Have the stock shocks on your Chevy finally given up on you?
Or are you just not happy with how they perform under different road conditions?
Then you have arrived at the right place!
Featuring some of the best shocks for Silverado 2500HD, I can guarantee you that after you install any one of these shocks; you will forget your old ones.
The list I have compiled in this article will provide you the utmost comfort, unparalleled control, and superior handling that you won’t have to worry about getting new shocks for a long amount of time.
Table of Contents
- 1 9 Top Rated Silverado 2500HD Replacement Shocks Comparisons
- 1.1 1. Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks
- 1.2 2. Bilstein 5100 Shock Absorbers
- 1.3 3. PROCOMP ES9000 Shock Absorbers
- 1.4 4. Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks
- 1.5 5. King 2.5 Performance Shocks
- 1.6 6. Bilstein 4600 Series Shock Absorbers
- 1.7 7. Rancho RS7000MT Monotube Shocks
- 1.8 8. Skyjacker B8574 Black MAX Shock Absorbers
- 1.9 9. Rough Country 28330 2.5’’ Leveling Kit
- 2 Conclusion
9 Top Rated Silverado 2500HD Replacement Shocks Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK  | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
BEST BUDGET  | 9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 7.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 7.4 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks
The first place is the shocks by Rancho, a manufacturer that is regarded worldwide for making superior shocks and suspension systems.
The 9000XL Adjustable Shocks is no exception!
If you are an avid off-roader that likes to take risks and push your vehicle to its extreme, then there are no better shocks than these that will stay strong all the way.
Expose them to any terrain and road condition, and you will be impressed.
All of this is possible due to the use of an adjustable damping system that allows changing the shocks’ dampening power, ranging from very smooth to very hard, depending on personal preference.
This is done using a knob built on the shocks, which has different levels of adjustment.
Moreover, when I was looking for this product I found out they are using a twin-tube design, and have a higher oil storing capacity, which gives them a greater surface area for dissipating heat and also gives them the ability to adjust to varying road conditions rapidly, just so you feel little to no vibrations when driving on plain roads, and fewer shock impulses when off-roading.
If you try these on a long journey, you are looking at continuous hours of extreme comfort and control, which is just not possible with the stock shocks.
Like all Rancho shocks, the manufacturer offers a 90-day or three-month risk-free trial with these, which can be claimed for a full refund if you are not satisfied with their performance.
Even if you keep them, they are still covered by a limited lifetime warranty, which is valid for as long as you still own the vehicle in which the shocks were installed.
The only main problem people faced with it was that the knob to adjust the dampening levels has a very small print, making it almost unreadable.
- Knob adjusted dampening levels
- 90-day risk-free trial
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Excellent heat dissipation
- The small print on the adjustment knob
There is a reason I chose this brand as my number one pick for your Silverado 2500HD, and with what features they provide, I doubt there is anything better on the market that can match the same feature set of these.
2. Bilstein 5100 Shock Absorbers
Coming in at a very close second position is a pair of extremely popular shocks that have been known throughout the world to provide excellent performance in all aspects, including light off-roading.
They are known to give you better handling and control over the stock shocks, to a great extent.
The 5100s Shocks Absorbers by Bilstein provides little to no shock fade, thanks to a monotube design, which is better than all shocks designs currently available.
It also enables quick adjustment to varying road conditions, which is helpful in rough terrains.
I think what sets these apart from others on the market is Bilstein’s patented digressive valving technology in which the piston is curved concavely.
This design choice greatly reduces friction and also allows for rapid adjustment to changing road conditions.
Like all Bilstein shocks, this brand come with a limited lifetime warranty, which is valid for as long as the vehicle in which the shocks were installed is owned by the same person who bought the shocks.
So, you are eligible for a free replacement for that duration if any manufacturing defect arises during their usage.
So in my opinion these cannot be used in very rough environments due to heating issues.
- Monotube design
- Digressive valving
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Heating issues
Despite the heating issues in some units, the Bilstein shocks provide excellent performance in all regards.
They are perfect for use in cities and off-roading environments, given that they are not used for longer durations in the latter.
3. PROCOMP ES9000 Shock Absorbers
If you are looking to get the most out of your vehicle, then these PROCOMP shocks should be your definite choice.
They provide some pretty compelling features for a very reasonable price tag, which you won’t find in other shocks.
The ES9000 Shock Absorbers use a twin-tube design, just like the Rancho shocks, which allows for better heat dissipation and quick adjustment to varying road conditions.
The shocks also use pressurized nitrogen gas that helps the vehicle in tough environments, where the stock shocks are not quick enough.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, this pair use a 10 stage velocity sensitive valving that enhances the overall performance.
The larger oil capacity is possible thanks to the expanded twin-tube design.
In this design, the tubes are manufactured to be much larger in diameter, which allows the shocks to hold larger amounts of oil.
This is very useful in situations when better contact of the tires with the ground if needed. So, they can handle any terrain with ease, thanks to the larger tube design.
Moreover, these are much less firm than the stock ones, which results in a smooth and comfortable ride on straight roads such as highways.
Furthermore, I noticed while doing my research that this brand use a nylon banded piston, alongside double welded shock mounts that ensure that wherever you take your truck, they will last through any environment they are exposed to.
From muddy roads to rocky hills, they will provide you with only the excellent handling and control.
- 10-stage velocity sensitive valving
- Decent heat dissipation
- Extremely durable
- None
Coming in head to head with top quality, the PROCOMP shocks provide excellent performance in all regards with high levels of durability and excellent handling.
4. Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks
If you are looking for shocks that perform just as good in real life as is stated on paper, then the Fox shocks are for you.
The Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks is the successors to the original Fox shocks that provide award-worthy performance in all aspects, including aggressive off-roading.
Fox is a leader in making suspension systems for cars, SUVs, and trucks. So, they do have a lot of experience in making quality items that will satisfy the user.
The Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks are another example of their prime engineering. They are specifically tuned for your truck so they can deliver the outstanding performance.
Like the Bilstein shocks, these implement a monotube design, which allows for greater dampening capability and have performance in their name.
So, this means that they are built to last. Using an aluminum build, the shocks are not only durable.
It allows for excellent heat dissipation, which is better than most shocks. Aluminum is also not prone to rust, so this greatly improves the lifespan of the shocks.
The main performance-oriented feature of this brand is the use of their Internal Floating Piston (IFP) that allows for the perfect separation between the nitrogen gas and the oil to reduce the chance of shock fade.
This also eliminates the possibility of aeration, which is a major reason for shocks failing prematurely.
The Fox 2.0 shocks are also rebuildable and rechargeable. This makes them usable for a lifetime. That makes them completely different from any other shock on the market.
Nitrogen tends to lose its pressure over time. If it can be refilled, it makes the shocks superior to all others mentioned here.
- Aluminum build
- Monotube design
- Internal Floating Piston
- Very expensive
- One year warranty
If the price is right for you, then you will not find shocks better than these. They provide excellent control, handling and are very durable, thanks to the aluminum build.
5. King 2.5 Performance Shocks
Built with racers in mind, the 2.5 Performance Shocks by King provides unmatched performance in on-road scenarios.
Take your Silverado 2500HD to the highway or for a drive in the city; you will be pleased with the performance gains over your stock ones.
Manufactured in the USA, these king shocks use anodized aluminum that provides extreme durability and excellent heat dissipation.
Aluminum absorbs and dissipates the heat evenly and much quicker than steel, which is used to manufacture most shocks available on the market.
King’s website states that the seals used in these shocks are tested to last for more than 450000 miles on vehicles with heavy usage.
They also use their progressive dual-rate spring technology that uses secondary nuts for a more accurate adjustment.
The height of the vehicle is also retained, which is difficult to achieve in non-OEM shocks.
- Aluminum build
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Progressive dual rate spring technology
- Very less reviews
Although purchasing these is a risky decision, if they perform similar to what is stated on the manufacturer’s website, then they will be one of the best bangs for the buck shocks on the market.
6. Bilstein 4600 Series Shock Absorbers
Don’t like off-roading?
You only drive in the city and don’t need extra features that off-roaders want?
Then the 4600s Series Shock Absorbers by Bilstein is for you. Bilstein making its way againin this article proves how much good quality shocks they make.
Aimed towards providing excellent control while retaining smoothness, these shocks provide twice the handling power over the stock ones.
Bilstein’s patented digressive valving are used in these, just like the 5100s, in which the piston is curved in a concave manner, which allows for fast adjustment to changing road conditions due to less friction.
Although it is not needed unexpected bumps can always come your way. For better handling, the digressive valving helps the tires make better and longer contact with the ground.
The oil in the shocks is kept under constant pressure. This prevents the oil from foaming when the shocks reach high temperatures.
This significantly improves the lifespan of the shocks. This brand keeps the fade and aeration to their absolute minimum.
The shocks are tested to their extremes to ensure they do not compromise on performance, even when under intense loads.
Just like the Bilstein 5100s, these come with a limited lifetime warranty, which is valid for as long as the vehicle in which the shocks were installed is owned by the same person who bought the shocks.
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Patented digressive valving
- Better handling
- Expensive
Aimed towards light drivers in mind, there are no better shocks available on the market than these but only if you are comfortable with its price.
7. Rancho RS7000MT Monotube Shocks
Another manufacturer takes yet another place. Believe me when I tell you, the shocks listed here today all perform very similarly, making it extra hard to choose which one comes on top.
The RS7000MT Monotube Shocks by Rancho is another beastly performing shock built for SUVs and light trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado.
Like many mentioned above, these use a monotube design, which allows for better heat dissipation and quick adjustment to changing road conditions, thanks to the increased spring rate.
The shocks themselves have extra stability, so you can drive at whatever speed you want, the truck will stay completely under control.
Using highly pressurized nitrogen gas, the shocks respond immediately according to the road condition, making sure you get a bump-free ride.
The piston also reduces the chance of aeration significantly, which causes shock to fade.
Just like the first Rancho shocks, these also come with a three-month risk-free trial. If you are not satisfied with the shocks’ performance, you can get a full refund, no questions asked.
If you choose to keep them for the long term, you are covered by their limited lifetime warranty, which is valid for as long as you still own the vehicle in which the shocks were installed.
- Monotube design
- Superior Stability
- Bump-Free Ride
- Large to fit
Excellent shocks available in the market. They have been built to last with double-welded loops to ensure they stay intact in the toughest of conditions.
8. Skyjacker B8574 Black MAX Shock Absorbers
Coming in eighth place is another pair of superb shock absorbers by Skyjacker. They also use a monotube design, which is superior to twin tube shocks.
They have a very low response time, making them adequate for most terrains. They are tuned to perfection and provide exceptional comfort.
Moreover, during my research on this brand I found that these come in a set of four.
So, you have to buy a complete set of you want these shocks. This is a very smart decision from the manufacturer.
It is common for people to replace only the front or back shocks at a time. This leads to imbalanced performance and handling.
Using the same shocks for both the front and the rear creates a much more even performance output.
The B8574 uses pressurized nitrogen for better and quick adjustment to varying road conditions. The nitrogen also improves handling over the stock shocks.
They are also very durable, making them usable in all conditions and environments. They implement a foam cell design in which small cartridges are stored in a secondary tube.
This keeps the oil from aerating by changing size appropriately with how the oil expands under intense loads. This makes the shocks very capable of carrying intense loads.
The Skyjacker shocks are protected by a limited lifetime warranty, which guarantees a free replacement in any manufacturing defect.
The warranty is valid for as long as the vehicle in which the shocks were installed is still owned by the person who bought the shocks.
- Monotube design
- Nitrogen charged
- Very durable
- A little stiff
Overall, I can easily say that these are the top choice you can buy right now. There is no real disadvantage except for the added stiffness, which takes some time to adjust to.
Other than that, they are solid shocks that will last for a very long time.
9. Rough Country 28330 2.5’’ Leveling Kit
Looking for shocks that will raise the height of your truck?
Then buy this complete leveling Kit by Rough Country. This kit can raise your truck’s height by up to 3 inches from the rear and up to 2.5 inches from the front.
This is especially useful for people who have to carry heavy loads on the back of their truck. The additional raise increases the load handling capacity while retaining smoothness.
Like the other shocks, implement a nitrogen-charged design.
Highly pressurized gas allows for rapid adjustment on quickly changing terrains such as rocky hills. They themselves provide a smooth and vibration-free drive wherever you go.
An added benefit of these shocks is that Rough Country, the manufacturer, has provided a complete installation video for these shocks so you can replace them from the comfort of your home, without the need of calling a mechanic.
- Nitrogen charged
- 3-inch lift
- Smooth ride
- Rapid adjustment
- Expensive
- Difficult to install
Although this brand was last in my article, they were not the least.
Providing excellent performance and features, they are one of the outstanding shocks you can buy for your Silverado right now, given that the price is right for you.
Conclusion
If you managed to read through this article, I hope it may have helped you clarify which shock is a right fit for you.
You could choose any shock from the above, and you will get better performance than the stock ones. There are many shocks available on the market.
Most are of a subpar quality which are not durable or provides worse performance than stock performance. That is not the case with the ones mentioned above.
I would personally recommend the Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks, which took the number one spot on this list of the best shocks for Silverado 2500HD Duramax.
They provide excellent performance in all regards ranging from off-road performance to comfort in a ride. They are also extremely durable. Thank you for reading this article.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
