I've noticed lately that my truck isn't handling as well... It'* my 2007 Silverado Classic Z71.

Sometimes when I'm running on a rough patch of gravel the back end wants to start to hop and even skid sideways a bit... And it hops like crazy on certain patches of road where'* there'* lots of seams in the road.

Would I be right in guessing that my shocks need replacing? As far as I know they're the original Z71 shocks, and with almost 130k on the odometer I'd say it'* time to replace them anyways. :P

The part that baffles me sometimes is actually when I go to merge onto the interstate some days. The other symptoms are fairly typical of worn out shocks from what I can tell, but sometimes under mid to heavy acceleration (like merging on an on ramp) it almost feels like the back end of the vehicle starts to track funny, even feel sideways-ish (although the tires can't be slipping 'cause you'd definitely feel and hear that on pavement). Then as soon as you let off the throttle to set the cruise, everything kinda snaps back to normal. Axle wrap maybe? I'm kinda clueless. I've checked my springs and axle mounts and they look fine.

Finally, does anyone know what OEM Z71 shocks were for the 99-07 trucks and have any opinions of what a good shock is for my specific truck? I'd kinda like a ride that leans toward the tighter side for better handling and less axle wrap on takeoff. Got some prices on some Gabriel Guardian and ProGuard shocks but I'm open to suggestions!