2004 Sierra 1500 EXT Cab SLE - Going to change my original shocks in a couple weeks on my 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD SLE Ext cab. I drive the ...

Going to change my original shocks in a couple weeks on my 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD SLE Ext cab. I drive the truck daily back and forth to work and maybe around town, it hardly ever goes off road but sometimes I do drive it on long road trips. I have 107,000 miles on the truck and have noticed the shocks on the rear have a good amount of rust on the shock housing. Anyone ever experience any problems replacing shocks and what brand would you recommend and why?

Bilstein. Best hands down.

+1 dont go cheap.. bilstein is by far the best..

Whats the main difference between the 5100 and the heavy duty by Bilstien? My truck is only a 2009 but it bounces allot and I am seeking a smoother ride.

Go Bilstein. It takes away that "loosey goosey" feel when braking or going over train tracks or something. Go adj 5100 and run on lowest setting if you don't want to level and if you ever want to hell the option will
Be there for virtually free at that point

I see the front adjustable ones but I was going to start with the rear as that is where it seems more of the bounce originates from. At least the rears I can do myself. Not to sure I want to rent a spring compressor to do the fronts yet.

LawFletcher wrote:Go Bilstein. It takes away that "loosey goosey" feel when braking or going over train tracks or something. Go adj 5100 and run on lowest setting if you don't want to level and if you ever want to hell the option will
Be there for virtually free at that point

Consider there's an adjustable shock (the adjustable 5100), could that be a safe way to level a truck, or is one better off to buy a leveling kit?

i believe people on here use the adjustable shock to gain about an inch and a half

ZEEGMC4ME wrote:I see the front adjustable ones but I was going to start with the rear as that is where it seems more of the bounce originates from. At least the rears I can do myself. Not to sure I want to rent a spring compressor to do the fronts yet.

That is why I'm considering the Monroe Quick-Strut when it's time do swap mine. It is a complete, ready-to-install replacement strut assembly.
http://www.monroe.com/products/Quick-St ... t-Assembly

PR_Rado wrote:

LawFletcher wrote:Go Bilstein. It takes away that "loosey goosey" feel when braking or going over train tracks or something. Go adj 5100 and run on lowest setting if you don't want to level and if you ever want to hell the option will
Be there for virtually free at that point

Consider there's an adjustable shock (the adjustable 5100), could that be a safe way to level a truck, or is one better off to buy a leveling kit?

The Bilstein's are far and away the 'best' way to level your truck. They do not put any additional stress on suspension components. They are also expensive and provide more than just a cosmetic upgrade. This is really a matter of personal preference.