2007 Savana (Express) 3500 - want stiffer shocks

[InfectiousB]

Hello Again,

I'm looking for stiffer than stock front and rear shocks for my 07 Savana 3500 Extended.

I run loaded 100% of the time w/bike on a hitch carrier. The stock shocks are really soft (only slightly stiffer than my E150 was, nowhere near as stiff as a E350). I'd gladly trade off some impact harshness to get better body control.

What shocks are people running on their chevy motovans?

[redhurricane]

blisteins and add a set of ride rite firestone airbags on the rear. will be a whole new vehicle.

[Chickenhauler]

Are you sure you need stiffer shocks, or just need new ones? Four years (and I don't know how many miles) can take their toll on the stock shocks.

[InfectiousB]

Are you sure you need stiffer shocks, or just need new ones? Four years (and I don't know how many miles) can take their toll on the stock shocks.

46k miles on it. Only 2200 of them are from me (only 1 road trip since I bought it)

I think the stock shocks are in pretty good shape-- before I purchased the van a couple of months ago I drove several brand new 2500 and 3500 vans: I thought that the 3500s were softly sprung and damped and I thought the 2500s were way too soft-- and those were empty vehicles. I think stock replacements would still be too soft.

My van rides like a caddy- an old 1970s caddy.

Bilstein HD rear monotubes $94:

http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-Shock-1997-CHEVROLET-BE5-2570/dp/B003907E2U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1305551306&sr=8-3

Has anyone tried the KYB Monotubes? $57 vs $94 for the Bilsteins:

http://www.amazon.com/KYB-565034-MonoMax-Heavy-Monotube/dp/B000C42RJQ/ref=au_pf_ss_7?ie=UTF8&Model=Savana%203500|528&n=15684181&s=automotive&Make=GMC|48&Year=2007|2007&carId=001