...You either have the auto-ride suspension, or like I do, the zw7 premium ride suspension w/Nivomat self-leveling shocks made by ZF-Sachs - look for the yellow tag with the "SACHS" name on it - by the way, about $500 each from GM, not including labor
Bilstein
One can purchase Bilstein shocks on their official website, or on third party distributors' websites such as All Shocks, Summit Racing or Off Road Warehouse.
The warranty you get with Bilstein shocks depends on where and how you purchased them. If they were fitted to a vehicle at the point of purchase then your warranty lies with the vehicle manufacturer and they would be your first port of call if you have a problem. If you have purchased your shocks separately then the terms will depend on the country in which you purchased them, but generally, if Bilstein determines that there is a defect with any of their shocks, they will replace or repair them.
SHOCKS
The 2001 Chevrolet suburban does not have suspension lubrication points. The squeaking noises you hear is an indication of the shocks needing replacement.
Rear shocks are easy however the front shocks require spring compression devices that must be used properly or you could get seriously injured or killed. The Heavy duty Bilstein shocks are very popular with the people at our enthusiasts forum. www.trailvoy.com
Shocks should be replaced once obvious wear is noticed, such as the Suburban taking bumps in the road harder, and taking longer to recover. If the vehicle bounces after it is heavily leaned on, it is a sign the shocks are worn. Drivers who tackle rough often will need to replace shocks more frequently than those who drive regularly on highways. Most manufacturers recommend a shock replacement about every 55,000 miles.
Take a regular 4x4 Silverado, add skid plates, Bilstein shocks, and Z71 badging, and you have a Z71 Silverado.
If you replace the manual leveling shocks on the rear with regular shocks you also have to replace the rear coil springs with stiffer ones. Use gm part #15182559 or bilstein part #199021 to replace the coil springs. The coil springs that come with the manual leveling shocks are not stiff enough to use with regular shocks, causing the rear end to droop.
There are only shocks on the 4X4 Suburban. Good high end Monroe shocks from Sears installed, where $200.00. And after watching them struggle with the front ones, it was worth it. Rancho's at Sears will cost about $100.00 more.
No you do not.
Get the original replacement shocks from the dealer/mopar, everything else will be either too stiff or too soft.