My roofing contractor has a new-ish Silverado, and I rode in his truck several times running errands. Wow, what a great ride! Bumps in the road nearly disappear. Makes my truck feel more like riding a horse … lol …
The labor guide usually has a note stating to check with part supplier for exact application and price for these parts. Most O.E. shocks for this truck have been discontinued, most vehicle owners use aftermarket parts for general repairs.
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I just went and talked to the son.
They have Alldata where he works.
He said Alldata just provides labor times, but doesn’t provide price for parts.
He said, how would Alldata know the price for parts if they don’t know where you’re buying them from.
Tester
I was going with the “OE quality” category, not actual GM parts.
Mitchell ProDemand lists OE part numbers with MSRP prices. For a truck of this age, most people would order aftermarket shocks.
The $300 shocks are for the ride control option which was not available on the 3/4 ton trucks.
The OEM that made them no longer exists and the plant that built them is a grassy field.
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I have no idea what “ride control shocks” are, but this is a 1.5 ton model, in work truck trim (5.3L engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 2WD). I just need to have decent quality shocks, etc installed on this truck. It does not have to be GM brand, but if OEM is still available, I’d be happy with that.
I’ll stand to be corrected, but the “ride control” often (usually/always?) refers to shocks that are air charged based on a sensor’s read of the rear end height. Put a fat load of whatever in the bed that weighs things down and an on-board compressor pumps up the shocks. You probably don’t have that.
I would just go to Rockauto and plug in your truck info. Ignore the “economy” listings and just look over the oem equivalent stuff (or whatever they call it - the middle of the road options). No need to go crazy - use common sense, maybe read some reviews, but you’re not choosing a heart surgeon. Anything middle of the road will do.
They’re really not hard to change. You can do it with jack stands and a decent set of sockets. Penetrating oil and breaker bar won’t hurt.
Ride control shocks are shocks that can have their damping electronically adjusted with a computer. Basically shocks with wires. The “RTD” referred to in an earlier post stands for “Real Time Damping”. Identifiable because they have wires attached. There will also be level sensors (or accelerometers) mounted at each corner of the car or truck.
This would be called a leveling or height control system. Shocks with air springs wrapped around them with a level sensor and onboard compressor to level a sagging car. Generally referred to as air shocks. The air spring can be paired with a coil or torsion bar spring or it could BE the main spring. The shock has an air line attached. Of course the air spring can separate from the shock.
Ride control shocks can have air springs as well…so air lines and wires.
If it is a 1500 model, it is considered a “half-ton” and has the GM 8.2 inch ring gear axle with 10 bolts even if it can carry much more than a half ton. If it is a 2500 model, it has a Dana 60 axle and is referred to as a 3/4 ton.
In either case the OEM manufacturer, Delphi, doesn’t exist, doesn’t make shocks anymore and the facility that made them has been torn down.
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Did GM even make a 1.5 ton pickup in 2000?
Most likely only availed as a chassis and cab.
If the pickup in question is a 1500, then it is 0.5 ton.
I have not performed a shock change in many years, but as I recall, fairly easy if bolts are not too rusty.
As far as the seals, if the seals on the hubs are leaking, I would leave that to a mechanic at a good shop. If only the diff housing seal, not too difficult, but would not want to do it without a lift and either pneumatic or electric impact tool to remove the bolts.
From what I have read, but not driven, ride quality GM is best, then Ram, then Ford. I’m fine with my F150. When I bought it the GM trucks available all were higher trim levels, around $10,000 more. There was a Ram available for same price, but I have had poor experience with Chrysler dealerships plus my brother had many recalls on his Ram. The F150 was acquired for me (new) from another Ford dealer at no additional cost by the Ford dealership I have been using for over twenty years that is only a mile from my house.
George, as far as your truck, as old as it is, I expect the ride to be quite rough, probably like a 1870 Studebaker Conestoga 
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Just looked it up…
A 1500 can carry 1500 lbs in the bed (3/4 ton!) and the 5.3 liter engine is optional
A 2500 can carry 2600 lbs in the bed (1.3 tons) and the 5.3 liter engine is standard
Both carried competitive loads compared with Ram and F150 in 2000
I think you can easily do it based on your prior posts here. For standard shocks, this is not a particularly difficult task. One bit of advice, if the shocks come with a compression retainer, do not cut or remove this until the shock is mounted. 
Otherwise, it’s just normal wrestling with rusty hardware. This is one job you can save a bundle IMO…
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Thank you. Yes, I was confused.
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The Ram 150, F150, and GM 1500s were introduced as “Heavy Half Tons”. Remember the old Dodge D100, Ford F100, and GM C/K 10s? Those were standard 1/2 tons. Long gone.
The C or K designation indicated 2 or 4 wheel drive. As I recall, original 69-94 Blazers were C/K 5.
I agree with your sentiment, but if @bcohen2010 says he doesn’t feel safe doing it, that’s all I need to hear. If someone feels unsafe or unsure about doing something, I recommend working with them or helping them along until they feel safe. It’s when you’re unsure of yourself that you make mistakes.
Hell, if I lived in PHX, I’d offer to spend a Sunday afternoon helping him out!
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I hear you but I also believe a bit more of the opposite. Almost all of my worst mistakes have come when I was overconfident in something and not being cautious enough. I feel much better about giving advice if someone is being cautious about their approach to something new. It would be much different for me if the person in question was a completely unknown quantity. We all need some encouragement from time to time to overcome apprehension and break new ground. Of course, having a seasoned person walking you through it is always helpful.
There have been a number of times I felt similarly on this group regarding helping someone out in person. Sometimes, all it takes is a confidence boost in bridging that one obstacle to open many doors down the road…
I trust bcohen2010 will decide what is best for him. If he decides to embark on the repair, please feel free to ask as many questions as you want and need to feel confident. Private message if that is more comfortable means. Nothing wrong with caution. There have been several times lately that I have set up and climbed my big extension ladder to go onto the roof. Stood there contemplating my age and ability and climbed back down to call a professional
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