhere except even washboard spacing. The rear stock leaf springs aren't adequate for that. Added a +1 (2.25") rear block. Really killed the balance of the setup. Switched to progressive long travel leaf springs at +1.5". Smooth as hell now. Awesome combo. Gets you 90% to a $8k setup for only 60% the price.
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
The 5100s are more for the daily drive, tighter control than the 5160s. The 5160s are softer overall on bump compliance, and feel smoother offroad in the rougher / faster terrain.
‘18 Silverado 2500HD gas, 4x4, some towing w/travel trailer, any testing or comparison videos? Looking into Fox 2.0, Eibach, Bilstein 4600
I have a 2020 Silverado z71 with a 6 inch lift from rough country with the stock shocks on the front and rough country shocks on the rear what’s a good shock the will help get rid of the body role and bounce that I’m getting
I have 2020 LT Trail Boss I’ve been watching the channel for while. I’ve been considering upgrading to the Eibach’s; but was curious if you guys had any experience Elka at all?
Good info. Of the Fox performance elite 2.5 and Bilstein 6112's which shock would be softer around town and wash board roads?
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
The Performance Elite's adjustability cant be understated, we'd go with those if they're in the budget www.shocksurplus.com/products/fox-2-5-performance-elite-adjustable-w-reservoir-set-for-2019-2022-chevrolet-silverado-1500-w-3-5-lift?variant=40153385566257
Question guys. We're starting to see increasing complaints about the Multimatic DSSV dampeners failing in ZR2 models, especially with low kms. Due to this, owners and shops are looking for an alternative option of shock. Can we fit the Eibach pro-truck 2r kit to the ZR2's without issue?
Kings are the way to go 🫶🏽! Have bought them for both my 16 and 18 single cab z71.
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
they're definitely nice! throw a set of SDI eclik electronic reservoirs on there when its time for service =)
Yes
I daily drive a 2017 Z71 and mainly haul people on crappy Wisconsin roads. Looking more for a comfort upgrade from the factory Rancho’s. Already have a 2” level and would like end result to still be level. Not looking to spend a ton but willing to make an investment if need be. Thoughts? Thanks!
Do you guys ship to Canada?
SwayAWay for the win
What about the PSI for the 2,5 shocks how much psi do you recommend
I have been a Toyota truck owner since 1981 and have just gone to a Chevy 1500. The worst thing is the rear shock mount. Are there any solutions for remounting so it is either outboard (like the toyota) or to raise them. I'm guessing I'm going to rip the stock mount off my first run off road
I’m looking at getting an extra 2.5- 3.5 lift on my diesel trail boss. I don’t do a ton of off-roading but would like something to handle towing better and feel comfortable for daily driving. 90% pavement. Any suggestions? Money is not an issue but don’t want to pay for something I won’t really benefit from. Thanks in advance!
I like the Dobinsons MRR and Bilstein 8112, but I wonder if I can get a lower lift than what they are specked for. I have a 2021 Tundra 4x4 Crew Max and I do not want to go more than 0.9" or I can stay factory height. Is that possible?
I see the 1” Eibach block on the back of the truck. What height did he have the pro truck coils set to to get it to sit level with the block in the rear?
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
The front coilovers were set to 2" of lift which was their maximum with the diesel motor. From there we checked lengths and figured out we could get away with 1/2" lift spacer without CV bind, so we got it up to 2.5" of lift.
@timluscombe4949
5 ай бұрын
@@ShockSurplus this helps a lot, thank you for the reply!
The fox 2.5 factory series uses a 700lb spring. Would swapping to a 650lb spring be a good option to reduce some firmness on road but maintain performance for low speed trails on a factory weight truck?
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
yes a softer spring definitely helps with overall comfort
Whats the wheel/tire setup on that Silverado?
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
The wheels are a 17x8.5 ET0 (4.75 BS) 4WP T Series wheel with 305/70R17 Cooper AT3 tires
I drive 10 hours on the highway, twice each week. I have a 2022 silverado 1500 rst duramax, im asking what you think is best for highway driving ? I dont do any off roading at all, and i traded in a Lexus to get this truck, trying to have a great ride !
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
Eibach would be a good choice to improve the sloppy shocks that thing comes with. Fox 2.0 would be a tad softer than Eibach but maintain similar handling, but also more expensive. www.shocksurplus.com/products/eibach-pro-truck-sport-strut-shocks-set-for-2019-2024-chevrolet-silverado-1500-4wd-rwd-w-0-2-5-lift
27:23: My plan is to put the trail boss 5100s on my “normal” 2022 Silverado ltd 4x4, set on “1.1” and paired with the readylift 2-4” UCAs, then 1-3” 5100s and 2” blocks in the rear. And stock 18” wheels with 275 70 tires. Sound like a solid plan? Anything else to consider with this setup besides tires potentially rubbing on UCAs?… which I think will be fine at that width.
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
Sounds like a plan, we can get you readylift UCAs as well, they're not on our site currently but we do sell, as well as the 2" rear blocks. Email sean@shocksurplus.com and we can help make it happen
@KM-lj2wk
2 ай бұрын
@@ShockSurplussounds good, any concern for the cv angles at 3” in the front? It doesn’t look like anyone offers a diff drop for it yet.
How would you rank 6112/5160 vs EXP for a daily/mild offroad truck that carries weight (3.0 Duramax, camping stuff in the back)? Are the OME MT64 worth waiting for compared to the 6112 or EXP? See some snow here in Virginia, how important is getting aluminum (Icon EXP, OME MT64) vs steel (Bilstein 6112)?
@OscyJack-
5 ай бұрын
OME makes fantastic stuff. Unless youve seen a Chevy specific release mentioned I wouldn't get your hopes there. They tend not to show much love for GM, though, anything can be adapted. I run the extended 6112 on my 18, with B8 UCAs, 5160 rear and +1.5" long travel progressive leafs w/ hangars/shackle. My buddy runs the same kit with icon exp. Only difference is he has a 7leaf rear vs my 13. And he has bags (for towing) whereas I have none. He spent $7k I spent $4k. The differences are very slight. He has a little more max droop (delta vs ball joint most likely), and a little bit softer bottom out at high speed. Otherwise, they honestly behave very similarly. I'm happy saving the $3k, which can be used elsewhere in the build without really any sacrifice. Steel vs aluminum, only concern really is rust. I just got through my first Michigan winter with them, still shiny. I wash my under carriage all the time and keep things oiled underneath. Aluminum will shed some heat better but with a 2.6 shock that is not much of a concern unless you're competing.
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
i doubt we're going to see the MT64 on any of the GM models, they haven't even been teased yet, while all the popular Toyota apps are waiting on orders to be filled. Bilstein's sealing packages *seem* to provide a longer life to their shocks than Icon's more performance-oriented seal package. Icon shocks need service eventually, Bilstein usually dont.
Have a tremor,im fine with the way it rides,i do mostly on road but do off road on trailes every month but i can't stajd the rake so i need to level truck ,what should i do to retain ride quality bu5 get that front leveled
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
tremor f250 or f150? recommendation will be different between vehicles. email support@shocksurplus.com and we can get you some recommendations
Will Silverado’s with the 2.7 ride significantly different with a lot of these shocks? Icon website notes some of their shocks aren’t compatible with trucks equipped with the 4 cylinder. Not sure why though.
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
The 4cyl engine is a lot lighter than the v8 or diesel engines they usually test with, so spring rates aren't appropriate for an engine or front end that weighs 100-200lbs less. So if you ran the shocks / coilovers, then it may feel pretty firm in the front due to being 'over-sprung'
@johndm4300
4 ай бұрын
@@ShockSurplus thanks for the reply. What would you recommend for a Trailboss with the 2.7? I’m shopping between the bilstein 6112 & 5160 kit and eibach stage 2 (I’m not looking to lift), but wonder if maybe I should step up to king 2.5’s and run on softer settings. I drive down rough lease roads often, but speeds only range 25-40 MPH
I have a2014 silverado 1500 with a bds 6" lift. What shocks and struts fit my truck and do I need a 2" shock with spacers?
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
Depends which brand you want to go with Bilstein fronts - 24-238304 Bilstein rears - 24-186636 We have them on our site - www.shocksurplus.com
Would the eibach stage 2 kit work on a stock 23 Trailboss if I’m not looking to gain any lift?
@OscyJack-
5 ай бұрын
Yes
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
Yes
Hello, I have a 2018 tundra with a 6” ready lift kit on with Bilstein 5100 struts and factory springs on snap rings set to lower slot. With spacer on top of struts I would like to upgrade to a struts set up with out a top spacer. What do you recommend for this setup.thanks
I got the fox 2.5s cause I want to jump and break shit lmao
Is it possible to revalve the fox elite 2.5’s to be better or more comfortable than the fox 2.0 on pavement?
@Cstepp
5 ай бұрын
100% but I wouldn’t get 2.5s for daily driving
@OscyJack-
5 ай бұрын
Yes.
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
Yes we could retune them to be more compliant onroad, but when you mean "better" - what do you mean specifically?
@richardisaksen9366
5 ай бұрын
What I mean is the fox 2.5’s ability to be tuned for better off-road ability while still being more comfortable on road.
@OscyJack-
5 ай бұрын
@@richardisaksen9366 there is a lot more than on road and off road, into what makes something better or best or subjectively ride better or best. What's comfortable to you could be dog water to someone else. The equipment is built for use case scenarios. If you don't have the use case, it's not a good fit. If you have the use case but hate the ride, change your use case. There are not usually one size fits all solutions when you get into the actual aftermarket. The one size solutions for trucks is generally the entry models. Ranchos, spacers, Bilstein 5100s, eibach stage 1/2/2r etc. You may have to play around with a few options before you find what you like.
ADS? I've never seen you test ADS on any vehicle
@ShockSurplus
2 ай бұрын
We haven't tested ADS yet, we dont get much demand there
My shit rubbing my control arm like crazy🤣
1st
@ShockSurplus
5 ай бұрын
thanks for the support!
Anyone else experience very bouncy 6112’s?
@ShockSurplus
4 ай бұрын
in what manner? on the pavement? in the dirt? if you drive slow'ish through rocky/moderate terrain, it could feel that way.
@Abelmarin4
4 ай бұрын
@@ShockSurplus I’d say both it feels like a blown shock that just keeps bouncing on the springs, seen a couple other people have this claim as well on Reddit so I’ll try to warranty them.