I just hit 142K miles and the ride is starting to get a little harsh. This is a stock DD vehicle and I'm looking to improve handling and still have a compliant, comfortable ride around town. Seems like Bilstein 5100, KYB, and perhaps Dobinsons are good options. Who can suggest a kit that provided a nice upgrade? I don't have air bags. Thx!
Shock suggestions for '15 GX...normal suspension.
- Thread starter LCMemphis
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I am happy with the 5100s. I went with 265/65R18 vs a suspension lift. I may go bigger next time but not much. I think the stock dampers for the standard suspension are made by KYB. Both are good. 5100s give you flexibility if you decide to lift a little later.
I’ve had the Dobinsons IMS for close to 100k miles and really enjoyed them. It’s time for a refresh and I may go same route again but also curious what some other options are in that range.
- Thread starter
- #5
What's the difference between the IMS and GS shocks? thx
I had Dobinson's on my GX and it rode like a dream.
- Thread starter
- #7
Thx for sharing. Do you know if they were the basic GS model or IMS? Since I have basic suspension, no lift, and don't go off road much, I'm thinking the GS model is what i need.
They were basic, definitely did the trick.
I have the GS shocks all around, comfort valving in back. I love them, similar or better than stock comfort and control, but I’m not going high speed off-road and don’t have much weight over stock. On-road and slow-ish off-road on moderate rated trails.
Great bang for your buck.
Bilstein 4600 would be better match for stock height.
IMS is monotube, the basic Dobinson is twin tube design. Monotube usually gives better performance due to faster response and bigger piston.
Other option that might be very good fit is KONI Raid that Alldog off road sells.
Apache off road AX2 been getting really popular lately too with good review but geared more for lifted / longer travel rear application.
IMS is monotube, the basic Dobinson is twin tube design. Monotube usually gives better performance due to faster response and bigger piston.
Other option that might be very good fit is KONI Raid that Alldog off road sells.
Apache off road AX2 been getting really popular lately too with good review but geared more for lifted / longer travel rear application.
- Thread starter
- #11
Thx again..before I order..one last Q. Did you add a spacer on coils or the top mount hardware that goes on top of struts? thx
As far as on-street ride quality goes, there aren't huge differences between the better aftermarket options. Offroad can be a bit more noticeable. I think Bilstein is an excellent value for a road truck that may see minor offroad use.
Suggest staying away from high performance shocks with reservoirs. I had Icon with reservoirs for about 5 years and had to rebuild them about every two years. Done with them, Got Bilstein's now, should be good for about 80k miles, instead of the 15k before rebuild I was getting before.