****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
My 2002 K-2500 8.1 4WD Suburban otherwise known as the Beast, has been running on it's AutoRide Shocks for 17 years and 123,000 miles. I knew the shocks were worn but kept putting it off. Stock Delco replacements are $500 + each plus install. Monroe makes a set that are in the mid $300's each (if I recall). I removed the 3 plugs from the Suspension Control Module near rear HVAC (right rear inside), pulled the related fuse and then disconnected the battery for 2 hours. After that, the car never looked for the SCM and never lit up the suspension error light. Next I purchased a set of Rancho RS9000xl's as I had had great luck with them back in 96 and 99 on my priot GMT 400 k2500 BBCSuburbans. I could not get them to ride in an acceptable manner. Mind you, I do not like stiff, as long as there is a sense of logic to how it responds. These acted very strange, so I sent them back under the 90 day satisfaction guarantee. Kudos to Rancho for taking them back. I called Bilstein and the guy said, put these 4600 series shocks on and you will LOVE them. I did and I do LOVE them. They work perfectly as needed. Firm but not harsh, no float, not even while towing a 6000 lb boat. Buy these and do not look back. They are awesome. I have had a million sport cars and SUVs over the years with Koni, Bilstein, Rancho Dick Cepek, etc and my current fun car is a 2012 M3. I know a bit about shocks and these are GREAT. Caution, I originally wanted the 5100 series shocks, thinking they were a higher grade. The 2 reps at Bilstein both said, the ONLY difference was that the 5100 series is for lifted trucks. Everything else is the same. Both said the 5100's would not work correctly as they would not be in their sweet spot on a stock ride height vehicle. I followed their suggestion and I am so glad I did. Buy these, do it now, do not wait. You'll wish you did this years ago.
