New Shocks Maybe

[FlyStar]

On my last tow of about 500 miles, I noticed that the truck seemed to be porposing a lot more than I remember or expected. Most noticed at road to bridge transitions. The front end of the truck going up and down a couple of times. Not comfortable and I’m pretty sure it’s worse that it was prior. Or it could just be the bad condition of I-10.

2021 Silverado HD 2500 Duramax with 35,000 miles, of which 20,000 is towing the big 312 BHTS.

I got a quote for 4 Bilstein 5100s of $990 installed which for some reason includes a front end alignment. Does this sound reasonable?

[Hoopy Frood]

Well, 4 Bilstein 5100 shocks cost about $440, so you have to figure out if the alignment and installation are worth $450. I installed the ones on my Dodge and it was a fairly simple job. I wouldn't think an alignment would be necessary after installing shocks, but if you're noticing any symptoms of out-of-alignment, it couldn't hurt.

Considering the shop will have a lift and all necessary tools at hand, an hour should really be sufficient, maybe an hour and a half if they stopped for lunch.

[Wileykid]

I put the Bilstein's on my truck last year. Depending on how handy you are, installing them is actually pretty easy. I have done it to my Chevy 2500 and my RAM 3500, and it is just undoing bolts, no need to lift the truck. Took me about 45 minutes to do it.

Agree on not needing to do any alignment, unless you see something in your tires, or the truck is not tracking. Then again, 35,000 miles is not a bad time to check it anyway. Alignments usually are around $100, or less.

[Conner58]

Just installed on my 2019 superduty $368 on Amazon took an hour no lift needed 1k seems very expensive even if you needed a lineup. I would shop around .

[trailrydr]

Bilsteins are definitely the way to go. They do a great job with ride, tow and overall stability on my truck. But like Hoppy posted, I too installed mine and it was well worth the savings. I did have the TV realigned afteward, but I purchase a lifetime alignment from Firestone due to using the vehicle for towing on these great highways we have in MO....

As for the labor of installing and renting a strut compressor, that might be a bit high, but, it does mean someone else has to remove the old and install the new, and that maybe worth it to some.

If planning on keeping the vehicle for awhile, consider Firestones lifetime alignment instead. I have my TV checked/aligned each time I pull my RV, and like having someone else install your shocks, its a nice luxury to just take in and let some one check it without having to pay each time for the last 10 years. I know my tires have also benefited from it too.

Note. One could always do their own alignment too..... know some fellow offroad Jeepers who do it all the time. Again, its just what one wants to pay for.

[JCR GD]

Yes it sounds like shocks need replacing. Not a difficult job to do yourself.

[Dutchman2]

On my last tow of about 500 miles, I noticed that the truck seemed to be porposing a lot more than I remember or expected. Most noticed at road to bridge transitions. The front end of the truck going up and down a couple of times. Not comfortable and I’m pretty sure it’s worse that it was prior. Or it could just be the bad condition of I-10.

2021 Silverado HD 2500 Duramax with 35,000 miles, of which 20,000 is towing the big 312 BHTS.

I got a quote for 4 Bilstein 5100s of $990 installed which for some reason includes a front end alignment. Does this sound reasonable?

I installed Bilstrein 4600 about 4 months ago. Replacing the Rancho shocks front and rear. Noticed huge improvement in the front end response instantly unloaded. Excellent handling improvement when loaded. Ordered through Shock surplus $350 plus tax. Arrived in (2) days. Installation is straight forward as the rear shocks only take 5 minutes each to replace. The fronts are a little more time consuming only due to needing to raise the truck to facilitate installation. Be sure to follow the torque procedure for the fronts as well. Start to finish took me about (2) hours. Well worth the $$ and effort. On a side note the front Rancho shocks are not gas pressurized. Once compressed they remain in that position. The rely on internal valving only. The rears are gas pressurized and rebound back. I feel over time the Rancho front shock performance is compromised without the gas pressurization IMO.

Dutchman2

[JCR GD]

... On a side note the front Rancho shocks are not gas pressurized. Once compressed they remain in that position. The rely on internal valving only. The rears are gas pressurized and rebound back. I feel over time the Rancho front shock performance is compromised without the gas pressurization IMO.

Dutchman2

?? They should be!

Edit: My Ranchos were shot at 23,000 miles.

[SilentService]

[which for some reason includes a front end alignment. Does this sound reasonable?[/QUOTE]

Are they installing the steering damper as well?

[Dutchman2]

?? They should be!

Edit: My Ranchos were shot at 23,000 miles.

I would typically agree but based on Multiple GM-Duramax forums it seems the torsion front suspension/Rancho stock combo was not gas charged on the HD trucks. Fluid dampened only based on Tenneco (Rancho Manufacture) customer service. I left mine in the garage a week to see if they rebounded - they never moved except to the curb.

Dutchman2