Need replacement shocks for 2004 Silverado Z71

[Hookmaster]

Right front shock just started to leak. 140,000 miles on the truck. I plan on keeping it at least 3 more years. What is a good shock to go with or do I go OEM? Do I replace just the fronts or all? I am inclined to replace them all. Any tricks to replacing them? I have a Chilton repair manual.

[jwhjr]

I've been replacing the shocks on my 04 with Monroe Reflexes. I replaced the stock shocks at 70K with them, and put a second set on at 135K. The shocks are very easy to replace. I would replace all 4. I've gotten decent prices on Amazon for them, and many times there is a rebate as well. 911501/911502 are the part numbers for them. Good luck.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Doesn't the z71 option have bilstein shocks?

[Wanderer]

I know in 1996 they did! I haven't heard if they stayed with those shocks for the Z71s or not. I still have a set of take offs from a buddy's truck when he lifted it the first year he had it. I kept them for spares on mine but 210,000 miles later they're still sitting in the garage cuz they haven't been needed. I'm easy on my stuff I guess.

I replaced the shocks on our '04 Tahoe a chouple years ago and it was pretty easy. I do just snap the upper nut and shaft off the front shocks with a hammer and bar or chisel instead of fighting to unthread them.

[jwhjr]

Doesn't the z71 option have bilstein shocks?

They didn't in 04 for sure, the stock ones weren't. They would definitely be great for replacements though, but I didn't want to spend the extra $$.

[Hookmaster]

After doing some research online, I found the original shocks are made by Tenneco who makes Monroe and Rancho. Best online pricing is $280 for all 4. I looked at Bilsteins and for the 4600s the best pricing is $256. Are the Bilsteins a better shock? The reviews say they keep the tires on the surface better which imprvoves handling which I would assume most shock companies say.

[BartmanMN]

I put Reflexes on mine too. I like them. Very easy job to do.