Last Updated on September 7, 2022 by John Robinson
Shocks serve to smoothen the ride in your vehicle. Depending upon the condition of the road and your particular driving style, the body of the vehicle tends to move. Good quality shocks will reduce this movement and also protect your vehicle’s suspension system from possible damage. Shocks are more important for the stability and control of your vehicle than you think.
But finding the best shocks for GMC Sierra 1500 is not an easy task. There are several exceptional options to choose from and each one sounds better. We have eased the selection process by bringing you a collection of the most reliable and best-performing shocks for the GMC Sierra 1500.
best shocks for GMC Sierra 1500
1. Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks
This is amongst the most popular and well-recommended leveling kits in the American market. This exceptional stand-in-shock kit by Bilstein is capable of providing the maximum wheel travel to the driver without the requirement of inducing a driveline blind or a ball joint.
Few shock kits can provide as much rebound control. The additional dampening effect of these shocks is owed to extra spring preload that serves to balance the movements of your vehicle. These shocks will be very beneficial if you utilize your vehicle in hauling heavy stuff.
Moreover, the adjustable front shocks for this kit can be essentially calibrated from 0 to 1.75 inches. This would further help in accommodating lifts up to an inch. Rest assured that the overall stability and the riding quality of your vehicle will be effectively enhanced. You’ll be able to handle your GMC Sierra 1500 way better than before.
As compared to a typical stock shock kit, this is a much better and reliable option. Moreover, the installation is quite easy. However, some users encounter problems with the degree of compression and the requirement of occasional maintenance.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]This popular shock kit allows the driver to attain the maximum wheel travel without any requirement of inducing a driveline bind or a ball joint
The rebound control is more superior to typical stock shocks
The dampening effect if quite improved due to extra spring preload
These shocks can be best utilized for hauling heavy materials
Both the front and the rear shocks are adjustable
The handling of the vehicle is improved
The overall stability and the riding quality is effectively enhanced
These shocks come with a lifetime warranty [/i2pros][i2cons]These shocks are more expensive than other stock shock options
Users report that the compression is limited up to the axles
These shocks need occasional maintenance
The height adjustment button in these shocks is liable to wear[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Verdict
These superior quality shocks work especially well with GMC Sierra 1500. Their ultimate dampening quality and rebound control create the best possible stability and utmost enhancement of riding quality.
2. Rancho Suspension RS5000 Shocks
These are amongst the best quality and affordable shock kits in the American market. You wouldn’t find a more economical option than this. The front and rear-end shocks in this set are designed to balance the weight of large 4WD vehicles like the GMC Sierra 1500.
There is no better OEM replacement than this one. And no other superior aftermarket upgrade within this price range. The best part about these shocks is their ability to provide the utmost systematic response to any possible situation in off-road driving. The special ten-stage velocity-sensitive valving method for these shocks lets you render a particular tuning for each vehicle.
Moreover, the red and white protective boots for these shocks provide the most attractive design. Also, this shock kit is supremely easy to set up and doesn’t usually require any jacking up. The precision-tuned shim stacked valves allow the most harmonious motion of the shock with the vehicle and are amongst the most trustworthy features.
Rest assured that these shocks will provide you the most comfortable rides no matter how bumpy the roads may become. In conditions where vehicles would usually lose balance and stability, these shocks will keep you at bay from bouncing your cup.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]These shocks are much more affordable than other similar options
The front and rear shock for this kit are ultimately reliable
There are special red and white proactive boots
The unique shim stacked valving provides the best possible balance maintenance in the most challenging off-roading scenarios
The installation is really easy and can be accomplished on one’s own
Large vehicles like GMC Sierra 1500 can be effectively handled
Thee shocks come with a lifetime warranty
Usually, no jacking up is required during installation [/i2pros][i2cons]These shocks don’t come with thorough instruction manuals that would ease the installation process [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Verdict
If you ought to traverse roads made essentially out of bumps and inconsistencies, RS5000 shocks will avail you the best possible control and balance. Best of all, they are affordable and come with a lifetime warranty.
3. KYB SR4079 Strut-Plus Complete Unit Shocks
These shocks are built to render the most excellent performance and are well-known for their reliable quality. If you are looking for the shock kit that would let your vehicle’s ride become as smooth as it was in the start while effectively improving the handling and control, this is the best option to look at.
We would best describe this kit as an absolute OEM replacement to restore the original capabilities of your vehicle. The unique twin-tube gas Excel G-Strut in this kit serves to provide the best quality performance. We are not bragging when we mention that the performance rendered by these shocks may be way more impressive than the original shocks in your vehicle.
While you may experience the best in class balance, there is no way your driving style will be affected. These shocks are meant to provide you the most unimaginable comfort. This shock kit has a twin-tube design and comes with a non-adjustable valving. It is gas charged and there are protective black boots.
The installation is simple and easy to accomplish. The kit contains the coil spring, bearing plate, bumper, boot kit, spring seat, and also isolators.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]This OEM replacement not just restores the original handling capabilities and stability to your vehicle, it serves to effectively enhance the performance
The twin-tube gas-operated Excel-G Strut matches the OE quality
The installation is easy and is accomplished fast
All the essential components required for installation are supplied in the kit
Overall, the design is simple and the performance is ultimate, even better than the original
The improvement in performance does not affect your driving style [/i2pros][i2cons]No cons [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Verdict
This shock kit is very easy to install and effectively enhances the balance and stability of your vehicle. The performance rendered will be better than the original shocks in your vehicle.
4. Bilstein 24186636 Shocks
This unique monotube shock absorber serves well on the rear side. This works especially well for 2.0”-4.0” lifted vehicles. The best part is, the special velocity-sensitive digressive piston design is capable of handling the worst of insults. This is essentially a smooth body shock absorber that works best for GMC Sierra 1500.
The makers have achieved a lower price for this incomparable shock kit by introducing a very enduring and strong zinc plating within the monotube design. This special feature brings down the overall cost while enhancing durability. You’ll be amazed by the effective stroke length of 11.17”.
While compressed, the piston rods measure 18.17” and they measure 29.92” when fully extended. The diameter of the upper and lower mounting eyes is 0.555” and the boots measure 1.81” in diameter. The valving is non-adjustable and the system is charged by gas. One must note that these are the most well-recommended shocks for their best in class performance.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The unique velocity sensitive digressive piston design for these shocks is capable of absorbing the most challenging insults
The strong and enduring zinc plate brings down the price and enhances the durability of the shock kit
The extended piston rod length measures up to 29.92” so that the ultimate stroke length is 11.17” [/i2pros][i2cons]No cons [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Verdict
This is amongst the most well-recommended shock kits owing to its durable design that delivers the ultimate smooth drives and the most reliable performance. It is also more affordable than other similar contenders.
5. Rancho RS999901 Quick Lift Shocks
These are the most durable variety of shock kits you’ll ever come across. The performance rendered by this kit is essentially reliable owing to its promised longevity and effective performance. The unique twin-tube design includes a pre-assembled coil spring and also an upper mount.
The above-mentioned features tend to reduce the factory rake and make about 35” of tire height available. Such that the ground clearance effect is enhanced. The compressed length of the piston rods is 13.81” and the extended length is 18.06” such that the ultimate stroke length is 4.25”.
The diameter of the reserve tube is 2.13”. Combined with this, the special 9-position tuning technology of these shocks makes them ultimately adjustable according to the requirement. You can start with the OE level by adjusting to a step of the required flexibility or you can shift to the sturdy towing level.
You’ll be amazed to learn that the fluid capacity of these shocks is effectively improved by the twin-tube body design so that the operation does not get overheated at any point. The essential durability is mainly a result of the heavy-duty Nitro-carb rod. This rod serves to protect the shocks from corrosion. Moreover, there is a nitrogen-filled mono-tube and a graphite-filled piston for smooth performance.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The twin-tube design for these shocks increases the fluid capacity and provides more dissipation of heat
Theses shocks are essentially durable owing to the heavy-duty Nitro-Carb rod and the nitrogen-filled mono-tube
The liquid metallic finish also contributes to corrosion resistance
The self-lubricating seal prevents pollution from dirt and debris [/i2pros][i2cons]No cons [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Verdict
This ultimate shock kit is essentially durable and supremely excellent in performance. It is recommended to those who want the best in class balance and reliability in operation.
5. Fox 980-24-660 Shocks
These non- adjustable shock absorbers are very well-suitable for 0”-1.0” lifted vehicles. There are the utmost amazing features in this shock kit that are bound to overcome all challenges a bumpy road has to offer.
The body of these shocks is built out of metal-impacted 6061-T6 aluminum which is best protected from corrosion. The chrome shaft is plated with steel alloy and is wrapped in a redundant pack containing the main seal, wiper seal, and scraper seal. There is also nitrile rubber suspension articulated bushings.
The rebound valve system and the nitrogen pressure compression has an effective stroke length of about 9.0”. The compressed stroke length is 15.65”. The internal diameter of the upper and lower mounting sleeve is 0.56”. You’ll be glad to learn how the internal IFP reservoir for these shocks is capable of completely separating the oil from the nitrogen gas.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The strong aluminum body avails the maximum durability and strength
The main seal, scraper seal, and wiper seal provide sufficient protection from damage
These shocks execute the most dependable performance
The unique high-flow race piston provides a much fast reaction and better performance upon any rough surface [/i2pros][i2cons]No cons [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Verdict
The shock kits are essentially loaded with numerous exceptional features to best elevate your performance upon any rough surface. The sturdy construction is of utmost reliability. The exceptional features are supremely dependable.
6. Wulf Leveling Lift Shocks
The 4 WD torsion bar suspension for this shock kit makes the most exceptional accomplice for a GMC Sierra 1500. The high quality of construction of these torsion bars is meant to attain the maximum balance while going off-road.
The front lift torsion keys for these shocks are adjustable to best ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience. There are also three-inch rear lift blocks for the most effective U-bolt.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]This shock kit is exceptionally easy to install
The front lift torsion keys for these shocks are quite adjustable
There are extended U-bolts and other comprehensive hardware
There are front and rear extended shock absorbers
No special modifications are required to install these shocks
[/i2pros][i2cons]There is no lifetime warranty for this product
No instructions have been provided to best extend the torsion keys [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Verdict
This unique leveling kit is especially recommended for beginners with little experience in installation. The overall performance is adequate.
Conclusion
We have brought you some of the best shocks for the GMC Sierra 1500. Your final choice would depend upon the particular type of shock absorbers you require and their compatibility with your vehicle. So ride off on the bumpiest road and be prepared to never feel any inconsistency in your drive.
