The GMC Sierra 1500 line of pickup trucks are big, powerful, and rugged, making them the perfect work truck or towing vehicle for those heavy hauling loads. Because of the sheer size and power of the GMC Sierra 1500, it’s a pretty heavy duty truck that requires some heavy-duty parts to function correctly.
One of the most critical components of any large pickup truck is the shocks; shocks play an integral role in maintaining optimal tire-to-road contact at all times by mediating the movement and functionality of your spring system.
A good set of shocks on your truck could mean the difference between barely feeling a bump in the road to a small bump feeling like your entire suspension system took damage after hitting it.Â
Shocks are often calibrated to meet the exact specifications of a particular vehicle line or type since every truck on the market uses varying suspension lift systems, chassis, and more.
If you have a GMC Sierra 1500, you’ll be glad to find out there is a wide range of different shocks available if you are a truck owner. Before buying new shocks for your vehicle, it’s essential to know whether you need new ones as sometimes it can be hard to tell.
As per industry standard, it’s recommended that you, at the bare minimum, get your shocks checked about every 20,000-30,000 miles to ensure they’re performing optimally.
If you have an older model GMC Sierra 1500, you will likely need to completely replace your shocks, in which case you need to know which shocks are best suited for your vehicle.
If you’re someone who fits into that category, you’re in luck because, in this buying guide, I’m going to give you all of the most essential information that you need to know as it relates to purchasing and installing new shocks if you are a truck owner. Continue reading so that you can choose the perfect replacement shocks for your vehicle anytime you need them.Â
First, let’s take a look at some of our top recommendations for the best shocks that are compatible with the GMC Sierra 1500.
Table of Contents
Up Front Best Shocks for GMC Sierra 1500Â
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KYB 349068 Excel-G Gas Shock: Most Recommended
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KYB 565104 MonoMax Gas Shock: Best Overall
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Detroit Axle 139105 Front & Rear Suspension Struts Assembly & Shock Absorbers: Best Fit
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Monroe 911262 Reflex Truck Shock Absorber: Most Durable
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Bilstein B6 4600 Monotube Gas OEM Shocks Set: Best Performance Upgrade
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Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System; Stage 1 For Sierra 1500: Best Quality
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Rancho Quicklift Struts With RS9000XL Rear Shock: High-Quality Option
These are all great shocks that will work great for your GMC Sierra 1500, but if we had to pick one, I would go with the KYB 565104 MonoMax because it delivers up to 40% more dampening power than standards shocks and is made of durable materials that provide smooth ride even on the roughest terrains.
How I chose my top recommendationsÂ
I chose all of our top recommendations based on a few critical factors: performance, compatibility, and durability. All of the shock recommendations you see below meet excel in all of the areas I’ve mentioned so you could be confident that they will provide your truck with the real-world performance you desire. Â
All of our recommendations are reasonably priced and come with a standard factory warranty that protects you in the event of any mechanical defects or other issues with your part.
Our Top Recommendations
#1 KYB 349068 Excel-G Gas Shock
The KYB 349068 Excel-G Gas Shock is the recommended OEM replacement part for most GM pickups and SUVs due to its durability. This shock is precisely calibrated to restore your vehicle’s original handling and control mechanism so that you can maintain a smooth and consistent ride regardless of what road surfaces you’re traveling on.
This shock features a triple chrome-plated piston rod and a multi-lip oil seal that reduces the total amount of wear your shocks experience.
The shocks also have bolt bushings and solid, seamless mounting eye rings, which help reduce the rattling noise you hear when your shocks are engaged. It uses a seamless working cylinder paired with a Teflon coated piston band that provides a positive seal and longer lifespan.
- Pros: durable and long-lasting quality, bolt bushings, and mountain eye-rings.
- Cons: may require professional installation.
If you need a reliable shock replacement for your Sierra 1500, these are a great choice. See how Kyb compares to Monroe here.
Ride Comfort may be important, but restoring a vehicles Ride Control, stability, stopping, lane change responsiveness and handling is critical.
#2 KYB 565104 MonoMax Gas Shock
The KYB 565104 MonoMax Gas Shock delivers up to 40% more damping power than your standard shocks, which provides a smoother ride all around. These shocks come with a rubber boot that protects the shaft from damage while also preventing debris and dirt from making its way into the seals of your shocks.
The stainless-steel zinc-coated piston ring on these shocks delivers a positive seal even when met with treacherous road conditions. You’ll enjoy the fact that these shocks come with a truck monotube design that performs at much higher capacities than other more standard shock absorbers.
- Pros: 40% more damping power, stainless steel zinc-coated piston ring, and rubber boot.
- Cons: may deliver over dampening in certain situations.Â
Whether you need a reliable replacement for your existing shocks or simply want to upgrade the performance of your Sierra 1500, these shocks are a premium option.
These are all great shocks that will work great for your GMC Sierra 1500, but if we had to pick one, I would go with the KYB 565104 MonoMax because it delivers up to 40% more dampening power than standards shocks and is made of durable materials that provide smooth ride even on the roughest terrains.
#3 Detroit Axle 139105 Front & Rear Suspension Struts Assembly & Shock Absorbers
The Detroit Axle 139105 Front & Rear Strut Assembly & Shock Absorbers are specifically designed to fit the GMC Sierra 1500 model vehicles that don’t have electronic suspension. These shocks are made using superior build quality and are among the leading choices for OE vehicle replacement parts by a wide range of manufacturers.
These shocks come with high-performing O-rings that deliver direct pressure to the inner tube for a tighter seal all around. This reduces the amount of dirt and debris exposed to the valve, leading to a prolonged part lifespan.
- Pros: fits virtually all 1500 models and has a very long-lasting lifespan.
- Cons: professional installation may be required.Â
I want a set of long-lasting, high-performance shocks that will enhance your truck’s ride capabilities; you won’t be disappointed If you choose these.
Detroit Axle Suspension components are ready to meet the rigorous demands of today’s foreign and domestic passenger cars, trucks and SUVs.
#4 Monroe 911262 Reflex Truck Shock Absorber
The Monroe 911262 Reflex Truck Shock Absorber are all-weather fluid thanks to the specially designed modifiers which work in combination to ensure a smooth rod reaction while also reducing the total amount of friction transferred to your steering wheel.
This shock also features ASD technology, which uses innovative valving technology to deliver more precise handling while also improving the overall comfort level of your ride consistently. You’ll also enjoy the fact that this shock comes with a fluon banded piston, which provides a consistent seal between the pressure tube and piston.
This results in enhanced durability and more accurate control.Â
- Pros: fluon banded piston, ASD technology, and innovative valving technology.
- Cons: expensive. Those looking to purchase an advanced set of shocks for their truck are the perfect ones to go with.Â
Here you can check a detailed review of Monroe Shocks and how Monroe Shocks Compare with Gabriel
Ideal for vehicles with a higher center of gravity, Monroe Reflex shocks and struts valving technology automatically adjusts the unit to absorb the impact, helping to reduce vehicle roll and dive. These units provide greater control for improved handling and vehicle stability.
#5 Bilstein B6 4600 Monotube Gas OEM Shocks SetÂ
The Bilstein B6 4600 Monotube Gas OEM Shocks Set come already tuned to fit your 1500 which makes the installation process much easier. The pre-tuned nature of these shocks also means that you can expect optimal performance from them right out of the box, you’ll also enjoy the fact that these shocks deliver smooth ride quality while also improving the handling of your vehicle.
These are OE shock absorbers that offer fade-free performance so that you can keep riding for miles on end without having to worry about the stability of your vehicle. I chose these shocks as an alternative due to their high-quality build and lasting performance.
- Pros: OE part, vehicle-specific pre-tuning, performance upgrades.
- Cons: Can take some time to receive the part depending on current stock.
Vehicle-optimized ceramic formulas provide the superior performance you need.
#6 Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System; Stage 1 For Sierra 1500
The Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System; Stage 1 For Sierra 1500 comes with pro-truck lift kit springs that deliver powerful dampening capabilities regardless of what roads you travel. These shocks also come backed by a million-mile warranty which ensures that you can get quality assistance in the event of any issues.
They also feature a block resistant design that delivers consistent ride height and sage free driving. I chose these shocks as an alternative because there is no welding or drilling required and they were designed for maximum travel and performance.
- Pros: consistent ride height, durable build quality, and block resistant design.
- Cons: professional installation required and you will need to get a wheel alignment after installation.Â
An Akebono Brake essentially eliminates noise, vibration and harshness.
#7 Rancho Quicklift Struts With RS9000XL Rear Shock
The Rancho Quicklift Strut With RS9000XL Rear Shock come pre-assembled which makes it easy for you to simply install them and start riding. These shocks also come with an adjustable stiffness setting that enables you to fine-tune your suspension so that you maintain an optimal ride profile according to your specific needs.
They also feature high-quality struts with a heavy duty tri-tube build which means you won’t have to worry about them breaking or becoming damaged simply because you hit some small bumps. These shocks add performance and height to your ride while also being rated for hauling, towing, and off-roading.
I chose these shocks because they are well-built and deliver an advanced level of performance other options don’t.
- Pros: adjustable stiffness setting, tri-tub construction, and easy installation.
- Cons: tuning may be required to achieve a perfect fit.
These are some of the best shock options for GM Sierra 1500 owners across the market. Each of them provides specified performance and functionality benefits, all depending on what you’re trying to gain from installing a new set of shocks on your truck.
Continue reading so you can find out more about all of the critical features you need to look for when choosing a set of new shocks for your truck.
Front Pair of Struts & Springs + Rear Pair of Shocks - compatible with 4WD Vehicles Front height not adjustable from specified height.
What is a shock?Â
First, shocks are commonly referred to as shock absorbers, so if you hear this terminology when choosing new ones for your truck, just know that both terms mean the same part.
At their core, shock absorbers are essential vehicle safety components that can impact your braking ability, ride comfort, vehicle vibration when driving, stability, tire wear, and much more.
Shocks also impact your suspension and steering components, so it’s essential to keep them in optimal condition to ensure the proper functionality of your vehicle. There are several different purposes and functions that shock absorbers serve, find out more below.
Essential Functions of Shock AbsorbersÂ
- Protect your airbags and springs- shock absorbers work in accordance with the springs on your truck, therefore when they begin to weaken, it will affect your ride performance.
- Controlling spring movement- shocks maintain tire-to-road contact by controlling the spring movement of your truck.
- Convert movement into heat- shock absorbers are velocity-sensitive, so they convert kinetic energy produced by the action of your suspension system into thermal energy.
- Reduction in cost per mile- shocks can help extend your tires’ overall lifespan by reducing the amount of direct tear and wearing their experience.
- Delivers extension stop for air shock suspensions- shocks help reduce the odds of damage occurring by ensuring your air shock suspension extension limits are never exceeded.
- Maintains tire-to-road contact- shocks help to keep solid road-to-tire contact by handling the load your truck experiences while on the road.
These are all some of the primary functions of shock absorbers on trucks. As you can see, if your shocks begin to decline in performance or condition, it can have significant impacts on the rest of your vehicle’s functionality.
It’s essential to monitor your shocks’ condition so that you can replace them as soon as you begin to notice signs of functionality problems.
How to choose the right socks for your GMC Sierra 1500Â
Now that you know a little more about the primary purpose that shocks serve, let’s take a look at all of the critical features you need to look for when choosing new shocks for your truck.
Every driver has a different driving style, impacting the longevity of their shocks and other vehicle components. You’ll want to consider your specific driving attributes such as how many miles you drive a week, your average speed, the type of roads you commonly drive on, and more.
By taking all of these factors into account, you will be able to find the truck’s optimal set of shocks in no time.
Essential Features to Look For When Choosing Shocks for Your TruckÂ
Type of shocksÂ
The type of shocks you choose to install on your truck is the most crucial factor to consider when making your purchase. There are five different types of shocks available, and all of them deliver different performance capabilities, handling power, and suspension support. Read our explanation of each shock type below so you can choose what is perfect for your truck.
Twin-Tube
Twin-tube shocks are inexpensive and tend to be a great option for those drivers who only engage in causal highway driving. If you go off-road a lot in your truck, you should avoid twin-tube shocks as they aren’t optimized.
Some of the negative aspects of twin-tube shocks are that they tend to heat up fast when exposed to high speeds, and the fluid in them tends to mix with air, which creates a foam that impacts performance.
Gas-ChargedÂ
Gas-charged shocks are great because they aren’t susceptible to aeration. After all, the outer chamber is filled with nitrogen gas. They provide better road responsiveness and help reduce brake dive, which is a symptom common with other types of shocks. Some of the negative aspects of gas-charged shocks are that they can leak gas over time and can be difficult to install.
MonotubeÂ
Monotube shocks are great because they can be mounted upside-down, and they have great heat dissipation allowing them to perform at higher levels for more extended periods.
They are also great for those drivers who go off-road a lot because they provide precise dampening due to their design. The only negative aspects of monotube shocks are that they are expensive and can reduce your travel time due to system stacking.
Coilover
Coilover shocks are great because they are adjustable and can withstand heavy loads, making them optimal for towing. They are re-buildable, which can save you money and give you the ability to adjust ride height for maximum dampening performance. Â
ReservoirÂ
Reservoir shocks are re-buildable and come with a variety of valving options, which gives you the ability to fine-tune performance. They do not pose any risk of aeration and allow for increased travel because the pistons can fully stoke through the entire body of the shock.
Some of the negative aspects of reservoir shocks are that they are really expensive and can require special mounting gear for installation.
FAQs About Shocks for GMC Sierra 1500
What’s better gas or oil shocks?
Gas shock absorbers are typically preferred over oil shock absorbers because they deliver more accurate suspension support. This is because the pressurized gas created by these shocks provides a harder absorption rate than oil-powered shock absorbers.
How do I know if my truck shocks are bad?
There are several different signs that your truck shocks are beginning to wear. Some of the most common ones include unusual noises, vehicle exhibiting signs of body rolling, vehicle bouncing, and front end dives.
Can you change shocks without a jack?
Yes, and no, a jack is not required to replace or upgrade the rear shocks on your truck; however, you do need a jack to replace the front shocks. Â
Conclusion Â
Use all of the information I’ve given you in this guide so that you can choose the right set of replacement shocks for your GMC Sierra 1500. As long as you follow all of our tips and consider your performance needs, you’ll be well on your way to enhanced ride comfort, responsiveness, and stability in no time.
These are all great shocks that will work great for your GMC Sierra 1500, but if we had to pick one, I would go with the KYB 565104 MonoMax because it delivers up to 40% more dampening power than standards shocks and is made of durable materials that provide smooth ride even on the roughest terrains.
Further Reads
- How to Find the Best Shocks – Top Recommendations! - June 7, 2022
- The Best Tires for Honda Pilot – Don’t Miss Out! - June 7, 2022
- The Best Rated Tires for Honda CRV – & What To Look For! - June 7, 2022