Dana Mills

A buddy of mine went with Bilsteins on the lowest setting combined with the ReadyLift leveling kit, which uses small spacers that sit at the bottom and top of the strut. It's more expensive than the RC kit but I like the way it's designed. My buddy's truck looks perfect - it has just under a 1/2 inch rake (not noticeable) and rides great. That said, I didn't see a major difference when driving his truck versus mine with only has the Bilsteins at the highest setting

I'm running option 2 - the ride is a vast improvement over the stock Ranchos. The only time you will increase preload is if the shock absorber is topped out and cannot extend any further, thus limiting the distance between the top plate and the perch. This doesn't appear to be the case on the Z71, at least its not apparent to me. If there is still room for the shock to extend with the perch used, the overall length of the whole assembly will simply increase instead of adding to the preload of the shock, thus leaving the weight of the vehicle as the only source of preload. It is like the difference between the two types of spacer lifts. a coil spacer will usually achieve the top out of the shock and so preload the coil. A top plate spacer does not preload the coil, but merely extends the length of the strut. The 5100's simply do this at the other end of the strut. That being said, if you use a long enough coil with the 5100's to achieve top out of the shock on the perch you are using, you will begin to preload the coil and that preload will increase with every perch you move up.

How is the road noise/ride with these Hankooks now that you've ridden with them for a bit? They've caught my eye, great looking with a solid price.

I like the LEDs in the grille - do you have a post that describes the LEDs you used or the wiring process? If not, you should!!

Have you checked out the Fold-a-Cover G4 Elite? It was essentially a coin toss for me between the 2 covers. A lot of guys love the G4 as it too has a really nice design. They also list the bed length at 6'6" for the Silverado full size bed. http://www.foldacoverfactorystore.com/GM4932-G4-Elite-Fold-A-Cover.html

Yes, the water channels are indeed large - for me, that was actually a benefit as the design allows for adequate drainage in the afternoon downpours that are typical here in So FL. My BakFlip never stayed dry when it rained - so far, the Encore has. I feel for you @ember1205 as I have heard similar complaints from other full size bed truck owners.

i have a short bed (5'8"). It's a 3 panel cover with a key lock on the most forward panel. This 2 min video gives a nice quick overview of the cover and features. I installed the cover by myself (didn't need another set of hands) in about 15 mins and have removed the cover alone several times - literally takes seconds. The design is very innovative - The BakFlips look nice but I always had leaking issues and found the cover didn;t hold up well against sun damage. This cover just feels more rugged and better built. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsogPt9Ol_0

I installed the Extang Encore about a month ago. In this short time, I have come to really like the cover. The 2 most significant benefits are (1) very good design for keeping water out. I haven't seen a drop of water in the bed even after driving through/parked in a few torrential South Florida rain showers and (2) the cover is VERY easy to take off should you need to. I wasn't sure I would like the profile of the cover (it sits on the rail rather than flush like the BakFlip and others), but the looks have grown on me and the functionality is great. Oh, it also can be unlocked/opened from the front (the panel behind the cab).

Looks really great, nicely done! What headlights are you running? Any pics with them on?

Couple questions for you - first, how much did Midas charge for the exhaust install? I couldn't find the Borla cat back on Jegs - do you know the part number. Finally, how do you like the Retrax (other than the bed space issue)? Is it water tight? Your truck looks great!

@Roidz - the 70% tint really isn't very dark, has virtually no effect on visibility. I contemplated going with 90% but I like the reduction in sun glare you get with the 70%.

I went with 15% on the front windows - given that I live in So FL, I used the 3M Crystalline - it blocks heat like no other tint I have ever used, well worth the extra money for the sun down here. I went with 15% on the front windows - given that I live in So FL, I used the 3M Crystalline - it blocks heat like no other tint I have ever used, well worth the extra money for the sun down here.

I went with 15% on the front windows - given that I live in So FL, I used the 3M Crystalline - it blocks heat like no other tint I have ever used, well worth the extra money for the sun down here.

My week old 2015 LTZ Z71 4x4. Tinted the front windows and put a 70% tint on the windshield. Now I'm looking for a hard fold-able tonneau cover and better headlights (either HIDs or a nice bright PIAA bulb, haven't decided). Love this truck - contemplated a cat back exhaust for more growl but I'm kind of liking the quiet cabin - now that I'm in my mid-40s the growl seems less appealing

How do you like the Airaid? Do you see any changes in throttle response etc? Sounds pretty good.

PERFECT suspension height, looks damn good!