Hi all - looking to replace the rear shocks at some point this year and looking for input on brands / manufacturers that you all have experience with. This is a 2011 V8 LE model that is 99% of the time driven on pavement for general commuting. The other 1% of the time it's on gravel/dirt logging trails accessing fishing holes but not enough to warrant a lift or anything like that. Just looking for the best combination of value, longevity, and ride quality. Thanks in advance!

Some research suggests Bilstein, KYB (OEM manufacturer?) or Z1 are all quality options.

Not looking for a huge lift out of these, though I understand replacing sagging old parts may result in a modest lift. Any feedback on what to expect from which parts is much appreciated. Thanks!

Your best bet is probably Bilstein.

I have had terrible luck with KYB.

OME worked fine for me. I have some cheap Sachs on now for the last year and it rides just as nice.

Thanks for the responses.

Have had Airlift 1000 on the truck for 12 years. The shop is recommending replacing the front control arms and shocks as well as the rear shocks. From what I gather on YouTube the rears are a DIY job, while the control arms are more than I care to mess with, especially since the front will need an alignment anyway.

I am not necessarily looking to increase the ride height, though I understand some incidental correction of settling of old parts may occur with new suspension components.

Given the front control arms/shocks will likely be replaced around the same time as the rears, does that change the recommendation?

Changing shocks and struts without springs won't change lift. Bilstein HD shocks are really good, I have tried Rancho and whatnot and come back to Bilstein. I would get the same kinds front and rear as the valving is pretty different between these brands.

The rears are very easy to replace yourself in a garage with a jack and the tire removed. The fronts are struts and require a spring compressor to take the strut out of the spring and replace with a new one.

Or...

You can replace the springs at the new time if you are doing control arms at the same time anyway. The rear springs are super easy, and it's also easiest to replace your Airlift 1000 bags at the same time if you are dropping the coil bucket to replace the spring anyway. The really good part about this is you can get the Moog replacement springs which are slightly stiffer than the OEM springs without adding significant lift (I measured around 1/2" I think), which eliminates the requirement to always run ~5 psi or so in Airlift 1000 bags to keep the saggy rear end of these trucks from bottoming out at the sight of a big bump. I put new Airlift bags in my new springs and do use them for load leveling, but the truck at 0 psi now feels like it did with 5-7 psi before and should have come from the factory like this.

Moog springs at the front with a strut mount kit from just about anywhere plus new struts means you can also replace the fronts at home. Have a shop assemble the new strut and springs for you, or do it yourself somewhere you can access a compressor. Then install at home at each corner.