New shocks?

[WTBSMB]

I have a 2013 Chevy Express Sportsmobile 2WD with penthouse at 103,000 miles. The ride is getting really bouncy. When stopped at a red light, cars going in the opposite direction make my van sway and rock. Does that mean on need new shocks? Anything else? I drive on lots of dirt roads and washboard. It's not lifted or anything. Are Chevy parts ok or is there something better I should get?

[Grampswrx]

I would recommend getting Fox shocks. Don't know about fitment, but you can call Agile off road and they can get you set up.

[carringb]

Any good monotube shock will be an immense improvement for your van. Even new Express vans are severely under-damped for full loads. I've never seen anybody run Fox on their Express, but both Bilstein and KYB have good options as well.

That said... rocking can also be a symptom of worn out sway-bar bushings, so check those out as well.

[WhitH]

Weldtec sells custom valved Fox shocks for Chevys. I have them on mine and they made a big difference.

[marret]

Fox shocks from Weldtec on my GM van as well. Recommended. Seems many people have had good service from Bilstein as well.

[Grampswrx]

I had fox on my Chevy from weldtec also. But they only had fronts at the time.

[Michisurfer]

Getting Bilstein's now on my rig now (literally), out in Colorado at the moment. Drove out here from Michigan- my wife refused to drive because of the constant movements sway, bounce, etc etc. Sketchy when a semi would pass us or vice versa. We are spending the next few days on the road. My van had 140K and shocks never replaced. I'll update again in 2-3 days or so and give you the comparison if it helps!
2001, Ford, E-350 EB, PH, 7.3L, 2WD

[dokaman]

Originally Posted by Michisurfer

Getting Bilstein's now on my rig now (literally), out in Colorado at the moment. Drove out here from Michigan- my wife refused to drive because of the constant movements sway, bounce, etc etc. Sketchy when a semi would pass us or vice versa. We are spending the next few days on the road. My van had 140K and shocks never replaced. I'll update again in 2-3 days or so and give you the comparison if it helps!
2001, Ford, E-350 EB, PH, 7.3L, 2WD

Looking forward to your update.

[BrianW]

I had Bilsteins on my recently sold 1998 SMB, and just had new ones installed on my new 2011 today. They made a huge difference on my 1998 so I was eager to get them in my new van too.

[newoldguy]

I had Weltec install a 2" front end leveling kit on my 2002 Express 2wd cargo van which I use for a tow vehicle. They installed Fox shocks on the front at the same time. These are the best shocks I've ever had on this vehicle! We just came back last week from a camping trip towing a 22 foot trailer. We did some very light off road paths in the mountains and it rode extremely well. Yes, I've tried other gas type shocks before and to me they are just too stiff.