Best Shocks for GMC Sierra 1500: Top Picks for 2021

Your GMC Sierra 1500 is meant to handle big jobs and tow like a champ. Part of what makes this pickup such a workhouse is the heavy duty shocks for towing. However, these vital parts will eventually wear out, causing you to search for the best shocks for GMC Sierra 1500 models.

Our complete guide is going to help you find the right shocks for your truck and application because not everyone needs the same thing. We also discuss the benefits of upgrading the shocks on your GMC pickup.

What are Automotive Shocks?

Shock absorbers are referred to as shocks for short. The shock absorber is responsible for creating a smooth ride, but there is also a safety aspect to this component. The shock operates like an oil pump. There is a piston at one end of the rod that works opposite of hydraulic fluid in the pressure tube.

When the suspension is traveling, fluid is forced into the tiny orifices in the piston. This action slows the piston, which affects the spring or suspension movement. When working correctly, the shocks will have a positive impact on vehicle vibration, driving stability, braking power, ride comfort and tire wear.

Benefits of GMC Sierra Shocks Replacement

Why should you consider upgrading your truck shocks? Here are several benefits of high-quality shocks.

• Increased Safety: Shock absorbers provide steering safety to the vehicle. When the shocks are new, the car should be easier to control, especially over rough terrain.
• Better Stability: Shock absorbers provide increased stability by boosting the friction occurring between the terrain and car tires. If every road we traveled was flat, there would be no reason for shocks, but that’s not the case. Even well-paved roads have imperfections that require shocks for optimal stability.
• Increased Comfort: Shocks provide plenty of comfort for passengers. By reducing the vibrations in the cabin, the ride is smoother and more enjoyable.

GMC 1500 Shocks Buying Guide

To find the best shocks for trucks, you want to consider these vital factors.

Compatibility

If you want shocks for a 2007 GMC Sierra, it won’t do you much good to search through 2004 GMC Sierra shocks. Instead, find the right fit by searching the products with your truck’s year, make and model.

Lifted vs. Stock Suspensions

The majority of shocks you will find were designed to be used with your stock GMC suspension. If you have lifted your truck, you will need to make sure that the option you choose can accommodate the additional height.

Truck Needs

The type of shocks you purchase will need to accommodate how you use your truck. For example, you don’t need the best shocks for towing if you only use your pickup for commuting. If you are traveling down paved roads without large loads, you will do fine with an OEM replacement. Otherwise, you should consider upgrading if you are regularly towing or heading off-road.

Type of Shock

There are several shock types to consider. We will evaluate the options in-depth later in this article. Basically, if you need the cheapest option, you would choose a twin-tube shock, while the coilover shock is often best for heavy-duty applications.

Longevity

You don’t want to purchase a set of shocks today and replace them again in a year. Reading through the shock reviews will help you find the right model for longevity. Read through what other customers have found and how long they lasted. As a bonus, look for shocks that have corrosion resistance.

Price

We all want cheap GMC Sierra shocks replacement, but you should never sacrifice quality for the price. Instead, choose shocks from a reputable brand that offers a warranty for more protection.

Best Shocks for GMC Sierra 1500: Our Top Choices Reviewed

1. Bilstein 4600 Review – Best GMC Sierra Shocks Replacement

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There’s no better manufacturer than Bilstein when it comes to building a reliable shock. The Bilstein 4600 is known for being a great value, offering superior performance. It can be used for a variety of GMC Sierra or Silverado trucks.

With the wide collapsed and extended lengths, these shocks are good at capturing every movement of your truck and cushioning it before it can affect your ride. Plus, the high-quality construction ensures that the shocks last across the long haul. With the unique chromium coating, you won’t need to worry about corrosion either.

Most people agree that the installation is also simple. If you are an at-home enthusiast, you might be able to get these on yourself without a lot of effort. Plus, Bilstein shocks come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2006 GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado 4WD
• Shock Type: Gas Monotube
• Collapsed Length: 13.59″
• Extended Length: 22.09″
• Material: Reinforced Steel/Chromium Coating
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Long Service Life

Pros	Cons
Complete set of 4 shocks	Front shocks might have a longer service life
Reliable brand
High-quality construction
Reasonable price

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2. KYB 565104 MonoMax Review – Best Shocks for Trucks

If you are looking for a high-quality OEM replacement, KYB offers a great shock. This monotube shock provides up to 40% more damping than a standard shock absorber and it won’t break the bank either. It’s the ideal way to upgrade the suspension on a budget.

The stainless steel, zinc-coated piston ring creates a superior seal that holds up even in extreme conditions. Plus, there is a rubber boot on the shaft to keep debris or dirt from getting into the seals. Just like the Bilstein model, you can expect a wide range of lengths, perfect for making any drive comfortable.

Just like the first set we reviewed, you also get a limited lifetime warranty with your purchase, giving you more peace of mind. However, you do need to purchase your KYB shocks individually instead of in a set. This is helpful if you need to replace just two, but can be a pain when you need to replace all four.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2010 GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado
• Shock Type: Monotube
• Collapsed Length: 16.14″
• Extended Length: 25.20″
• Material: Stainless Steel/Zinc Coating
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Rubber Boot on Shaft

Pros	Cons
Reliable performance	Sold individually
Cost-effective
Provides a comfortable ride
Protection from debris

3. Bilstein 5100 (Front) Review – Best Shocks for Towing

If you only need to replace the front shocks on your truck, consider this upgraded option from Bilstein. Even when putting your truck through a lot of abuse, this shock is going to handle the pressure with ease. That’s why it is a great upgrade if you are towing or hauling often.

The high-flow piston is something unique to this model, allowing it to perform even better. Plus, the gas-pressure technology ensures complete damping through vertical and lateral impact without excessive fading.

On the downside, this shock is going to cost more. However, you know what level of performance you are going to get at this price. If you spend a lot of time in your truck, you want the most comfortable ride possible. Bilstein road tests its shocks and also provides a limited lifetime warranty to ensure even more value.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2007-2013 GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado
• Shock Type: Gas Monotube
• Collapsed Length: 17.58″
• Extended Length: 22.22″
• Material: Hardened Steel/Zinc Coating
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• High-Flow Piston

Pros	Cons
Corrosion protection	Expensive
Improved rebound time
Solid construction
Ideal for towing

4. Rancho RS55265 RS55198 Set Review – Best Shock Absorbers for a Smooth Ride

If you want a smooth ride without spending a lot, consider upgrading to these Rancho twin-tube shocks. While they aren’t going to offer the same performance as the monotube shocks, they are quite impressive. This kit offers a nice movement range and comes with ten-stage valving.

The nitro-carburized piston rod is extremely durable and isn’t going to stick easily. Plus, it is banded with a durable Fluon ring. This shock also has a self-lubricating seal that reduces friction and wear. With the red protective boots included, debris and dirt aren’t going to accumulate and reduce the performance of the shocks.

Rancho does provide customers a limited lifetime warranty but also adds a 90-day ride guarantee that allows you to try them out before committing. If you are unsatisfied, the company takes them back, no questions asked. That’s pretty amazing considering the low price.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2007-2018 GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado
• Shock Type: Gas Twin-tube
• Collapsed Length: 11.20″/15.65″
• Extended Length: 15.30″/25.40″
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime/90-Day Ride Guarantee
• Ten-Stage Valving

Pros	Cons
Complete set	Not monotube performance
OEM replacement
High-quality construction
90-day ride guarantee

5. Skyjacker B8517 Black MAX Review – Best OEM Replacement Shocks for GMC Sierra 1500

Another great OEM replacement is this twin-tube design from Skyjacker. You can spend a minimal amount for this shock, yet you gain a superior ride. With the advanced foam-cell construction, the air is eliminated from the inside, while the oil expansion process is enhanced throughout compression.

Even though it is a lower-dollar shock, there’s nothing sacrificed on the construction. Not only does it come with 180-degree directional mounts, but it also includes 360-degree arc-welded ends to fully extend expectations. Even under a lot of stress, these shocks aren’t going to fail you.

However, if you are expecting top of the line performance, these shocks aren’t going to please you. They are simply meant to be a generic OEM replacement with a little more function and durability. Otherwise, you want to spend more on getting something performance-oriented.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2018 GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado
• Shock Type: Gas Twin-tube
• Collapsed Length: 16.16″
• Extended Length: 27.19″
• Material: Sintered Iron/Chrome Plated
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Advanced Foam-Cell Technology

Pros	Cons
Great construction	Simple OEM replacement
Low price
Multi-stage valving
Highly rated

6. Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Set Review – Best Heavy-Duty Shocks for Towing

When it comes to performance shocks, no one does it better than Fox. Your truck deserves the best, which is what this complete set offers. Fox is a leader in racing shocks but can also supply a superior option for the abuse that comes from towing.

If you drive in extreme climates or push your truck to the brink, you will want to spend more for better performance. The unique piston design ensures a great ride, even on the roughest terrain. Additionally, the heat-treated alloy steel is chrome-coated to prevent corrosion and deterioration.

With the redundant sealing construction, the shocks won’t fail if one seal goes bad. This backup ensures you are never without the shocks you need while on the road. However, no one is thrilled with the minimal one-year warranty, especially after spending so much money. With that said, most people never need to file a claim.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2011-2015 GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado
• Shock Type: Gas Monotube
• Collapsed Length: 16.25″
• Extended Length: 25.85″
• Material: Heat-Treated Alloy Steel/Chrome Plated
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Redundant Sealing Construction

Pros	Cons
High-performance	Expensive
Meant for extremes	Only 1-year warranty
Superior seal design
Chrome for corrosion resistance

7. Rough Country 2.5″ Leveling Kit Review – Best Suspension Kit

If you are planning to upgrade your shocks anyway, you might consider doing a complete lift at the same time. After all, you will already be removing the shocks to lift your vehicle, so you are saving yourself time by doing both jobs at once.

With the adjustable shocks, you can add up to 2.5″ to your GMC suspension. Instead of having to choose between a ride for paved roads or to head off-road, the adjustability makes it possible to get both. Even if you are driving in harsh environments, you will achieve a superior ride.

Rough Country is a leader in lift kits, one of the most popular on the market. Plus, the easy installation means you are going to get back on the road quickly. There’s no reason to spend more time working on your truck than needed.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2006 GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado
• Shock Type: Gas Monotube
• Collapsed Length: varies
• Extended Length: varies
• Material: Aluminum
• Warranty: 3-Year
• Complete Lift Kit w/ Shocks

Pros	Cons
Contains adjustable shocks	Only comes with a lift kit
Adds up to 2.5 inches
Easy installation
Highly rated

Signs it’s Time for GMC Sierra Shocks Replacement

When the shocks on your truck start to wear out, you might notice the following symptoms.

• Instability while traveling at highway speeds.
• Truck starts to tip to one side while turning.
• Front end dips down when braking hard.
• Rear-end of the truck squats while accelerating.
• Tires bounce more than they should after going over a bump.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Fluid leaking from the shocks.
• Physical damage to the shocks.

For the most part, you shouldn’t need to replace the shocks but every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. If you are rough on your truck, you will need more frequent replacement.

Types of GMC Shock Absorbers

There are five major types of shock absorbers worth considering, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Twin-Tube 

The twin-tube shock contains an inner and outer cylinder. The inner or working cylinder is the area where the shaft and piston move up and down, while the outer cylinder contains a reservoir holding the hydraulic fluid.

The base valve controls the flow of fluid between the cylinders, providing some of the damping force, while the piston control valves handle the majority of it. Twin-tube shocks are typically what vehicles come with when leaving the factory.

Pros	Cons
Low cost	Fluid mixes with air, causing aeration and a reduction in performance
Ideal for commuters and highway drivers	Heats up fast when traveling at high speeds

Gas Charged, Twin-Tube

While this is still a twin-tube shock, it contains gas. This design offers a slight improvement over the traditional design.

Nitrogen gas is used to replace oxygen, creating less aeration and better performance for a reasonable price.

Pros	Cons
Outer chamber filled with nitrogen, reducing aeration	Gas leaks out over time
Quick rebound	Reduced service life
Prevents brake dive

Monotube

This single-cylinder shock has two sections, one containing gas and another with fluid. The shaft and piston move in the fluid section, but there is no reason to have gas or air mixed in because the valve operates responsively. This unique design ensures less performance fade and no aeration. Monotube shocks are considered an upgrade over the standard twin-tube.

Pros	Cons
Mountable upside down	Higher cost
Superior heat dissipation	Less travel
Stronger design
Better damping

Reservoir

The reservoir shocks can be remote, which means they are connected with a hose or piggyback connected right on the shock body. The reservoir shock is used with a monotube design but offers better heat dissipation and better travel.

Pros	Cons
Consistent damping	Higher cost
No aeration	Might need a special mount
Increased travel
Re-buildable

Coilover

The coilover shock combines the absorber with the coil spring into one assembly. The coil spring is seated around a shock housing and mounted where the OEM springs or struts would be. Just like with springs, this assembly is going to support the weight of the truck’s body.

Pros	Cons
Can be adjustable	Higher cost
Ideal for towing and carrying heavy loads	Might need a special mount
Re-buildable	Hard to tune

Installing the Best Shock Absorbers for a Smooth Ride

Once you pick out the shocks for GMC Sierra 1500 trucks, you are ready to get them installed. If you aren’t sure what you are doing, it’s best to hire a professional. However, it only takes a little expertise and some basic tools to do the job yourself. Here are some basic instructions to follow.

1. Park on a level spot and use your floor jack to lift the truck.
2. Remove the old shocks. You might need to use PB Blaster or WD-40 if they are stuck on. You can allow the solution to sit on the stuck parts for a few minutes before getting started.
3. Fit your new shock on the suspension control arm. This might require a little pressure to accomplish. Hand tighten the screws.
4. Tighten everything according to the torque specs found in the service manual.
5. Repeat these steps with every shock you need to replace.
6. Take a test drive to see how the new shocks feel.

If you want to know the precise instructions for replacing 2001 GMC Sierra shocks, this video should help.

Increase Lifespan of Your Truck Suspension

To ensure you don’t need shock replacement again anytime soon, consider following these important maintenance steps.

Check Air Pressure in Tires

You should be checking the tire air pressure often to ensure the ride is always safe. This is even more important if you spend a lot of time towing or hauling. Under-inflation not only hurts your fuel economy and wears out the shocks quicker but also puts you in danger.

Check Tire Tread & Alignment

While you are checking the air pressure, make sure you also inspect the tread. If it gets too worn, you are at risk for a blowout. Plus, uneven wear can cause suspension issues as one tire is riding differently than the other.

With proper wheel alignment, you also reduce tire wear and improve handling, which helps your suspension. It’s recommended that most vehicles get an alignment every 30,000 miles or two years. Plus, if you add a lift kit to your truck, you will want to get another alignment.

Inspect Joints & Bushings

When you take the car for service, have the suspension joints and bushings inspected. If you have an older vehicle, you will want to lubricate the tie rod ends and ball joints.

Inspect the Shocks

You want to watch for signs of leakage from the shocks to ensure it is working the way it should. If a shock is leaking, you should replace it right away before other damage to the suspension is caused. You can usually get this inspection done with your regular service appointment.

Complete Inspection After Accident

If your truck is in an accident, you want to have everything checked out completely. While many of the parts should last even after an accident, there’s always the chance that a component was damaged. This condition is even more likely if one of the wheels was damaged. That’s why it is always wise to have a professional inspect your truck once you’ve been in an accident. You never know what damage is lurking beneath the surface that you can’t see.

GMC 1500 Shocks FAQ

Are these also the best shocks for GMC Yukon models?

In some cases, you can use the same shocks on your Sierra for a Yukon SUV. There are some parts that are interchangeable. To be sure, you want to check the fitment of the shocks you are looking to buy.

What’s the difference between the KYB Monomax vs Bilstein 4600?

Many people narrow down the options between the 4600 series or KYB Monomax shocks. Both of these offer OEM performance and are aimed at the casual truck owner. In fact, these shocks are very similar. However, if you are going to do mild towing, you might prefer the Bilstein, while Monomax shocks are better for full loads. On the other hand, Bilstein is going to offer better off-road performance.

Do I need heavy duty shocks for towing?

Yes, shocks are going to increase towing ability and control, but they are just one part of the equation. When a truck is under heavy loads, the springs will be responsible for absorbing feedback and handling the load, while the shocks control and slow the movement.

How long do shocks for GMC Sierra 1500 trucks last?

At the least, you should be able to get 50,000 miles out of your shocks. However, a durable pair used in the right conditions could last up to 100,000 miles.

Can I replace my truck shocks myself?

If you have some basic mechanical knowledge and the right tools, changing your own shocks shouldn’t be a big deal. The hardest part is often getting the old shocks removed, which may require a little extra effort.

Conclusion

Finding the best shocks for GMC Sierra 1500 trucks isn’t difficult to do if you know what you are looking for. We recommend this guide whether you are looking for the best replacement shocks for Z71 or other GM models. Many of the parts we’ve reviewed will work with multiple vehicles, proving long-lasting performance you can rely on.

Here’s a recap of our top picks: