06' 2500HD (KYB) Shock Replacement

[5202500HD]

On my 2500hd, I Just replaced the original shocks and front sway bar end links and steering damper and boy what an improvement. Wasn't that bad to begin with other than the bushings on all 3 components were dried out.

Shocks: KYB Gas Adjust F & R. P/N's KG54340-KYB and KG54342-KYB
End Links: Summit's Dorman Premiums Rugged Duty P/N SL92035RD
Steering Stabilizer: Monroe Gas-Magnum Steering Damper P/N SC2963

Bought all on Summit Racing except the Stabilizer. The brand I chose, BDS, came and it didn't look to heavy duty so I returned it to Summit and got the Monroe locally. I priced Bilstein 4600's but after doing a lot of research found that the KYB's, if purchased through an authorized dealer, are less expensive just about equal in performance with a slightly more forgiving ride quality and have similar warranties. In total, with Mil. discount, Im in to it under $400 and I did the work.

 

[AuroraGirl]

On my 2500hd, I Just replaced the original shocks and front sway bar end links and steering damper and boy what an improvement. Wasn't that bad to begin with other than the bushings on all 3 components were dried out.

Shocks: KYB Gas Adjust F & R. P/N's KG54340-KYB and KG54342-KYB
End Links: Summit's Dorman Premiums Rugged Duty P/N SL92035RD
Steering Stabilizer: Monroe Gas-Magnum Steering Damper P/N SC2963

Bought all on Summit Racing except the Stabilizer. The brand I chose, BDS, came and it didn't look to heavy duty so I returned it to Summit and got the Monroe locally. I priced Bilstein 4600's but after doing a lot of research found that the KYB's, if purchased through an authorized dealer, are less expensive just about equal in performance with a slightly more forgiving ride quality and have similar warranties. In total, with Mil. discount, Im in to it under $400 and I did the work.

how about the frame to control arm jounces?

Those are CRITICAL to handling well and crisp, and I replaced only that (mine were completely gone) and shocks with OEM shocks and its 100x better

Even with worn out control arm bushings/ball joints and now starting to get worn out tie rods

The steering stabilizer came after i did PS cooler and i went without it for a month, only noticed it on really higher pressures in the front on the freeway at 70mph, it wanted to dance around

 

[AuroraGirl]

if

On my 2500hd, I Just replaced the original shocks and front sway bar end links and steering damper and boy what an improvement. Wasn't that bad to begin with other than the bushings on all 3 components were dried out.

Shocks: KYB Gas Adjust F & R. P/N's KG54340-KYB and KG54342-KYB
End Links: Summit's Dorman Premiums Rugged Duty P/N SL92035RD
Steering Stabilizer: Monroe Gas-Magnum Steering Damper P/N SC2963

Bought all on Summit Racing except the Stabilizer. The brand I chose, BDS, came and it didn't look to heavy duty so I returned it to Summit and got the Monroe locally. I priced Bilstein 4600's but after doing a lot of research found that the KYB's, if purchased through an authorized dealer, are less expensive just about equal in performance with a slightly more forgiving ride quality and have similar warranties. In total, with Mil. discount, Im in to it under $400 and I did the work.

you want better rride quality, consider the rear leaf springs:

Subject: Squeak Noise From Rear of Vehicle (Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs) Models: 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado (Classic) 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2007 GMC Sierra (Classic) 2007-2008 GMC Sierra This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 model year and include new style pickups models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-03-09-004 (Section 03 -- Suspension). [H3]Condition[/H3] Some customers may comment about a squeak noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. During normal operation, certain vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise that may be traced to the rear leaf springs. While this noise is an operating characteristic of leaf springs, the frequency and severity of this noise will be affected by the roads that the vehicle is driven on. [H3]Cause[/H3] This condition may be due to debris getting between the leaf springs. [H3]Correction[/H3] To correct this condition, lubricate the rear leaf springs using the following procedure. Important: It has been found that the application of grease to the rear leaf springs does a better job of preventing the noise from reoccurring than replacement of the spring. Raise the vehicle on a frame lift-type hoist. Inspect the springs for damage. If none is found, proceed to the next step. Pressure wash the rear leaf springs to remove as much dirt and grit as possible. Dry the springs with compressed air. Apply a liberal amount of grease, P/N 12345996 (in Canada, use P/N 10953501), under the front and rear tip inserts for the #2 and #3 leaves, on top of the tip inserts, and in between the #1 and #2, and #2 and #3 leaves, as indicated below. A screwdriver can be used to gently pry up the tip insert; however, a rag around the screwdriver must be used to prevent damage to the spring. Use a flat-bladed tool, such as a gasket scraper to properly distribute the grease. Lower the vehicle to the ground and test drive to verify the repair. Please inform the customer that this will offer relief, it is by no means a lifetime repair. Periodic cleanings and grease re-application may be necessary throughout the life of the vehicle. For 1500 Series (½ ton) models only: On vehicles built prior to October 2004, if the above procedure does not correct this noise, it could be caused by an incorrectly dimensioned splay clip (the band holding the ends of the leafs together) that interferes with the leaf springs. A 5 mm (0.197 in) wider splay clip was introduced in early 2005 model year to provide additional clearance. To correct this concern, replace the rear leaf spring assembly. There was no change to the part number.

[H1]Rear Leaf Spring Slap or Clunk Noise (Replace Spring Inserts)[/H1] Subject: Rear Leaf Spring Slap or Clunk Noise (Replace Spring Inserts) Models: 1999-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Series Pickups 2000-2008 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 Series 2002-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Series 2003-2008 Chevrolet Express 2500/3500 Vans with 8500 GVWR (RPO C5F), 8600 GVWR (RPO C6P) or 9600 GVWR (RPO C6Y) 1999-2008 GMC Sierra 1500/2500 Series Pickups 2000-2008 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Series 2003-2008 GMC Savana 2500/3500 Vans with 8500 GVWR (RPO C5F), 8600 GVWR (RPO C6P) or 9600 GVWR (RPO C6Y) This bulletin is being revised to add model years and update the Parts Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-03-09-002A (Section 03 -- Suspension). [H3]Condition[/H3] Some customers may comment on a rear leaf spring slap or clunk noise. This noise is most apparent when the vehicle is operated over irregular road surfaces. [H3]Correction[/H3] Important: DO NOT disassemble the main pack on the leaf spring or remove the bushing from the spring. ​ (1)​ Insert -- P/N 15604067​ ​ (1)​ Insert -- P/N 15247030​ Verify that the rear leaf spring inserts (1) are present on the leading and trailing ends of the overload spring (second stage leaf). The insert may have broken apart from wear and fallen out. If the inserts are not present, install new ones. Important: On some models, the vehicle may have to be raised to allow the springs to separate enough so the insert can be installed.​ Part Number​ Description​ 15604067​ Insert, Rear Spring Leaf​ 15247030​ Insert, Rear Spring Leaf​