2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Napa shocks?

[RGardner]

It is time for shocks on my 2001 4x4 3500. The easiest thing to do would be to buy a set of shocks from the local Napa store. Any one have any experience with Napa shocks? I have read several post and it seems that the Bilstein shocks are the favorite. I tow heavy stock and hay trailers with the truck. Any suggestions?

 

[Dave M]

I just installed bilstein 2549, 2550 and Rancho RS5404 steering stabilizers on my truck. I have had bad luck on my 95 GMC Safari van with NAPA shocks. Our auto shop at work gets all their stuff at NAPA and they told me when I had trouble with the NAPA shocks that they quit using NAPA shocks. I used their sensi-tracs or something like that that were their top shocks. They just did not work very well. I get 30% off but would not get their shocks again, I live on 1/2 mile of dirt road and could easily tell they did not cut it. Never tried them on my truck.



Just my story. No problem with bilsteins yet. Been on for 2 weeeks. Go with Bilsteins or Rancho.



Those that tow like the adjustibility in the rear of the Rancho RS9000. You can change it for loaded or not. Might consider Bilsteins in front and RS9000's in rear if I were you. I only tow occasionaly so Bilstiens all around for me. Don't care to keep crawling under the truck.





Dave

 

[nps]

I got Rancho 9000s and love them. Set medium in the front and I never change them.



Set them for soft in the rear unloaded, and full hard for towing. Always rides smooth loaded or empty, and the rears can be adjusted by reaching in without getting dirty (other than your fingertips).

 

[PAddington]

I have Bilsteins on the front of my 1st gen and they have been great. I don't know about NAPA shocks.



Paul

 

[ox1]

I've got NAPAs on mine. The biggest, bestest, meanest shock that they offer. My neighbor had said that they are stiff as bricks.



Well, maybe their stiff on 1/2 tons and such, but on a 1 ton with a flatbed they suck! I had to try them as they were 1/2 the $ of the Ranchos.



I hadn't went too far down the road before I knew that my original shocks w/100K+ on them were stiffer than these. I actually went bass akwards.





For the feller with a reg bed truck that doesn't haul much weight - the NAPAs are prolly fine - but for working I would go with something a LOT better!

 

[BWilson]

I have not tried the Bilsteins yet, but I have had Rancho 9000's and Edelbrocks. The Edelbrock shocks were a lot more expensive but they last 4 times longer that the Rancho shocks and they have a great ride.



Just my $. 02 worth.

 

[diesel DOG]

Bilsteins are tops in my Excursion, Dodge 3500 and my Corvette road race car.

 

[DSpencer]

I have had Bilsteins on for over two years and they seem to ride as new. Slightly firmer than stock shocks but I like them.

 

[MBreyer]

So where's the best place to pick up Bilstein's?

Also, is there a particular model line to look for?



Thanks!

~Matt

 

[tgbol]

Napa shocks are made by Monroe.

 

[RGardner]

I thought I saw where you could get a special TDR price on Biltein shocks but can't seem to find in now. Any one got the link?

 

[master1578]

Off Road Warehouse



Look for the TDR logo on the lower left of page. I think I saw something about free shipping on Bilsteins.