Are you looking for the best shocks for Chevy Astro van? Look no further. We’ll help you make an informed decision.
If you are looking to replace your Chevy Astro van’s shocks, you are at the right place. For your benefit, we’ve included in-depth reviews of the ten top models.
Go ahead, read our reviews and opt for the one that best matches your needs.
The 10 Best Shocks for Chevy Astro Van – Comparison Table
| Image | Model | F/R | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe 58598 Shocks (Top Pick for Rear) | Rear | Check Price |
 | Monroe 32066 Shocks (Top Pick for Front) | Front | Check Price |
 | KYB 565062 Shocks (Runner-Up for Front) | Front | Check Price |
 | Monroe MA758 Shocks (Runner-Up for Rear) | Rear | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 530-175 Shocks | Front | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 24011044 Shocks | Front | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 504-537 Shocks | Rear | Check Price |
 | KYB 565049 Shocks | Front | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 530-176 Shocks | Rear | Check Price |
 | Monroe 37064 Shocks | Rear | Check Price |
1. Monroe 58598 Shocks (Editor’s Choice for Rear)
The Monroe 58598 shocks are the best for a Chevy Astro van as they have heavy-duty spring coils to manage the suspension.
Features
The Monroe 58598 shocks are equipped with a heavy-gauge calibrated spring that pulls up to 1100 lbs of a trailer’s laden weight or while towing a boat. These are adjusting shocks which means that they compress or expand when they have an additional load to pull. Since each truck has a different specification for transmission, suspension, and tires, ride height performance can vary.
They survive all weathers with special modifiers added to the all-weather fluid. That reduces the friction of the piston and ensures that you get a smooth ride in any weather. In addition, the piston is fluon banded for tight sealing with the pressure tube to prevent leakage. That further improves control and offers longer life to your shocks and overall to the truck.
The fluid seal is self-lubricating and is precisely engineered to retain the gas. That prevents excessive wear and tear of the shock.
Pros
- Each shock weighs only 8.82 pounds
- Innovative valving offers excellent control and performance
- The fully extended length of 125 inches
Cons
- The package has only two shocks; new bolts are not provided
The Monroe 58598 is a good shock for your Chevy Astro van, given the features of heavy-duty calibrated springs and valving technology. It has delivered promised results to people who have installed it.
2. Monroe 32066 Shocks (Editor’s Choice for Front)
Monroe is known for its aftermarket shocks that offer durability and precise controls on slopes in the city when turning and braking.
Features
These Monro-Matic PLUS shocks have a Velocity Proportional Valving technology, which means that the damping offered by the shock is directly proportional to the truck’s speed. This ensures that unnecessary friction is avoided; the self-lubricating fluid seal retains gas and reduces piston wear & tear.
The piston itself is bronze reinforce and works smoothly, resulting in a smoother ride experience. The wear and tear of the piston itself are reduced. The nitrogen gas charge reduces the aeration when the tires hit the road, giving you a smooth ride.
This shock has a large bore (approx. 3 inches outer diameter) that gives enhanced damping, offering you consistent and smooth controls.
Pros
- It weighs only 1 lb. per shock
- Easy to install
- Value for money
Cons
- Rubber boots are not provided
This is an economic shock that gives you a smooth ride experience. Some folks who have used it say that it is value for money till they replace the shock again as they are much less expensive than others.
3. KYB 565062 Shocks
KYB is an OEM for many new trucks that are being manufactured these days. Additionally, they also have a large market base for shocks and struts. This variant of the KYB shock is called as MonoMax.
Features
This is a monotube design that has a zinc-coated steel piston ring. It has an extra rubber dust boot that is handy when off-roading to save the piston shaft from all the dust and dirt. Monroe claims that it offers up to a 40% increase in the damping performance of the shock.
The piston uses multi-lip synthetic oil seals to retain the fluid. It also has a wiper that keeps contamination out of the oil.
Pros
- Rubber boot to protect the shaft
- Extra-large bore to manage unsprung weight
- Up to 40% more damping
Cons
- A little stiff after installation
This KYB shock is a heavy-duty monotube that guarantees you 140% damping power than the OEM. In addition, the rubber dust boot is a welcome feature for any shock, which increases the shock’s life, giving you more mileage for your truck.
4. Monroe MA758 Shocks
This is also called the Max-Air shock, and this is a perfect shock if you haul a trailer, a boat, or an additional weight.
Features
The Max-Air shock maintains a level height ride for a heavy haul like a trailer or a boat. The shocks can be inflated/deflated, given the load you are carrying. The air pressure range offered is between 20 to 50 psi. Remember, the inflation is also impacted by your truck, suspension, tires, and the transmission range offered.
The shocks are equipped with an all-weather fluid that gives you high control and performance even in extreme weather conditions. In addition, special modifiers are added to the all-weather fluid that allows the piston rod to operate smoothly and offer very little friction.
Pros
- It weighs only 3.44 lbs per shock
- It has a wholly displaced valving for a smooth ride
- Piston arm length of 22.92 inches when extended and 14.03 inches when compressed
- The package includes airlines
Cons
- Rare, but some folks who have used it found the air to be escaping the shocks when inflated
This shock is a powerhouse with its heavy-duty performance. Its displaced valving technology gives you robust controls and a smooth ride.
5. ACDelco 530-175 Shocks
These ACDelco shocks are charged with premium gas and are the front shock absorbers for trucks and SUVs. This shock is for the driver-side rear shock of a truck.
Features
This variant of ACDelco front shocks has a twin-tube body. They are charged with high-pressure nitrogen gas to manage the piston’s reduced wear and tear and, ultimately, the tires.
The piston rod is chrome-finished and drawn over mandrel pressure cylinders. This gives the piston a higher quality of sealing and reduced friction internally, increasing the shocks’ lives. In addition, the chrome finish enables a smoother functioning of the piston.
The piston seal ring is O type, and it is hydraulic – this offers a consistent output of controls. The shocks are specially engineered with road response valving technology. This means that the shocks adjust to the terrain changes automatically, and you get extra comfort and unparalleled control on the truck.
The piston rod is hardened, and chrome finished. The piston bore is large to manage the additional weight of the haul. The piston is self-lubricating and has a scratch-resistant surface.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Offers a superb ride quality after installation
Cons
- California prop 65 warning
This shock by ACDelco should offer you what it promises if you are okay with a twin-valve shock. The piston’s performance is outstanding with its chrome finish with micro-cracks and super-smooth body.
6. Bilstein 24011044 Shocks
This unit here is a B6 series product variant and is for heavy-duty use. You are assured of augmented stability and handling of your truck. Rider comfort is always a top priority with Bilstein, and you don’t have to give up on that.
Features
Even a beginner in the automotive industry would have heard of Bilstein monotube technology engineered and tested in Germany for the automotive industry. It is a direct bolt-on product, and you do not need to modify anything. Equivalent to OEM standards, this shock gives you precision in handling your truck over sharp turns, even at a low speed, so that the truck body does not wallow.
The body of the shock is manufactured with a unique seamless tube process and has a high-quality finish. You can tune the compression of the piston separately as the piston has got a unique design. It is also equipped with rebound damping forces that give you the best ride in the town.
Pros
- It weighs only 3.54 lbs
- Easy to install and quick to use
Cons
- California Prop 65 warning
Bilstein shocks are known for their durability and practicality. After all, they were the movers and shakers in giving the world the monotube technology with enhanced user experience.
7. ACDelco 504-537 Shocks
These shocks are ACDelco’s specialty airlift shocks. They give great relief when stuck in extraordinary situations for hauling a heavy load or trailer.
Features
The ACDelco 504-537 offers a good ride height, preventing accidents when they have a haul load of fewer than 1100 lbs. Remember to replace the shocks in pairs only because you cannot expect this performance if you don’t.
You can adjust the air pressure in the shocks between 25-200 psi for a max load of 1100 lbs. After loading, you can expect a consistently maintained ride height level, stabilized alignment angles on inclines (going up or down) and during turns. This prevents extra load on other suspension components and gives you greater performance.
Pros
- Heavy-duty shocks
- You can vary the air pressure as per the trucks additional load
Cons
- Weighs 11.25 pounds
One would go with this shock because of its feature that allows the user to increase or decrease the airflow in the shock as per payload.
8. KYB 565049 Shocks
KYB has been producing aftermarket shocks that are equivalent to OEM quality. In addition, they are known for durability and stronger controls.
Features
Built to last the challenging road conditions, the MonoMax shock gives you higher stability with a large bore. For a novice, it means that large trucks can add more weight to the shocker because they have large tires and more metal on them. However, this extra bore gives you enhanced stability that heavier and powerful trucks demand.
These KYB shocks offer you increased damping (up to 40%) to reduce the tires’ noise fighting the roads so that you are comfortable. The piston seal stays in place due to a zinc coating, even in extreme weather and road conditions. In addition, it includes a rubber boot to keep the piston free from dirt and dust.
Pros
- Has a rubber boot
- Increased stability
- 40% higher damping
Cons
- California’s Proposition 65
To summarize, this shock will pull heavy loads once installed better than its competitors. In addition, the large bore makes for stronger stability and enhanced performance.
9. ACDelco 530-176 Shocks
These ACDelco shocks are charged with premium gas and are the front shock absorbers for trucks and SUVs. This shock is for the passenger-side rear shock of a truck.
Features
This variant of ACDelco front shocks has a twin-tube body. They are charged with high-pressure nitrogen gas to manage the piston’s reduced wear and tear and, ultimately, the tires.
The piston rod is chrome-finished and is drawn over mandrel pressure cylinders. This gives the piston a higher quality of sealing for and reduced friction internally, increasing the life of the shocks. In addition, the chrome finish enables a smoother functioning of the piston.
The piston seal ring is O type, and it is hydraulic – this offers a consistent output of controls. The shocks are specially engineered with a road response valving technology. This means that the shocks adjust to the terrain changes automatically, and you get extra comfort and unparalleled control on the truck.
The piston bore is large to manage the additional weight of the haul. In addition, the piston is self-lubricating and has a scratch-resistant surface.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Offers a superb ride quality after installation
Cons
- California prop 65 warning
ACDelco’s shock stands to its promise of high stability and improved controls with the twin valve shock. The piston’s performance is outstanding with its chrome finish with micro-cracks and super-smooth body.
10. Monroe 37064 Shocks
The Monroe 37064 shock is designed for light trucks plying in brutal weather and road conditions. They are aimed at reinstating the OEM performance, increasing the service life of the truck.
Features
These shocks are sold individually. The shocks have an all-weather fluid to keep working even in extreme weather and road conditions. With special modifiers to add to increase the piston rod’s smoothening, they offer a great ride to you.
The shocks are tuned for each application. This allows for the shock to adapt to the bumps and rough patches.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Fluon banded piston seal ring
Cons
- No cons so far
This shock by Monroe is an all-weather performer giving you extended mileage. A hard performer ensures that you are not stuck on the road in the middle of nowhere.
How to Pick the Best Shocks for Chevy Astro Van
Before you begin an initial search for the best shocks for Chevy Astro, do remember that there are some crucial look-outs to consider. Listed below are the top three points to look out for in a shock for your truck:
Cost
Our in-depth reviews suggest that your budget should be in the range of $95 to $110 for a pair of shocks for the Chevy Astro van. If you get anything less or more, please check for specifications and compatibility with your truck. We covered this question in our article about the best shocks for Trailblazer.
Check for accessories like airlines if you buy shocks inflated/deflated for air pressure to haul large loads. It is advisable to change the mounting nut rather than use the OEM one. It adds new life to the entire shock absorber. This could increase your budget but is worth it, given that your truck’s service life increases.
Driving Conditions of your Van
If your drive your Astro or Express, usually on patchy roads or dust trails, you are going to need a nitro-based shock that offers reduced heat and enhanced performance. If you are on the streets only that in-city, you could go with hydro shocks, which are less expensive.
If you replace hydro shocks, you must ensure that your truck doesn’t use dirt roads and that your driving style is paced out, smooth, and even. You cannot afford to hit the dirt roads; else, your shocks will give away.
Shock Type
Shock absorbers are available in two main categories depending on the agent cooling them. These are:
- nitro shock absorbers which use nitrogen gas to cool, and
- hydro shocks which use oil to cool
In either case, the purpose remains the same – to cool the piston’s high temperature as it expands and contracts to absorb the shock/gap between the tire and road. Because of the pressurized nitrogen gas, the nitro shock absorbers are expensive than the hydro shocks.
Because hydro-shocks are best for street performance only, we recommend that that you opt for nitro shocks.
Wrap-Up: The Best Shocks for Astro Van
Our recommendation is the Monroe 585998 shock for your Chevy Astro van primarily because of the heavy-duty coiled springs for pulling heavy loads.
They are adjustable as you can inflate or deflate the air pressure in them. In addition, they offer excellent stability and precision controls for a comfortable ride.