Alright got another question for you guys. I just put a set of KYB Monomax shocks on the front of the truck and the ride seems significantly better than the Belltechs I took off. I think the monotube shock is much better in my case than the twin tube, so I'd like to replace the rear shocks too.

I was torn between the KYB Monomax and Bilstein 4600 shocks for the front, read good things about both but ultimately went with the KYBs because they were supposed to be quite a bit stiffer than the Bilsteins. I am happy with my selection for the fronts.

Now for the rears, I am torn again. I like the stiffness of the KYBs in the sense that it helps the handling, but I am a little worried that with quite a bit less weight over the rear that they might be too stiff, which makes me lean towards the Bilsteins. I am curious though if the Bilsteins are any stiffer than the Belltechs...if they are, then I think they would be the way to go. If not, I think the KYBs would be the way to go. Anyone have any experience with any of these three to compare?

 

I recently replaced the Belltech front struts in my 2008 with Bilstein 4600's.
My Belltech's were pretty worn out, so it's difficult to compare new to new, however I believe the Bilstein's are at least as firm as the Belltech's were when new.
All I know for sure is that they're a massive improvement over the worn out Belltech's...which wore out way too quickly in my opinion...

 

I am not impressed with the Belltechs at all. I had them on a previous truck and didn't remember being unhappy with them, which is why I bought them for this one, but for this truck they are junk. I'm sure that either the Bilstein or KYB will be an improvement, just gotta figure out which one. The only thing that's more appealing about the KYB for the rear is to help with body roll and launch squat, but I'm not sure that it would make that much of a difference. Probably the Bilsteins are the way to go.

 

have you thought about regular Bilstein HD shocks?

 

Go with the KYB MonoMax on the rear also. They are valved properly for the rear of a truck, and will be able to dampen/control your heavy 20's.

 

I haven't been able to find a Bilstein HD shock that looks like it will fit. They are all designed for stock height or higher. The only way I've been able to find one that has collapsed and extended lengths similar to the Belltech that I already have is to search using a 2003 Silverado SS, and the only shock that they show fitting it is the 4600.

 

Ok, this is good to hear. Thanks Roger. I'll go ahead and order the KYB rears then.

 

Now to figure out how to take advantage of the buy 4 get a $40 rebate, since I've already bought 2 separately and all 4 have to be on the same invoice...

 

I got the rears today and installed, man are they stiff. Any idea if they will soften up some? Is there any kind of break in for shocks?

 

Most likely they will soften up some. I couldn't say how much though.

Have tried an OEM replacement shock in the rear?