Blown shock or spring?

[4Hoe'20]

I've got a 2005 tahoe 4x4 with a pretty nasty bottoming out sensation in the rearend. It only does it over speed bumps, small potholes, and manhole covers, etc. My suspicions are the shocks and or springs. I've only had the "hoe about 6 months and when I bought it the shocks were new, I have paperwork from dealer.

What I DO know about the shocks is that they are Gabriel Max Control from AutoZone on all 4 corners and the springs are factory. I've looked into Gabriel and feel that the particular shocks I have should be of some decent quality. Just $15 or less than the Bilstein counterpart.

It has gradually gotten worse, as in 2 weeks ago it wasn't there at all and now I cringe at speed bumps. Only other part of the equation I have to add is also about 3 wks ago I did some light towing, a couch, loveseat, and recliner. The trailer MIGHT have been 1,500lbs but that's pushing it and it was towed off the bumper, no receiver hitch at the time, but I would hope that light of a load wouldn't hurt the suspension.

Any ideas or insight would be helpful, thanks much...

Forgot to mention, its more noticable on the driver side than the passenger side

 

[offerman73]

Springs

I had the same problem on mine and come to find out the rear springs were so weak I blew out my rear shocks (Gabriel max controls). I replaced the springs with Moog HD coils and under warranty AutoZone replaced the shocks. My only complaint is how tall the rear sits now. My opinion but the HD springs might be a little too stiff and raise the Tahoe about 2inches higher than stock. I tow Alot so they've been good for that and the shocks work well. I'd start with new springs.

 

[clkelley]

I agree, the rear springs in any GM truck need help. I am not sure why GM puts such weak springs in their trucks, but they do.