Rear oem shocks

[Yugo]

One of my rear shocks' plastic covers have come off and the metal rod is exposed. How bad is it to continue driving like that? Also a little rust is present on top where it connects to the truck. If replacement is recommended what shocks are recommended for an oem replacement?

2007 tahoe lt, 4x4.

Thanks

 

[mizzouguy]

Its drivable, the cover is just there to kind of "protect" it from debris and crud. Dirt on that shaft will eventually damage the shaft seal and warrant replacement. If they are original then I'd say its due to be replaced unless its super low on miles. Don't know on the recommendation, stock suspension? Not air ride or anything? A lot of people go oem or bilstein for best ride.

 

[Yugo]

Thanks for quick reply. It's not auto ride, it's the zw7 package according to the sticker in glove box. Truck has 142k miles, and I don't think they have been replaced before.

Any advantage of going w aftermarket vs ac delco?

 

[mizzouguy]

Ahhhh "premium smooth ride" like on my 04. Stick with oem "nivomat" type shocks or you will have to also replace the springs. Monroe I know makes a version a little cheaper than acdelco. Do you tow any?

 

[Yugo]

Ahhhh "premium smooth ride" like on my 04. Stick with oem "nivomat" type shocks or you will have to also replace the springs. Monroe I know makes a version a little cheaper than acdelco. Do you tow any?

I don't tow. Does that make a difference on the selection?

 

[mizzouguy]

Well those nivomats are really handy if you do tow, they ride nice. If you don't then you could put whatever you wanted on there. The oem kind are pretty steep to replace, that's why most people change springs and switch to a standard shock and are still money ahead.

 

[Yugo]

Update - replaced rear shocks over the weekend. Direct oem replacement for my truck was acdelco 540 433. Easy to replace. Passenger side took a bit longer due to muffler and the heat shield in the way.

Rides a bit smoother. Especially over bigger bumps. Thanks for input.