1991 gmc suburban stock shock question

[Slooptin]

Just picked up a 91 gmc suburban 4x4 and now that I've got it on the road, it definitely needs some shocks. It's still got the quad front shocks but they could very well be the original factory ones. Rockauto has part numbers for inner and outer shocks, but I'd like to go to just one shock. Anyone know if there are benefits to keeping the 2 shocks? or if I went to a single shock, which one would work (inner vs outer) since they're different part numbers?

 

[nvrenuf]

The more common single shock is the most rearward position using the triangular outer bracket (I think this is the "outer" shock but I can't remember for sure).

With respect to the question of 1 vs 2, the typical answer is that current shock tech can accomplish the same job with only 1 shock - I believe this to be true but have no actual tech info to reference.

Bilstein shocks are a really popular replacement for square body trucks. While shopping, talk to Off Road Design they are a distributor and have a line of Bilstein's that are valved differently specifically for square body trucks.

 

[Grit dog]

Word of caution on Bilsteins, I think ORD provides the right bushings but none of the “right” Bilstein 5100s fit without modification in my experience.
I tried and between wrong sizes, mods needed to steering stabilizer as well as all new bushings in the shocks, I returned them all and bought shocks I didn’t have to fck with for half the price.

 

[Originalthor]

I run the factory quads up front. Budget was tight for bilstiens and got 7 shocks for price of 2 bilstiens. The front of the truck feels nice and the back is a little spongy.

I went with the middle of the pack shocks. No fancy names.

I do plan on going with a single down the road I'm thinking and using the inner shock bracket for a longer shock for flex. The outer is the factory one

 

[geocrasher]

I came here to ask the exact same question. It's time for shocks. One of the drivers front shocks let go. Can't really tell, as the other still works. Got a weird oily substance on the driveway one day, then it stopped! They're old yellow shocks that have probably been on there 20 years. I'm guessing I'll need new bolts too. If anyone knows what bolts are needed, I'll buy them ahead of time so I can just get the old ones off with a cutoff wheel. Thanks so much.