Which Shocks for 1990 K1500?

[Phishin]

First off, are getting new shocks even a good idea? ....because the truck is 24 years old and I'm sure the coil springs up front and the leafs in the rear are tired. No, the truck isn't sagging at all....but is it a waste of $$$ to buy shocks for a truck like this? Or will I see a significant improvement in ride quality?

As far as I know....the shocks on it are the originals. Maybe not. But the truck does seem to have a fairly "squishy" suspension for a big 4x4 truck.

I just ordered from Rockauto new Raybestos Professional Grade ball upper/lower ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman and idler arm. I was going to order some shocks too....but didn't know if it was a waste or not. Plus, I have no idea which ones to get. I didn't bother with order any control arm/torsion arm bushings or anything like that either.

New tires will be installed right after the front end is rebuilt. I'll go with the old-school BF Goodrich Wranglers.

Anyone have any suggestions? I rarely put much in the bed of truck that is over 200 pounds and I occasionally tow a boat or small trailer.

Thanks in advance for your helps and suggestions.

 

[LotI]

I'm sure yours are worn out. While you're in there replacing all the hard stuff, throw some new shocks on. The rears will take you less than 10 minutes to change.

I bet once the old ones are off the truck they won't have any resistance or at least you'll find a dead spot in at least one.

 

[mrsilv04]

Considering what you're putting them on, I'd go with a set of the bright yellow Monroe Gas-Magnums.

That's about what they were using back then as OE, and they won't cost you an arm and a leg.

 

[Phishin]

Looks like I can get a set of Monroe Gas-Magnums for about $125-$130 on RA.

Seems like a decent deal. I might order them later today.

 

[SteveSRT8]

You could also get Gabriel Ultras for about the same price.

A very good shock for the dough, works well in trucks here...

 

[Silverado12]

I used NAPA Gas Grande HD shocks and they were excellent. 50 bucks a piece, though.

 

[tommygunn]

If you can afford them, go for the Bilstein HD. You can get them online for under $300 a set. This would be my top choice.

Other good shocks to consider are Gabriel Max Control, Gabriel LTV, Monroe Reflex or Gas Magnum, and KTYB Gas-a-Just or KYB Monomax.

 

[Jimmy9190]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
You could also get Gabriel Ultras for about the same price.

A very good shock for the dough, works well in trucks here...


+1 I have Ultra's on my Dakota and they are great shocks. My truck has 165K and rides like new. Ultra is the best shock for me and I have tried several brands and models. I got mine at Autozone and had them take a $20.00 Pep Boys coupon so I saved a few bucks too.

 

[Cubey]

Another vote for Bilsteins. I put a pair on the rear of my motorhome which fit the regular 1 ton Dodge vans (and maybe the trucks?). They support a TON of weight and work awesome.