I have just purchased a '98 K1500 Suburban to replace my old war horse -- an '88 Suburban 1/2 ton 4x4. The '88 had front leaf springs, of course, but also had dual shocks up front and extra leafs added in the rear. The result was a very, very firm ride which I liked.

The '98 torsion bar, independent suspension is very smooth, but a bit too soft for my taste. I'm wondering whether others have stiffened the suspension on their '96-'99 Burbs by replacing shocks or some other means.

Are performance shocks the answer or something else?

If shocks are it, what type/brand/model shock will get the job done right? Do I need coil overs to make a real difference? What brands/models have NOT been satisfactory?

Remember, I am looking for a much firmer ride overall. I do not do offroad driving, but have to deal with sometimes poor blacktop or gravel mountain roads. I don't mind feeling the bumps, but want as little lean in the curves as possible. I'm running Michelin LTX M/S tires with 35 lbs. The only thing I tow is a one-ton utility trailer.

Thanks very much for your thoughts.

Bob

Bob,
I recently put Bilstein HD shocks in my C1500, and they do pretty much what you described you are looking for.
Go to www.shox.com and get the application and a quote. I paid $ 250.00 including shipping for mine.
These shocks litarally last a lifetime. I have Bilsteins in another vehicle and they now have over 200kmiles on them, with no noticeable loss of function.
Good luck!
Uwe

I have a 99 1/2 ton 4x4 and raised front arms 1 1/4 inch (p265/75/r16 tires) put Rancho RS5000 shocks on front and good quality air shocks on back to level it out. For the ride you describe this should be a reasonable priced upgrade and do in a afternoon. If I buy another I would do the same to it.I do some field recon for hunting and blast down the interstate at 80 mph.I love the way it rides.

Just my opinion..
snidelywhplsh

My favorite shocks are the Edelbrock ISA Shocks. They are a big improvement over the KYB or Stock shocks. The ride smoother, control my 6.500 lb boat much better and improved handeling. I think E's ISA shocks are better than the Bilstiens I had on other Suburbans

Step back a few feet and see if the front end is sagging quite a bit lower than the rear. reason being is that a lot of people complained (mostly soccer moms) that their suburbans were riding to stiff in the front for their comfort. a lot of suburbans have had the torsion bars dropped a bit by the dealers and tire shops to soften up the rides, thus making them ride softer. if yours is riding lower, by raising it up a bit you can add more spring to the front. might as well change those worn out shocks as well. Personally I use pro-comps.