Do you need the best shocks for Chevy Avalanche? Then, you’re in the right place.
The shocks are an integral component of the Avalanche’s suspension mechanism that helps diminish vehicular bounce by dampening spring oscillations. As a result, not only can you drive the Chevrolet Avalanche on bumpy and uneven road surfaces with remarkable smoothness but also use it for off-roading, thanks to the vehicle’s quality OE shocks.
However, if the Chevy factory-fitted pickup’s shocks and struts have become worn-out, continuing to drive could be pretty risky. That’s why we found and reviewed for you fifteen models of the best shocks for Chevy Avalanche available on the market at the moment.
Best Shocks For Chevy Avalanche – Comparison Table
| Image | Model | R/F | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACDelco 520-396 (Top Pick) | Rear | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 580-435 | Front | Check Price |
 | Monroe 911506 | Rear | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 530-387 | Rear | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 525-68 | Rear | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 504-554 | Rear | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 580-1091 | Rear | Check Price |
 | APDTY 133936 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Monroe MA830 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Rancho RS999274 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Rancho RS55274 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Dorman 949-052 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Belltech 2410FF | Both | Check Price |
 | ACDelco 504-517 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Dorman 949-701 | Front | Check Price |
AC Delco 520-396 (Editor’s Choice)
The ACDelco 520-396 is the best replacement for Chevy Avalanche shocks, in our opinion. It embodies nearly a century of GM OEM parts’ craftsmanship, innovation, quality, and experience. ACDelco components, including shocks & struts, go into over 2 million GM vehicles every year. The ACDelco 520-396 Advantage Gas Charged Rear Shock Absorber furnishes better control, ride comfort, and consistent performance, maintaining vehicle safety.
This Advantage Series gas-charged rear shock featuring a twin-tube design works seamlessly with LCVs, pickups, SUVs, vans, and passenger cars. These rear-charged shock absorbers comprise DOM (drawn over mandrel) pressure cylinder, resilient piston valve assembly, oil seal with built-in dirt wiper, and super-finished chrome piston rods. The 520-396 Advantage Gas Charged Rear Shock Absorber by ACDelco cushions impacts and shudders from road bumps and potholes.
It helps keep the vehicle’s steering vibration-free and smooth. No wonder ACDelco rear shocks and suspension components have become the gold standard in the market for Chevrolet Avalanche cars.
Features
- Precision engineered to work with your OEM vehicle’s suspension system.
- Super-finished chrome piston shaft for lasting performance
- Simple and quick installation without undertaking modifications
- Twin-tube design specifically suitable for off-road vehicles
Pros
- Manufactured using premium-grade materials, the shock has an extended functional life.
- DOM pressure cylinder reduces friction and resistance, creating a smoother surface
- Extended service lie, thanks to the O-ring’s delivering consistent pressure to internal tube, rendering the cylinder resistant to wear and tear
- Piston sealing keeps the pressure tube separate from the cylinder, thereby minimizing the chances of oil leakage.
Cons
- Some vehicle owners have reported that the shocks were jarring and somewhat stiff.
ACDelco 580-435 GM Original Equipment Front Shock Absorber
The 580-435 GM OE Front Shock Absorber from ACDelco is designed with meticulous care, using state-of-the-art technology replaces the OE shock of your vehicle. Engineered with precision, this ACDelco more than meets specifications for function, form, and fit, thereby providing excellent value for your investment. In addition, this shock is grouped under GM’s Advantage line of OE suspension equipment, serving as an effective alternative to generic aftermarket products.
And to top it all, the 580-435 OE front shock carries a very competitive price tag despite featuring highly versatile features. This GM OE front shock comes in perfectly handy for helping absorb the impacts and vibrations when your vehicle is moving over bumps and speed breakers. Once you install these Avalanche shocks on your vehicle’s front suspension, you’ll be able to control your car with the same effectiveness as you did before the replacement.
Features
- OE replacement shock for your GM vehicle’s suspension system recommended by General Motors
- As reliable, durable, and resilient as GM OE suspension equipment
- Manufactured using high-quality materials
- Replaces driver side/front suspension struts
Pros
- Caters to or surpasses stringent quality specifications/standards
- Guaranteed to mitigate vibrations from driving over bumpy roads and boost steering efficiency
- Ensures steady and trouble-free vehicle handling and control
- soaks up and dampens impacts and wobbliness into the vehicle’s suspension system
Cons
- External damage to the shock casing could adversely affect the internal cylinder.
Monroe 911506 Reflex Monotube Shock Absorber
Monroe’s 911506 Reflex Monotube Shock Absorber has been designed meticulously for providing motorists superior control over their SUVs and light-duty pickups. Monroe Reflex’s monotube design comprises a high-pressure nitrogen gas chamber topped by a hydraulic fluid chamber. The single-tube structure goes a long way in maximizing damping effectiveness by offering a supplementary spring rate.
Monroe Reflex Monotube Shocks come equipped with an array of versatile features that ensures hassle-free and stable performance. For instance, the ASD () technology helps boost up acceleration and control of light pickups, minivans, and SUVS without sacrificing safety. On the other hand, the FLUON banded piston enables your vehicle to adapt to diverse road conditions, like cushioning shocks from bumps.
Features
- Monotube design companionable with vehicles featuring single-tube Avalanche struts and shocks
- Fluon-banded piston ensures steady sealing between the pressure tube and piston.
- Highly pressurized nitrogen gas for guaranteeing consistent vehicle control
- OE all-weather fluid keeps shocked functional at high temperatures and prevents oil breakdown.
Pros
- All-weather OE fluid holds special additives for diminishing friction and promoting smoother shaft rod response.
- Proprietary hydraulic lockout absorbs and dampens impacts and vibrations.
- Reflex shocks are precisely engineered for every vehicle model.
- Improves vehicle stability by decreasing side-to-side tilt during sharp turns and maneuvers
Cons
- Difficulty in maintaining sufficient stroke owing to the juxtaposition of hydraulic fluid and gas compartments
ACDelco 530-387 Professional Premium Gas-Charged Rear Shock Absorber
The 530-387 Professional Premium Gas-Charged Rear Shock Absorber from ACDelco serves as the immaculate twin-tube replacement shock for your GM pickup, SUV, van, or passenger car. This premium gas-charged rear shock comprises a twin-tube design with an upper hydraulic chamber and lower high-pressure nitrogen gas chamber, enhancing vehicle performance. Additionally, the DOM pressure cylinder and the super-finished chrome piston rod improve this rear shock absorber’s functional life.
This ACDelco Professional Premium gas-charged rear shock takes advantage of Road Response Valving Technology for automated adjustment, thus boosting ride comfort.
Features
- Twin-tube technology is ideal for vehicles with a higher center of gravity
- DOM pressure tube for reducing internal resistance and prolonging product life
- O-ring hydraulic piston seal minimizes leakage of fluid from the piston, thereby offering better control.
- Multi-lip, full perimeter piston rod sealing stays permanently lubricated, preventing dirt and debris from infiltrating the interior.
Pros
- Nitrogen gas is charged for checking fluid aeration, thus offering steadier control compared to non-gas Avalanche shocks.
- Toughened chromed piston rod featuring micro-cracks offers a self-lubricating, super-smooth, and corrosion-resistant surface, increasing sealing life.
- RoadResponse technology, together with motion-receptive valving, helps react quickly to varying road conditions.
- High-pressure nitrogen gas boosts vehicle performance and ride comfort.
Cons
- Less oil capacity compared to a monotube, and therefore softer pressure application
ACDelco 525-68 Specialty Heavy Duty Rear Shock Absorber
The flawlessly designed ACDelco 525-68 Specialty Heavy Duty Rear Shock Absorber makes it perfect for installing in midsize vans and trucks extensively used for pulling hefty loads. Exclusively designed and crafted for handling heavy-duty fleet applications, these ACDelco 525-68 Specialty Rear Shock Absorber sports solid arc-welded end-mounts, sizeable piston shaft, bonded iron piston and compression heads, and a large piston bore. In addition, this ACDelco rear shock absorber will indeed work with your Chevy Avalanche, given its rapid response and consistent damping attributes.
Features
- Monotube technology with rod-guide bearing system
- Oversized internal piston surface area
- More efficient heat dispersal and cooling leading to improved performance
- Broader internal area for reducing fatigue and improving product longevity
- Hardwearing arc-welded mounts for resisting damage
Pros
- Super-finished chromed piston tube for a better sealing lubrication and anti-corrosion effect.
- Multistage sealing for minimizing internal compartment temperature and checking the entry of debris
- Enhanced heat dissipation and cooling for low fade performance
- Oversized body for holding a greater quantity of fluid for enhanced vehicle handling
Cons
- Many customers have complained that ACDelco outsourced the manufacturing of the shocks to Gabriel
- Several users have reported that rides are not as comfortable
ACDelco 504-554 Specialty Rear Air Lift Shock Absorber
The ACDelco 504-554 Specialty Rear Air Lift Shock Absorber is a significant duty shock working correctly with vans and pickups. These hardwearing ACDelco rear airlift Chevy Avalanche shocks work optimally with vehicles used extensively for transporting heavy loads and towing trailers. This 504-554 ACDelco specialty rear shock sports an extra-large 1.5/8″ piston borehole, bonded compression heads, an iron piston, toughened arc-welded end mounts, and oversized piston rod.
This ACDelco rear airlift shock absorber has been designed painstakingly to enable drivers to control their vehicles better while towing a trailer. The specialty airlift rear shock also helps keep vehicles steady by discharging or sucking up air, ultimately improving vehicle handling and control.
Features
- Retailed in pairs
- Air pressure adjustable for fine-tuning shock efficiency as per haulage
- Helps sustain ride height level when vehicle stays loaded for a temporary period
- Leveling capacity up to 1,100bs for boosting vehicle control
Pros
- Monotube air pressure adjustable internal piston design
- Bonded compression head and iron piston for enhancing durability and resilience
- An oversized shaft facilitates smooth movement of a greater volume of fluid for boosting up the performance.
- Super-finished chrome piston for an extended product life
Cons
- Inverted design leads to more friction caused by moving components
ACDelco 580-1091 GM Original Equipment Rear Airlift Shock Absorber Kit
The 580-1091 OE Rear Airlift Shock Absorber Kit by ACDelco serves as an impeccable substitute for your vehicle’s factory-fitted suspension components. These ACDelco rear airlift shock absorber kits help dampen and mitigate the brunt and shudders that result when your car is on rugged road surfaces. In addition, this replacement GM OE rear shock reduces vehicle vibration and keeps it steady, regardless of the body you’re driving through.
This Avalanche shock provides you with better vehicular control and improves vehicle performance resulting in more comfortable rides.
Features
- Compatible with various vehicle makes and models like Chevy Avalanche, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, and Cadillac Escalade.
- Perfect replacement for your GM vehicle’s OE rear shocks
- Kit includes essential accessories for servicing and maintaining vehicle shocks.
- Extremely useful in absorbing and damping impacts arising from driving over road bumps and pockmarks
Pros
- GM OEā¢ passenger side/rear-drive airlift shock absorber
- Aids in maintaining vehicle height level
- Precision engineered for enhanced handling, especially when towing trailers or hauling heavy loads.
- Innovatively designed to fit and work with a range of vehicle makes and models.
Cons
- Damage or injury to the shell casing could affect the smooth functioning of the internal tube.
APDTY 133936 Air-Suspension Electronic Auto Dampening Air Shock Set
The APDTY 133936 Air-Suspension Electronic Auto Dampening Air Shock Set comprises a pair of heavy-duty rear shocks that work with a wide range of vehicles. This rear airlift shock absorber pair works as a perfect replacement for rear OE suspension components in Cadillac Escalade (2002-2013), Chevrolet Avalanche (2002-2013), Chevrolet Suburban (2002-2014), and many other GM vehicles. This air shock set replaces both the factory-fitted rear right and left side shock absorbers in your GM vehicle.
This brand new auto-dampening electronic air ride shock set substitutes AS-2715, AS-2700, 19300045, 19300046, 580-458, 580-457 OE rear shock components in GM vehicles.
Features
- Air suspension (rear right and left) shocks replace Chevrolet Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban (2000-2014, 2000-2014, and 2002-2013 respectively)
- Also works with GMC Yukon (2000-2014) and Cadillac Escalade (2002-2013)
- Guaranteed to minimize friction between and amongst suspension components
- Enhances vehicle performance
Pros
- Directly replaces the OE rear suspension struts in specific GMC pickups, vans, and passenger cars.
- High-quality sealing keeps the outer shell cover segregated from the internal shaft area.
- Cushions shocks and impacts from driving on potholes and uneven road surfaces
Cons
- Some customers have found these Chevy Alavalnche shocks replacement to be leakier than the OEM parts.
Monroe MA830 Max-AirĀ Air Shock Absorber
If you’re looking to replace the OEM shocks installed in your GM vehicle, you don’t need to look any further. With the Monroe MA830 Max-Air, Air Shock fitted in your car, you’ll be effortlessly able to haul heavy loads. These air-pressure adjustable shocks have been designed with scrupulous care to furnish motorists with a comfortable ride, irrespective of the road conditions and the vehicle’s weight.
You can inflate these shocks up to 150 psi when transporting a maximum of 1100lbs of payload for maintaining ride height.
Features
- Single-tube design
- Inflatable up to 150 psi
- Vehicle ride height stays intact up to a maximum payload of 1100 lb.
- The all-weather fluid keeps the piston rod cool and minimizes friction.
.Pros
- Toughened and intuitive Ā½” diameter piston rod boosts functional life and steady performance
- Well-lubricated air-sock improves suspension movement by reducing friction
- Sintered Iron Piston
- Full Displaced Valving
Ā Cons
- Not sufficiently airtight
Rancho RS999274 Shock Absorber
Ranchoā¢ that began its journey as ‘Rancho Jeep Supply’ in the 1950s in Long Beach, California, continues to be one of the most admired suspension system brands globally. The Rancho RS999274 Rear Driver Twin-Tube Shock Absorber has been specially designed for lifted pickups and vans, delivering nine integrated performance levels. Compatible with both on-road and off-road vehicles, the RS999274 is regarded as the first manually adjustable shock, offering nine control levels of performance.
Features
- Engineered to perform and last
- It comes with an application-specific 18mm nitro-carburized piston shaft for resisting rust and scrapes.
- Highly pressurized nitrogen gas lessens performance fade.
- They were specially designed for OEM heavy-duty vehicles.
Pros
- Application-specific 2.75″ thick tri-tube body sealed with all-weather fluid endures internal temperatures ranging from – 40Ā° to 248Ā°F.
- Durable and resilient
- Nitrogen gas inflatable up to 120PSI diminishes foaming and performance fade.
Cons
- Many users have reported the knobs to be somewhat flimsy
Rancho RS55274 Shock Absorber
Another top-quality shock from Tenneco Inc, the Rancho RS55274 Shock, comes with a unique valving system and state-of-the-art compression mechanism. The RS55274 has everything going for it, enabling the shock to guarantee highly reliable and helpful on-and-off-road control and performance.
Features
- Twin-tube internal structure
- Twin-tube framework
- Fine-tuned compression control valve
- Progressive engagement valving
- Double-welded loops
Pros
- 16mm nitro-carburized piston shaft for resisting corrosion and grazes
- Cross-tuned technology boosts overall control both on and off-road
- The oversize twin-tube body containing all-weather fluid facilitates better vehicle handling
Cons
- Palpably more rigid and stiff compared to OE
Dorman 949-052 Air Suspension Shock
Dorman 948-052 Air Suspension Shock serves as a direct replacement suspension component for select GMC vehicle models like Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Avalanche, etc. These Dorman air suspension shocks have been engineered with scrupulous care to meet or exceed stringent quality standards. The 949-052 shock prevents the vehicle from bottoming out on potholes and bumps by restoring directional stability, ride height, and dampening vibrations.
Features
- Precision engineered for absorbing and dampening shocks and vibrations
- Caters to rigorous quality control standards
- Designed with care to serve as a direct replacement for OE suspension components
Pros
- Reduces and eliminates tire and undercarriage damage and suspension compressor wear and tear
- Improves vehicle handling and control
- Reinstates ride quality
- Boosts functional life of vehicle’s component system
Cons
- Many customers reported receiving unbranded products that were of low quality.
Belltech 2410FF Street Performance Shock Absorber
KW Automotive, which owns Belltech, is a reputed manufacturer of world-class shock absorbers, and some of the most well-known automotive companies rely on Belltech for sourcing suspension equipment. As a result, Belltech and KW automotive engineers have teamed up designing and fine-tuning a line of groundbreaking shock absorbers solely for Belltech SUVs and sports trucks. Street Performance Shock Absorbers pre-adjusted with low-speed compression damping help lower the vehicle’s center of gravity and lessen body roll.
With the Belltech 2410FF Street, Performance Shock Absorber mounted on your vehicle, you can bet your car will remain stable. The avant-garde design of this Belltech shock absorber enables it to cope with aggressive driving and work with outsized heavier wheels. In addition, high-pressurized nitrogen gas checks the hydraulic fluid’s aeration in the shock’s internal chamber, thus facilitating consistent performance.
Features
- Low-speed compression damping enhances vehicle steadiness.
- Oil-filled shock absorber
- Twin-tube design
- Stainless steel framework with aluminum-based piston shaft
Pros
- Especially recommended for vehicles with a higher center of gravity, oversized tires, and wheels
- Cavitation-free shock check aeration that could adversely affect the functionality
- Oversized built for extra damping effectiveness
- 2-year limited warranty on the entire unit
Cons
- Arc-welded end-mounts are not that robust as claimed by the manufacturer
ACDelco 504-517 Specialty Rear Air Lift Shock Absorber
Innovatively designed, the 504-517 Specialty Rear Air Lift Shock Absorber by ACDelco helps furnish boosted-up handling when your vehicle is pulling a trailer or transporting hefty loads. This rear airlift shock pair’s two most versatile features are its 1100lb load haulage capacity and adjustable air pressure, ranging from 25-200 psi. When your vehicle is towing trailers or lugging heavy loads, this rear shock aids in maintaining vehicle height level and steadies alignment angles.
Additionally, these ACDelco Specialty Rear Air Lift Shocks mitigates bottoming out risk, enhances control, and reduces suspension components’ wear and tear.
Features
- Always sold in sets of two.
- Air pressure adjustable for effectively hauling heavy loads or lugging trailers
- Aids in keeping vehicle steady, especially during loaded conditions
- MonotubeĀ designĀ for better damping
Pros
- Works perfectly with pickup trucks and vans with outsized wheels and tires
- Capable of maintaining ride height with a maximum of 1,100lbs of extra temporary leveling capability
- Super-finished chrome piston shaft furnishes optimal sealing, checking corrosion, and boosting product life-cycle
Cons
- Inferior quality of sealing
Dorman 949-701 Shock Absorber
Dorman, headquartered in Colmar, Pennsylvania, is one of the foremost auto parts manufacturers in the US, delivering replacement components for the automotive market since 1918.
Dorman is a leading manufacturer and supplier of replacement shocks & struts that have been exclusively designed to straightaway replace OE components for reinstating ride quality on specific vehicle makes and models. For instance, Dorman’s 949-701 Shock Absorber has been specially engineered to substitute OE shocks in select GMC/Chevrolet/Cadillac models.
If one or more of the factory-fitted shocks in your GM van, pickup, or passenger car has worn out, then you can opt for the Dorman 949-701 shock. You can rest assured the replacement will resolve uneven or slumping suspension issues, restoring performance and original ride quality.
Features
- Seamless and direct replacement: Magnetic ride shock has the same features as that of the OE suspension components
- An innovative and effective replacement that is more affordable compared to dealership replacement
- Meets or exceeds performance standards- shocks respond considerably quicker compared to traditional shocks.
- Precision engineered for absorbing and neutralizing vibrations and quivers on uneven roads
Pros
- Essential in your vehicle’s make, model, and trim level in the Amazon Garage site to ensure that the shock’s compatibility.
- Quality you can trust: Certified by automobile engineers in the US.
- Prevents/minimizes suspension compressor wear and tear, tire, and undercarriage damage
- It helps retain your vehicle’s resale value.
Cons
- Steering can get stiff, particularly during off-roading
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shocks for Chevy Avalanche
How Do You Know That It Is Time for a Replacement?
Though GMC stopped making the Chevrolet Avalanche, a five-door pickup from April 2013, owners still rave about their prized possession. General Motors promoted the Chevy Avalanche as a SUT since the vehicle featured SUV and pickup’s versatile features. The Chevy Avalanche is outfitted with heavy-duty mechanical components, including a resilient suspension system that keeps the vehicle’s body way above the road, thus guaranteeing comfortable rides.
Shock absorbers being a vital component of your Chevy Avalanche’s suspension system shields the vehicle from the impacts and shuddering that result from driving over uneven surfaces.
Best struts and shocks absorb and dampen vibrations and knocks by converting kinetic energy released by the springs into heat energy and then dispersing the heat into the open. Hence shocks and struts enable you to control your vehicle more efficiently by minimizing suspension movement, resulting in better ride comfort.
The front suspension shocks allow you to handle and control your vehicle much better than rear suspension struts. Your Chevy Avalanche comes installed with both front shock absorbers and rear struts. Whenever you go for the replacement, regardless of whether you’re substituting shocks or struts, always replace them in pairs.
Nevertheless, make sure that the OEM struts and shocks for your Chevy are depleted before you decide to replace them. But how do you figure out that it’s time you went in for replacement. Keep your eye out for the following signs that strongly indicate a damaged or worn-out shock or strut:-
- Broken/cracked bushings/mounts
- Rebounding and shuddering on the rear or front bumper even after you applied the brakes and come to a stop
- The piston shaft smeared with oil indicative of an oil spill from the shock rod or shaft.
- Braking makes the front bumper/suspension go for a nosedive.
- Unresponsive steering
- The vehicle becomes unstable or wobbles from side to side, making it difficult for you to control the vehicle.
Choosing the Best Shocks for Chevy Avalanche
It’s incredibly crucial to make sure that you’re choosing the appropriate Chevy Avalanche suspension upgrades for your vehicle to restore performance and ride quality. These days, you’ll come across four broad types of shocks and struts, including monotube, twin-tube, external reservoir, and gas-charged twin-tube, and coilover shocks.
Whatever type you buy, the various types comprise the same essential parts: fluid, valve, and piston/pistons.
The most effective way to zero in on the suitable shock or strut for your vehicle is through an online search by keying the relevant component’s OEM part number. The part number is usually embossed on the shock or strut body, or, more often, a sticker (bearing the part number) is pasted.
Our Choice for the Best Shocks for Chevy Avalanche
In our opinion, the best shocks for Chevy Avalanche are the AC Delco 520-396.