The Chevy Colorado is an excellent pick-up truck made for various purposes, especially off-roading. The only way it will stay in top shape is to maintain it well and have it serviced regularly. Servicing will tell you how far along the different parts of your truck are and whether they need to be replaced. Waiting for the Check Engine light to switch ON or for a part to completely fail before attending to it can be dangerous.
One of the most important yet neglected parts of the truck is the shock absorber. As long as it is working fine, we don’t notice it or give it the attention it deserves. The alarm bells only start ringing when bumps get harder to navigate over and the overall drive starts getting uncomfortable. If you are in that position at the moment, there’s no doubt that your shocks need to be replaced.
| Product No. | Shocks for Chevy Colorado | Product Image | Product Reviews | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1) | Bilstein 24-186209 |  |  |  |
| 2) | Monroe 911228 |  |  | |
| 3) | Detroit Axle |  | | |
| 4) | ECCPP Shocks |  | | |
| 5) | Bilstein 24-186193 |  | | |
Things you need to know about replacing shocks for Chevy Colorado
Even though there are many shocks on the market, it can be confusing to pick one because each comes with specific characteristics. Shocks are made for different purposes and cars, which is why picking out the most popular one or the most expensive one may not work out the way you want it to. To help you, we created a checklist to follow instead:
- Check the size of the shocks and ensure they are the same length as the OE shocks. If you do not know the details, you can always check the manufacturer’s website or manual.
- Buy shocks specifically made for the truck and model you have. Sometimes, due to upgrades and changes, the requirement also changes. This means that a shock that fits a 2000 model may fit a 2021 model.
- We advise that you change all the shocks at once even if only one needs replacement. This is because very soon the others will also follow suit. Replacing them one after the other only when the need arises is quite a hassle. If you do it yourself, it will take a lot of time. If you go to the mechanic, you will spend a lot of money.
- While it is true that replacing shocks is easy and you can do it yourself, we discourage first-timers from going for it unless they are really interested in auto parts and would like to learn about them. Trusting a good mechanic is always easier and convenient.
Contents
Best shocks for Chevy Colorado – Expert’s picks
Now for the most interesting part – finding out the best shocks for Chevy Colorado. These are our top picks, shortlisted after trying & testing them, and going through multiple user reviews.
1. Bilstein 24-186209 Shocks for Chevy Colorado
Bilstein is a very popular manufacturer of top-quality shocks for many vehicles. That is why it should come as no surprise that we are starting our list with Bilstein. This particular shock is a single rear shock engineered specifically for Chevy Colorado. Its features are as follows:
- This is a direct OE replacement with an eye measuring 14.4mm.
- The rear shock can be installed on the right or left (rear) side of the vehicle.
- The manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on this shock.
- It is very easy to install because it just needs to be bolted on. The shocks come with all the hardware you need for installation.
- The ride will be firmer once replace your old shocks with these but the stability will be unmatched.
2. Monroe Shocks & Struts Reflex – 911228
Monroe is one of those brands that give serious and stiff competition to Bilstein. Monroe is also considered among the best shock manufacturers today and is often the preferred choice. Let’s find out more:
- With the help of Monroe shocks, you will enjoy Acceleration Sensitive Damping (ASD), which is a valving technology to improve stability. It reduces roll and dive, and has been designed specifically for vehicles with high center of gravity.
- These shocks provide superior handling with full displaced valving and have been tuned to fit specific vehicle models. They can also adjust to the road conditions so that you have excellent damping control and enjoy a smooth ride regardless of the terrain.
- Consistency is another feature that makes Monroe shocks very popular.
- They have a Floun-banded piston that maintain a tight seal between the pressure tube and the piston. It minimizes leakages, improves durability, and allows better control.
- These are nitrogen-gas charged shocks that boost performance and ride handling by removing aeration.
3. Detroit Axle Shocks – Set of 4
This set of 4 shocks from Detroit Axle will fit 2004 to 2012 Chevy Colorado models with 4×4 only. They are not suitable for off-road suspension. Let’s check out more details:
- These shocks have been built to deliver high performance and durability.
- They have an O-ring to pressurize the inner tube and create a leak-proof seal so that fatigue, wear, and dirt do not affect the quality of the tube.
- Detroit Axle ensures that its shocks are direct OE replacements. You just have to crosscheck the part number so that you buy the right shocks.
- You will enjoy better performance and ride quality after installing these shocks.
4. ECCPP Shocks for Chevy Colorado
If you are looking for affordable shocks for your Chevy Colorado, these are the ones you should go for. ECCPP shocks are the among the more reliable and easy on the pocket shocks on the market today. Let’s find out more:
- These shocks have been engineered for 2008-2010 Chevy Colorado models. They are also suitable for GMC Canyon, Isuzu, etc.
- They have a twin tube body that protects from off-road work and body vibrations.
- With these shocks you will see an improvement in braking, steering, ride comfort, and control. You will not have any ride handling issues.
- The steel rod of the shocks is micro-polished and is completely resistant to corrosion. This means that you will enjoy long service life without any problems.
- The shocks are suitable for daily driving as well as uneven terrains and off-roading.
- They can get rid of all the abnormal noise that vehicle may be producing.
- These shock absorbers have a warranty of 1 year.
5. Bilstein 24-186193
We shall end our list of the best shocks for Chevy Colorado just like we started it – with a Bilstein product. This one is just as good as its counterparts, providing multiple benefits to the rider after installation. Below are some of its specifications:
- Its eye measures 14.1mm.
- The shock has been designed to improve ride handling and stability. It also ensures better control.
- The shock has a bolt-on installation and the process will not take more than 20-30 minutes.
- It measures 32mm across from the bottom, making them bigger than stock shocks.
- You get all the bushings and bolts required to install the shocks.
- The shock absorber comes with a lifetime warranty.
People also ask
We frequently receive questions about shock absorbers and in this section, we shall answer a few of them:
1) Can I replace shocks myself?
Most shocks come with easy, bolt-on installation. You can install them yourself but if you don’t have any knowledge about your vehicle, it may take you a long time.
2) How much would shocks cost?
Each shock absorber can cost around $50 on average. A few manufacturers sell more expensive shocks as well. Installation charges will be over and above the cost of the shocks themselves.
3) Which shocks give the smoothest ride?
The Bilstein B4 series shocks are known to provide a smooth ride. Monroe and KYB are other frontrunners.
4) What happens if you don’t replace shocks?
After a point, the engine will fail and that can be quite dangerous. You will also not be able to control your vehicle properly.
5) Which is better – gas or oil filled shocks?
Our vote goes to gas-charged shocks. They have nitrogen, which is a cold gas and is not flammable. This makes it the safer choice.
6) Do I need special shocks if my truck is lifted?
Not really. Regular shocks designed for your truck should still work for you.
Conclusion
If you spend a little extra time on penning down your needs, you will be able to buy the perfect shocks that last long and improve performance. We hope this article helped you in your buying journey. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and suggestions on this topic.