Need advice on 4X4 replacement suspension

[KatGV]

my Tahoe has 345,000 plus miles and needs a lot of new suspension parts front and rear. shocks also etc.. I don't want to lift it, maybe slightly beef it up a little as we do go off road with it. Not much if any parts are available any more from GM But don't know what places to trust as far as aftermarket. Want something thats going to last (obviously) any and all advice appreciated. Thx

 

[strutaeng]

Well, that's pretty high mileage. Is everything original? Maybe not shocks I would imagine?

I would say stay with GM Genuine for everything. AC Delco would be a good substitute also.

 

[KatGV]

yes most of it is original, have replaced the shocks but need new again. The problem is almost everything is is no longer available from GM this vehicle will be 20 years old next year!

Well, that's pretty high mileage. Is everything original? Maybe not shocks I would imagine?

I would say stay with GM Genuine for everything. AC Delco would be a good substitute also.

 

[Tahoe14]

Did you try Rockauto.

 

[Marky Dissod]

After 20 years, it's not like GM Genuine / AC Delco (same difference) are going to get any better -
they're not even going to be able to maintain GM OE quality standards from 20 years ago.

2 aftermarket companies that come to mind for exceeding GM OE are
Cognito MotorSports

Catalog

Cognito Motorsports Catalog

cognitomotorsports.com

and
Kryptonite Products

1999-2006 GM 1500 / 6 LUG TRUCK

These products fit; 1999-2006 Chevrolet and GMC 1500 4WD trucks, Chevy and GMC 2000-2006 1500 4WD SUVs

kryptoniteproducts.com

There MUST be others; the GMT8-- aftermarket is not dead yet, right?

I'm about to replace my worn-out leaking shock dampers with

Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD AWD RWD

Fits 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD AWD RWD Bilstein B6 4600 Monotube Gas OEM 24-065009 24-143806. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

Bilstein typically meets or exceeds GM OE standards.

 

[strutaeng]

I rebuilt the front end of my 06 Suburban 2 years ago and my 99 Silverado last summer.

RockAuto had GM Genuine upper and lower ball joints. The Silverado was a pain because the LCA ball joints were riveted. Bushings and other items were either AC Delco or Delphi IIRC. I think some parts on my suburban I did purchase from the local parts store, but bought the "premium" line. Stay away from economy line of parts.

The way I see it is, even replacement parts are probably going to be better than original, worn out stuff. Prior to tearing into my Silverado, I got on the freeway and the truck felt really shaky. I knew it was time to replace everything. I was at 260k and everything was original except the shocks. After I replaced everything and got an alignment, truck drives like a new 1999 Silverado.

 

[Marky Dissod]

The way I see it, even replacement parts are probably going to be better than original, worn out stuff.

Who does NOT see it that way? Comparing worn out parts to brand new parts is easy.
The more relevant comparison is between original, vs 'GM OE' from about ten years ago, vs today's 'GM OE' -
and don't forget that we're discussing 20+ year old vehicles.

I freely admit that even today's 'GM OE' is usually superior to much of what the parts store aftermarket offers.
But aftermarket companies like Cognito & Kryptonite are known for exceeding GM OE.
(I'm frankly surprised by the fact that this forum appears unaware or dismissive of anything besides GM OE.)