9 Best Shocks for GMC Sierra 1500 4×4: 2026 Top Picks
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The 1500 pickup that wears a GMC badge has been built in four generations since 1999, and the shock that fits one will not fit another. That is the biggest trap when you search for the best shocks for a Sierra 1500 4×4: a mismatched part means a return, not an upgrade.
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Start 6 Months FreeThis guide sorts nine researched options by generation, flags the trims that are excluded, and tells you where each shock works hardest. Find your model years first, then jump to the matching pick.
Each card lists the fitment, position, design and warranty details we could verify, along with one honest drawback, so you can compare like with like.
Quick Picks
Recommended Best Deal Products
- Best Overall Set for 2019–2025: Bilstein B8 5100 Front + Rear Set
- Best Rear Upgrade for 2019–2025: Bilstein 5100 Rear Pair
- Best for Trail Boss and AT4: Bilstein 5100 Front Pair (Trail Boss / AT4)
- Runner-Up Set for Off-Road Packages: Bilstein 5100 Set, Off-Road Package
- Best for 3.5-Inch Lifted Trucks: Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts
- Best Single Rear Shock for 2014–2018: Bilstein 33-238319 Rear Shock
- Best Adjustable Rear Shock: Rancho RS9000XL RS999198
- Best Rear Pair for 2007–2016: Fox 2.0 Performance Rear Pair
- Best for 1999–2006 Front: Rough Country N3 Front Shock 23140_A
Best Shocks for GMC Sierra 1500 4×4 Quick View
| Image | Product | Fits | Position | Design | Warranty | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bilstein B8 5100 Front + Rear Set | 2019–2025 | Front + rear | 46mm monotube | Limited lifetime | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 5100 Rear Pair | 2019–2025 | Rear pair | Monotube | Limited lifetime | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 5100 Front Pair (Trail Boss / AT4) | 2019–2025 Trail Boss / AT4 | Front pair | Ride-height adjustable | Limited lifetime | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 5100 Set, Off-Road Package | 2019+ off-road package | Front + rear | B8 5100 monotube | Not stated | Check Price |
 | Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts | 2019–2025, 3.5-inch lift | Front pair | Loaded strut, nitrogen | 3-year | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 33-238319 Rear Shock | 2014–2018 | Rear (single) | Monotube, gas | Not stated | Check Price |
 | Rancho RS9000XL RS999198 | 1999–2018 | Rear (single) | 9-position adjustable | Limited lifetime | Check Price |
 | Fox 2.0 Performance Rear Pair | 2007–2016 | Rear pair | IFP aluminum monotube | 1 year | Check Price |
 | Rough Country N3 Front Shock 23140_A | 1999–2006 4WD | Front | 10-stage valve | Lifetime replacement | Check Price |
1. Bilstein B8 5100 Front and Rear Shock Set
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The only complete four-shock answer in this lineup for a 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 on stock or near-stock height. It fits the trucks most owners are driving and swaps every damper in one order.
| Brand / series | Bilstein B8 5100 |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Sierra 1500, no Active Ride Control, excludes Trail Boss |
| Position | Front and rear set |
| Rear lift range | 0–1 inch |
| Body | 46mm (1.811 in) monotube |
| Valving | Digressive piston |
| Hardware | OEM-certified; zinc-plated; vulcanized neoprene bushings |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
This is the listing to start with if your 4×4 is a 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 on factory-style suspension. The title covers front and rear shocks together, so you are not matching separate pairs and hoping the parts agree with each other. For owners who dislike the rebound float of worn originals, that single-order convenience matters.
Bilstein builds the B8 5100 around a 46mm monotube body with a digressive piston, a design that keeps ride quality reasonable at low speed while firming up when the truck loads or hits a washboard section. Zinc plating and vulcanized neoprene bushings are listed, and the hardware is described as OEM-certified, which points to a bolt-on install on the right truck.
The catch is fitment. The listing excludes trucks with Active Ride Control and the Trail Boss package. If you own a Trail Boss or AT4, jump to the front-only Trail Boss and AT4 pair instead. If you only need rear shocks, the rear pair below does that for a smaller order.
Pros
- Replaces front and rear dampers in one purchase
- Large 46mm monotube body gives a stable damping platform
- Monotube valving suited to a truck that tows or hauls
- Limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
Cons
- Excludes Trail Boss, AT4 and any truck with Active Ride Control, so fitment checking is mandatory
Best for: Owners of a 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 4×4 without Active Ride Control or an off-road package who want every shock replaced at once.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
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Listen Free for 30 Days2. Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock Pair (TrendsAuto Listing)
A straightforward rear-only refresh for a 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 that has not been lifted more than an inch. Choose it when the rear dampers are the weak link.
| Brand / series | Bilstein 5100 (sold by TrendsAuto) |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Sierra 1500, 0–1 inch rear lift |
| Excludes | Trail Boss and AT4 Off Road package |
| Position | Rear pair |
| Design | Monotube, digressive valving |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Extra | TrendsAuto decal included |
Rear shocks do much of the work when a pickup hauls a bed full of gear or pulls a trailer, which is why many owners replace them first. This Bilstein 5100 pair is listed for 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 trucks that sit at stock height or carry up to one inch of rear lift.
It is a monotube design with digressive valving, and the listing carries the same limited lifetime warranty as the full set. The seller is a reseller, TrendsAuto, and the title mentions a branded decal, a small extra that has no bearing on performance.
Fitment rules are the same as the full four-shock set: no Trail Boss, no AT4 Off Road package. If you drive one of those trims, the Trail Boss and AT4 pair is the match to check.
Pros
- Targets the rear axle, where payload and towing wear shows first
- Pair purchase, so both sides match
- Fits stock height through a 1-inch rear lift
- Same Bilstein 5100 family as the full set
Cons
- Rear only, so worn front struts stay worn
- Not for Trail Boss or AT4 trucks
Best for: Sierra 1500 4×4 owners from 2019–2025 who want to restore rear damping without touching the front.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
3. Bilstein 5100 Front Shock Pair for Trail Boss and AT4
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Trail Boss and AT4 trucks use different front parts than the standard Sierra, and this listing is written for exactly those trims. It is the one to open if the other Bilstein listings exclude your truck.
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See Annual Plans| Brand / series | Bilstein 5100 (sold by TrendsAuto) |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 with Trail Boss or AT4 Off Road package |
| Position | Front pair (the listing also offers a rear option) |
| Front lift range | 0–1.1 inches |
| Adjustment | Ride-height adjustable |
| Piston | 46mm, digressive |
| Valving | Deflective disc valve |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Trail Boss and AT4 owners hit a wall on many shock listings, because those trims ride on different damper parts. This 5100 front pair is written for them, with a stated front lift range of 0–1.1 inches.
The adjustable body is the headline here. A ride-height adjustable damper lets the strut be set higher when a leveling kit raises the nose, and a 46mm digressive piston with deflective disc valving handles trail chatter and pavement alike.
Read the size option carefully when you order. The listing includes a front pair and a rear option, and the two are not interchangeable. If your truck is not a Trail Boss or AT4, the standard four-shock set is the safer pick.
Pros
- One of few Amazon listings written for Trail Boss and AT4 fronts
- Ride-height adjustable body suits a leveling-kit stance
- 46mm digressive piston with deflective disc valving
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Front pair only, so you need the matching rear option separately
- Useless on trucks without the off-road package
Best for: 2019–2025 Trail Boss or AT4 owners who need front shocks that match the off-road package.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
4. Bilstein B8 5100 Shock Set (Off-Road Package Part Numbers)
This listing’s part numbers point to the 2019 and newer off-road package, but its exact title and fitment were not confirmed. Treat it as a candidate and verify the fitment tool on Amazon before you order.
| Brand / series | Bilstein B8 5100 (sold by a reseller) |
| Part numbers in listing | 24-309509 (front) and 24-309516 (rear) |
| Likely fit | 2019 and newer Sierra 1500 with off-road package (to be verified) |
| Position | Front and rear (to be verified) |
| Design | Monotube |
| Warranty | Not stated |
This is the least certain entry in the roundup, and it is placed fourth for that reason. The listing’s link slug references Bilstein part numbers 24-309509 and 24-309516, which retailers associate with the 2019 and newer off-road package. The Amazon title itself could not be read.
If it fits your truck, it would be a convenient front-and-rear option for trims the standard set excludes. Until the fitment is confirmed, the Trail Boss and AT4 front pair remains the better-documented option.
Use the garage tool on the Amazon page. Enter year, model, trim and drive type, and only order if the page reports a confirmed fit. The product image below comes from Amazon’s own widget because no direct image link was available.
Pros
- Part numbers suggest a front-and-rear set for off-road package trucks
- Same B8 5100 monotube family as the leaders
Cons
- Exact title and fitment could not be verified from available sources, so you must confirm it yourself before buying
Best for: Buyers with a 2019 and newer off-road package Sierra who are comfortable confirming fitment on Amazon first.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
5. Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts (3.5-Inch Lift)
The only listing here built for a Sierra with a 3.5-inch lift, and it arrives as a complete preloaded strut assembly. If your truck is not at that exact lift, skip it.
| Brand / series | Rough Country N3 |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 with a 3.5-inch lift only; not diesel |
| Position | Front pair |
| Design | Loaded strut, preloaded coil, nitrogen charged |
| Bore | 1 3/8 inch |
| Extended length | 23.66 inches |
| Collapsed length | 17.71 inches |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Install note | Replaces strut spacers |
Lift kits that use strut spacers push the original damper outside its working range. This Rough Country N3 loaded strut pair replaces the spacer approach with a purpose-built assembly, which is why it only fits 2019–2025 trucks running a 3.5-inch lift.
Each unit ships with the coil spring preloaded, a nitrogen-charged body and a 1 3/8 inch bore. Extended and collapsed lengths are listed at 23.66 and 17.71 inches, which tells an installer how much travel the strut allows.
Diesel trucks are excluded. If your Sierra is at or near stock height, a set like the Bilstein B8 5100 is the right fit, and if you only lifted slightly the ride-height adjustable pair may suit you better.
Pros
- Complete loaded strut simplifies a lifted front end
- Nitrogen-charged design with a 1 3/8 inch bore
- Replaces strut spacers instead of stacking onto them
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Only for trucks with a 3.5-inch lift, so it is not a plain replacement for stock shocks
Best for: Gas-engine 2019–2025 Sierra 1500 owners running a 3.5-inch lift who want a complete front strut assembly.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
6. Bilstein 33-238319 Rear Shock (2014–2018)
A dependable rear shock for the 2014–2018 Sierra 1500, sold as a single unit. Order two, one for each side.
| Brand / part | Bilstein 33-238319 |
| Fits | 2014–2018 Sierra 1500, 0–1 inch rear lift |
| Position | Rear, sold singly |
| Design | Monotube, gas pressure |
| Extended length | 25.79 inches (retailer data) |
| Compressed length | 16.18 inches (retailer data) |
| Pairs with | Front part 24-336895 |
Most results for this keyword lean toward the newest trucks, which leaves 2014–2018 owners with fewer choices. This Bilstein rear shock is listed for exactly that generation, for trucks at stock height or up to a 1-inch rear lift.
It uses a monotube, gas-pressure design, and retailer data gives an extended length of 25.79 inches and a compressed length of 16.18 inches. Bilstein’s front companion for this generation is part 24-336895, which is not part of this roundup.
If you would rather not buy singles, the Fox rear pair covers 2007–2016 trucks, and the Rancho adjustable shock also reaches 2018. The 2019 and newer generation needs the rear pair above.
Pros
- Covers the 2014–2018 generation that most other listings skip
- Monotube gas-pressure design
- Fits stock height through a 1-inch rear lift
- Clear front pairing part number
Cons
- Sold as one shock, so a pair means ordering twice
Best for: 2014–2018 Sierra 1500 4×4 owners replacing worn rear shocks on a stock or lightly leveled truck.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
7. Rancho RS9000XL RS999198 Rear Shock
The only adjustable shock in the roundup, with nine positions to match the truck to its load. It spans a long run of years, but it is a rear shock sold one at a time.
| Brand / part | Rancho RS9000XL RS999198 |
| Fits | 1999–2018 Sierra 1500; excludes ZX3 electronic ride control |
| Position | Rear, sold singly |
| Adjustment | 9 positions |
| Gas charge | 120 PSI nitrogen |
| Rod | 18mm |
| Temperature rating | −40 to 248°F |
| Extended length | 25.08 inches (retailer data) |
| Compressed length | 15.91 inches (retailer data) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (retailer data) |
Adjustability is the reason to pick this one. Rancho’s RS9000XL lets you change damping across nine positions, firmer for a loaded bed or a trailer, softer for empty commuting. That flexibility is rare among rear shocks in this group.
Specifications include a 120 PSI nitrogen charge, an 18mm rod and an operating range of −40 to 248°F. Retailer data lists extended and compressed lengths of 25.08 and 15.91 inches, and the listing excludes trucks with ZX3 electronic ride control.
Because it is sold singly, order two. The fitment span runs from 1999 through 2018, so check your year against the generation table above. If you drive a 2019 or newer Sierra, this is not the shock to buy and the rear pair fits instead.
Pros
- Nine-position adjustment dials damping to the load
- 120 PSI nitrogen charge and 18mm rod
- Wide 1999–2018 fitment window
- Wide stated operating range, −40 to 248°F
Cons
- Rear only and sold singly, and it does not fit 2019 and newer trucks
Best for: Owners of a 1999–2018 Sierra 1500 who tow or haul often and want to adjust rear damping themselves.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
8. Fox 2.0 Performance Rear Shock Pair (980-24-660)
A true matched pair for the 2007–2016 Sierra 1500 in either 2WD or 4WD. The warranty is short and the accessories are separate, but the fitment is straightforward.
| Brand / part | Fox 2.0 Performance 980-24-660 |
| Fits | 2007–2016 Sierra 1500, 2WD and 4WD; excludes Classic and HD |
| Position | Rear pair |
| Rear lift range | Factory height to 1 inch |
| Design | IFP aluminum monotube, smooth body |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Not included | Boots and Roost shields (sold separately) |
Fox is a recognized name in off-road suspension, and the 2.0 Performance line is its approachable entry. This pair fits 2007–2016 Sierra 1500 trucks, 2WD or 4WD, at factory height or up to a 1-inch rear lift.
The body is smooth aluminum with an internal floating piston monotube design. That construction resists fade on long, rough roads, a useful trait for a truck that works. The listing excludes the Classic body style and the HD models.
Boots and Roost shields are not in the box. The one-year warranty is shorter than the lifetime coverage on the Bilstein set and the Rancho, so factor that in. For 2014–2018 trucks, the single Bilstein rear shock is the closer match.
Pros
- Matched pair in one order
- Covers both 2WD and 4WD trucks
- Smooth aluminum monotube body
- Hardware included
Cons
- Only a 1-year warranty, and boots and Roost shields are sold separately
Best for: 2007–2016 Sierra 1500 owners who want a matched rear pair for a stock or lightly raised 4×4.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
9. Rough Country 0–3 Inch N3 Front Shock (23140_A)
Built for the oldest Sierra 4×4 generation, with a 10-stage valve and lift range up to 3 inches. Check the quantity on the listing before you pay.
| Brand / part | Rough Country N3 23140_A |
| Fits | 1999–2006 Sierra 1500 4WD |
| Position | Front |
| Lift range | 0–3 inches |
| Valving | 10-stage valve |
| Body | 54mm |
| Seal | 18mm spring-loaded |
| Fluid rating | −40°F |
| Warranty | Lifetime replacement |
| Quantity | Not confirmed; check the listing |
On the 1999–2006 4WD Sierra, the front end uses a torsion-bar layout, so the shock is a separate component rather than a strut. That makes this front shock relevant to the oldest generation in the roundup, which few Amazon listings serve.
Rough Country lists a 10-stage valve, a 54mm body and an 18mm spring-loaded seal, with a fluid rated to −40°F. The 0–3 inch range suits stock trucks as well as those leveled with torsion-bar keys.
Check the number of shocks included before you add to cart, because the listing quantity could not be confirmed. The matching rear is the Rancho RS9000XL, which fits the 1999–2018 span.
Pros
- Targets the 1999–2006 4WD front end, which is rarely covered
- Supports 0–3 inch front lift
- 10-stage valve, 54mm body and 18mm spring-loaded seal
- Lifetime replacement warranty
Cons
- Quantity per listing was not confirmed, and it covers only one old generation
Best for: 1999–2006 Sierra 1500 4WD owners replacing worn front shocks, with or without a modest lift.
Confirm fitment for your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page before ordering.
How to Choose Shocks for a Sierra 1500 4×4
Match the generation before anything else
The four generations covered here are 1999–2006, 2007–2013, 2014–2018 and 2019–2025. The 2007 truck introduced a coil-and-strut front end shared by 2WD and 4WD, while the earlier 4WD uses torsion bars with a separate front shock. From 2019 on, trims such as Trail Boss and AT4 and trucks with Active Ride Control use different parts. Write down your year, trim and drive type before you open any listing.
Decide between a set, a pair and a single
A full set replaces all four dampers in one order, which is what the Bilstein B8 5100 set does. A pair covers one axle, and a single covers one side only. Sold-singly listings like the Bilstein 33-238319 and the Rancho RS9000XL need two units in your cart. Mixing a new axle with worn shocks on the other end can leave the truck feeling unbalanced, so replace both ends when the mileage is high.
Lift height changes the answer
Most stock-replacement listings cover up to about one inch of lift. Beyond that, you need ride-height adjustable parts like the 5100 Trail Boss front pair or a purpose-built assembly like the Rough Country N3 loaded struts. Using a shock that is too short for the lifted height can bottom out the travel or damage the damper.
Think about how you drive
A truck that tows or hauls benefits from a firmer damper and, if you want control, an adjustable one such as the Rancho nine-position shock. A daily commuter that rarely carries a load can stay with a comfort-focused monotube. Off-road use rewards larger-bodied dampers that resist fade, which is the principle behind the 46mm Bilstein bodies and the Fox smooth-body aluminum pair.
Check warranty and extras
Warranty terms range from one year on the Fox pair to limited lifetime on the Bilstein and Rancho listings. Boots, Roost shields and extra hardware are not always in the box, so read the contents list on the Amazon page and allow time for the install rather than assuming every part is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best shocks for a GMC Sierra 1500 4×4?
For a 2019–2025 Sierra at stock height, the Bilstein B8 5100 front and rear set is the strongest all-around choice in this roundup. Older trucks need different parts: the Fox pair suits 2007–2016, the Bilstein 33-238319 covers 2014–2018 rear, and the Rancho RS9000XL spans 1999–2018 at the rear.
Do 4WD and 2WD Sierra 1500 trucks use the same shocks?
After 2007, most Sierra 1500 shock part numbers are shared between 2WD and 4WD, which is why the Fox pair lists both. The big exception is the 1999–2006 generation, where the 4WD front end uses torsion bars and a front shock. Always check your year, trim and drive type on the Amazon fitment tool.
Will these shocks fit a Trail Boss or AT4?
Only some will. The Bilstein 5100 front pair is written for Trail Boss and AT4 trucks, while the standard set and the rear pair explicitly exclude them. The off-road package listing in fourth place may also fit, but its fitment could not be verified. Confirm on Amazon before you buy.
Do I need to replace shocks in pairs?
Yes, replace both sides of an axle together. A new shock beside a worn one produces uneven damping and can make the truck feel unstable. Several listings here are sold singly, including the Bilstein 33-238319 and the Rancho RS9000XL, so add two units to your cart. A full set replaces all four dampers in one go.
How much lift can I run with these shocks?
Most stock-replacement listings cover factory height to about one inch of lift. The Trail Boss front pair extends to 1.1 inches, the Rough Country 23140_A reaches 3 inches on the 1999–2006 front, and the N3 loaded struts are built only for a 3.5-inch lift. Anything outside those ranges needs different parts.
Are Bilstein 5100 shocks good for towing?
The 5100 uses a monotube body with digressive valving, a layout that helps control body motion under load. Keep in mind that shocks control motion and do not add payload capacity. For regular towing, many owners pair solid dampers with a rear spring check, and adjustable shocks like the Rancho let you firm up for the trailer.
Final Verdict
For most 2019–2025 owners, the Bilstein B8 5100 set is the cleanest way to refresh all four corners, and the rear pair is the smart half-step. Trail Boss and AT4 drivers should start with the front pair written for their trims.
Older trucks are better served by the Fox rear pair, the Bilstein single or the adjustable Rancho. Whichever you choose, confirm your exact year, trim and drive type on the Amazon page first, because a shock that does not fit your generation is the one mistake this guide is built to prevent.
