I've got a 98 2wd 3500, its on its second set of cheap napa shocks in less then a year. It had the factory ones on until then, the first set of napa shocks was replaced under their 1 year warnatee. They had a one year, I got the cheap ones because I didn't plan to have the truck now. Both of the sets I've put on there felt good for like the first 5 months of so, then after that they go and go fast. It just consisantly bounces going down the highway now. What kind did you guys replace with? Any recomendations?

Thanks

 

Bilsteins.
Outstanding difference.

 

I use the Auto Zone heavy duty Gas Shocks for the front. Not real expensive and if they come apart, take them back. Lifetime Warranty. They ride good also. I changed the originals at 90K.
One could play a tune on them back and forth, if you know what I mean.

Dave

 

I'd really like to have the Bilsteins but I just hate to keep putting a bunch of money in this truck. They are the best you can buy, I have had a couple sets as O.E. equipment. I have been planning to get a different truck for a couple years now. But well, its only money right? CoastalDav, how long have you had the autozone one's on there? See the ones that I bought from napa made it ride like a new one when I first got it, then about 6 months later they're just completly worn out. I mean it is honestly not a whole lot better then having none, just springs. Its a pretty much constant bouncing going down the highway. When I got the frist set replaced under their warentee, I asumed that I must have just gotten a bad set. Not I am pretty sure its just poor quality.

 

I have had really great service out of Rancho 9000 shocks. Over 200,000 miles on them now and still control the truck and bounce.

 

I have Rancho 9000's too.....the oldest 9000's I have are 6 years old and work well.....lifetime warranty too....

 

I have the Rancho 5000s (thanks MnTom!) and they are night and day difference vs. the stockers. THey also have the lifetime warranty, soon I hope to get a set of 9000s...

 

I've got 50k on the Auto Zone shocks now. Front tires looking good.

If you think there not working right, take them off and take them back. New set in hand. To prove the warranty, I had a 85 Suburban that I gave to my son when he started college, he also got my 96 12v that he still has. I had put Gabrial Hi-Jackers on the rear to level the Suburban. Some 8 years later, my son found the receipt, took them off and got a new pair. They were worn out.

Dave

 

The good NAPA shocks have a lifetime warranty, and do last longer than 6 months, you get what you pay for, unfortunately a lot of sales people assume you want the cheapest price and sell you value line parts. Just like everybody talking about the $12 wheel cylinders from NAPA to upgrade the rear brakes - they are the cheap ones, and warranty is next to nothing.

 

A family friend runs our local NAPA and its still owned by some of his realation. I had some issues with the quality of some of the parts I've bought there. I have no trouble getting them replaced, but its easier to just do it once with something that will last instead of having to redo it in just a matter of a few months. I guess I got a good price on them, but I need something that will last a while. Those shocks might have lasted for years on a ranger or something. I'm going to replace them sometime in the next few weeks. I just wanted to know what you guys had replaced with and had good luck with. Thanks everyone for the input.

 

BINGO.