If Bilsteins are naturally firm, I need something else. Ride quality matters A LOT to my wife.
Best shocks for cushy ride in half ton truck
- Thread starter gfh77665
- Start date
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Actually ride quality is exceptional. I think it is perfect compromise between comfort and firm.
Heat yes, dry weather, no. I live in the swamps! We run from floods, LOL
Bilstein.
Here is a pic of where i replaced gabriel ultras with bilsteins on my avalanche. Take note of the rubber bushing size and that the bolt bushing was uniform on the bilstein, a flat piece rolled into a circle on the gabriel.
Bilstein, hands down.
Bilstein, hands down.
Good point with the bushing sizes, that helps. I would never guess bilstien would give a "cushy" ride, but I guess some damping is needed to control a live rear axle. I would go to a GM truck forum and ask there TBH.Bilstein.
Here is a pic of where i replaced gabriel ultras with bilsteins on my avalanche. Take note of the rubber bushing size and that the bolt bushing was uniform on the bilstein, a flat piece rolled into a circle on the gabriel.
Bilstein, hands down.
I like kyb and the rear shocks on my Focus do seem to offer a controlled ride while not being harsh, so I guess decent shocks can do that.
In my opinion Bilsteins are on the firm side. I installed 6100's front and 5100's on the rear of my 2018 nissan titan and the ride was uncomfortable. I would suggest looking at fox 2.0 for a more cushy ride.
When buying a shock it needs to be properly matched to a spring. It seems like in the truck world it's the wild wild West.
That is why you hear about X brand being terrible and then next post it says it's good.
I think the ride quality of Bilies are superb but it comes down to user preference.
For best ride id find a kit specifically designed for your truck. But the B6 is designed for OEM ride height. I think it's worth a try.
https://academy.bilsteinus.com/knowledge/4600-versus-5100
https://cart.bilsteinus.com/catalog...Level 1&category_id=1&catname=Shocks & Struts
I had fox 2.0 and they made my f150 ride like a log wagon. I think theres a lot of variation in fox depending on what it’s going on. I also had a set of fox resi shocks, tuned by accutune, that were fabulous. Or by fabulous I mean it rode like an accord, which is darn good for a truck.
It’s hard to argue with the bilstein yellows. They are like this - they sort of “lock in” when things are smooth. So when the road is smooth they feel a little tight. But when theres a hit - a bump, a pothole, they open up and let the axle move until the movement slows down, at which point they lock in again. It’s a “best of both worlds” type of thing.
However, they won’t feel soft or floaty. If you want soft or floaty, I’d like to say Monroe Reflex as my absolute favorite feel for a soft truck shock, but they won’t last as long as the bilsteins.
It’s hard to argue with the bilstein yellows. They are like this - they sort of “lock in” when things are smooth. So when the road is smooth they feel a little tight. But when theres a hit - a bump, a pothole, they open up and let the axle move until the movement slows down, at which point they lock in again. It’s a “best of both worlds” type of thing.
However, they won’t feel soft or floaty. If you want soft or floaty, I’d like to say Monroe Reflex as my absolute favorite feel for a soft truck shock, but they won’t last as long as the bilsteins.
Your problem is that it's a pickup. The suspension is designed to handle the maximum payload not provide a cush ride
Bilstein 4600 offers a ride close to stock but superior ride and control. It's what stock should have been.
Bilstein 5100 if you tow a lot or load the truck up or push it, offers limited height adjustment.
I tow and haul frequently and love my 5100's, you could feel the difference in the first 100 yards of driving.
My Ranchos were junk
My KYB's were pretty good.
The Bilsteins are the best Ive tried.
Bilstein 5100 if you tow a lot or load the truck up or push it, offers limited height adjustment.
I tow and haul frequently and love my 5100's, you could feel the difference in the first 100 yards of driving.
My Ranchos were junk
My KYB's were pretty good.
The Bilsteins are the best Ive tried.
Yikes, curious who came up with that mix?
I put expensive shocks on a Regal I had in 1992. They totally ruined the ride and I could feel every bump or pothole in the road. Sure, it cornered like a sport car with them, but that is not what I was looking for. I pulled them off and put on the cheapest shocks that were available. They rode great. I thought they might not last long, but I did not care if I had to replace them in a few years, I wanted a soft ride. They were still on it when I got rid of it several years later.
So beware, often fancy expensive shocks ruin a soft ride.
So beware, often fancy expensive shocks ruin a soft ride.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Bilstein B6 on my BMW.
They take kids to school, me to the office, to ski, to track car, to buy groceries etc, etc.
They take kids to school, me to the office, to ski, to track car, to buy groceries etc, etc.
Gabriel Max Control monotubes.
Your springs will have a bigger impact in ride quality than the shocks. On a 97, you probably need both.
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2024
- Messages
- 1,474
I vote Sach's. I have a similar truck which I have the blue/yellow Bilstein and ended up putting 2500 rear leafs in- rode like a skateboard, replaced the rears with the sach's and it rides much more compliant. Likely incorrect shock to start with combined with the heavier leafs- but it works.
Only way to fly. I put a set on my Tundra when I first got it. 100% satisfied.
what a cool basic truck. i want a stovebolt 67 or 68 so bad. rubber floor, vinyl seats, 3 speed manual, etc.
Similar threads
