1991 Suburban front shocks?

[Keitha]

I really need new shocks for my 1991 Suburban. I have read that some opt to abandon the dual front set up for a single shock on each side. Beside the obvious of buying 2 additional shocks, what are the pros and cons of each set-up? If single, which shock location do you use?
I will most likely buy a set of Bilstein shocks. My Sub is 98% on road/daily driver. 2" lift via Tuff Country springs. 285/75/16 tires.

 

[munepit]

Go single shock on each wheel. I just put on new shocks and its smoother with one a side. Use it on the inside mount. Bilsteins are great shocks. You might need shorter bolts with the single shock though, at least I did. I unbolted the bracket for the dual shock mount.
Hope this helps.

 

[pauly383]

Two shocks means the work is spread from one shock , to two lighter valved shocks . Helps prevent shock fade as they can cool down faster .

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Two shocks means the work is spread from one shock , to two lighter valved shocks . Helps prevent shock fade as they can cool down faster .

Also makes up for the crappier shocks that were made in the 80's.

As mentioned, single shocks up front. Bilstein makes GREAT shocks for cars but I don't know about your Suburban (maybe yes, maybe no). There is lots of info on shocks here, try the search feature

 

[munepit]

I just put on single Explorer ES3000's on each side. Rides much better than my Rancho 5000's that had two per front wheel. $100.00 out the door. I have 8" suspension and it rides better. I also have 38s. You don't need quads up front.

Unless you are doing the whoop section on the local offroad track, the cycling of the two shocks per wheel won't make a difference. Go with single shock per wheel, if you are not happy, go buy two more for the front.

Singles will work!!

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Keitha]

... Go with single shock per wheel, if you are not happy, go buy two more for the front.

Singles will work!!

Hope this helps. Good luck!

I don't think it is that easy as I do know the valving is different if you run dual or single shocks (dual shocks do run about 1/2 the valving resistance of the singles). I do like your advise about running singles and am leaning to that direction.
thanks,

 

[sponsoredbydad]

I installed some Rancho 9000's adjustable and they made a huge diffrence

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Singles. I ditched my quad shocks for ACDelco Premiums in the "extra" location up front figuring...hell, I dunno...seemed easier to get to.

Now I kind of wish I had gone with something like the Bilsteins or Rough Country Nitro 9000's in the stock location and just eliminated all the quad shock BS. Might be making noises that irritate me and the shocks are a bit smaller than I figured they'd be.

 

[munepit]

Go single shock on each wheel. I just put on new shocks and its smoother with one a side. Use it on the inside mount. Bilsteins are great shocks. You might need shorter bolts with the single shock though, at least I did. I unbolted the bracket for the dual shock mount.
Hope this helps.

I know this thread is kinda old, But when I wrote this, I had just installed 2 new front ES3000's. Well, they are both blown. They lasted about 5 months and had less than 100 miles on them. I guess thats what I get for jumping with cheap shocks. I am installing my new Bilsteins today. We will see how long they last!

 

[4xcrazy]

Two shocks means the work is spread from one shock , to two lighter valved shocks . Helps prevent shock fade as they can cool down faster .

the way i was explained this awhile back too.

at one time there were different part numbers for the 4 shock setup than a two shock deal. Not sure anymore though, haven't researched it in a long time.

 

[88jimmy4x4]

where do you guys find the bilstein part numbers for lifted apps?...ordering online or what?