Jimbo290

Dear Friend, I have a 2000 Silverado Z71 Ext Cab 5.3 L with Bridgestone Alenza 265/75/16 tires with Bilstein shocks that I purchased around 2005. The shocks still perform like new and this is my 3rd set of Bridgestone Alenzas. Compared to new Silverados off the lot, my truck rides smoother and handles far better. Shocks and tire can turn a stock truck into a fine Cowboy Cadillac for a nominal fee. Forget Michelin tires no matter what the sales people say. I've tried Michelin LTX and they didn't come close in performance to the Alenzas. For a new 2014/2015 or 2016, the best choice in tires would be No 1, the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus 265/70/17 with new low rolling resistance technology and the new Bilstein shocks which have a new improved piston that offers a smoother ride. Compared to a new truck, you'll notice a dramatic improvement over the stock tires and shocks..and the shocks will last an honest 100,000 miles whereas Monroe or Rancho, while warranted for life, will start to deteriorate at 30,000 miles. Do yourself a favor and start out fresh with quality tires and shocks. Stick with the 17" wheels as the sidewall is higher and provides more air in the tires which translates into a smoother ride. You'll notice a dramatic improvement and will never have to replace the shocks again for at least another 100,000 miles. As a second best tire, the new Bridgestone Alenza Plus 265/70/17 is excellent and a third choice would be Continental Cross Contact LX 20 with EcoPlus 265/70/17 (rebate until Nov. 2 and best deal of the three) Best fuel efficiency would be with either the Pirelli or Continental. All three tires with these shocks will far outperform the stock equipment. If you buy new, take then off, sell them as new on any number of on-line sales websites and put on 1st class quality shocks and tires. As a second best shock, the Rancho RSX or Monroe Reflex is a two stage shock that will ride smoother on dirt roads, but not as good as a Bilstein on paved roads. Enjoy your new smooth Cowboy Cadillac ride. In many respects you'll be surprised to find that your vehicle rides better than many Lexus, Lincoln and Cadillac models. Jimbo

Dear Friends, GM engines have always gotten the best fuel stats compared to Ford, Dodge and Toyota while also being reliable. The new Turbo 6 in the Ford isn't near as efficient as a Chevrolet V-6, plus it's being pushed to put out high horsepower in a small block without being beefed up to withstand the added heat and power. Some are concerned about shorted engine life because of these issues. You'll be better off buying a small block V-8 that doesn't have to work so hard and gets about the same MPG, plus be sure to run Mobil 1 in your Ford Turbo for the best protection. Put on the new Alenza Plus or Pirelli tires that have lower rolling resistance and Bilstein shocks and you'll be amazed at the difference in ride, stability, and handling. Why can't these companies equip their truck right from the beginning? Jimbo

Wrong! The only thing off-road about a Z71 are the plates under the front differential and transfer case and the better quality shocks. Springs, torsion bars and leaf springs are all the same. The stock suspension has under damped shocks for any condition. If you want a smooth shock, try the Monroe Sensatrac, but they will not last more than 30,000 miles. They are designed to be smooth in the middle travels zones and tighten with increase travel. Monroe Reflex is a step up and has a relief value that smooths out road irregularities. As long as you run Bilsteins with high quality smooth riding tires, you'll be satified. But don't expect good performance with cheap off-brand tires. Best brands are Bridgestone Alenzas, Continentals, and the new Pirelli.

Best tire pressure is usually around 38 PSI. As far as the Z71 package, the only difference in the suspension is the shocks. The springs are exactly the same in the standard Silverado/Sierra and Z71 package. You also get plates over the differential and transfer case to prevent damage if you were to hit a rock off-road. The former information is incorrect stating that the Z71 suspension is stiffer. The only difference are the shocks and plates. Most buy the Z71 package for "looks." Put on better tires...they make a huge difference. I run Bridgestone Alenzas which are excellent and better than Michelins. They now make a better Bridgestone, the Alenza Plus and Pirelli just introduced a top of the line tire that's supposed to be even better. Don't expect a smooth ride and good handling with cheap tires. Both tires and shocks must be top of the line otherwise you'll not get top notch performance. James290

Dear Sir: Your truck has Rancho Monotube single stage high pressure shocks. Rancho also makes several two stage shocks as well, the Rancho RSX and the adjustable. My experience with all Rancho/Monroe shocks is that they don't last, nor do they perform well. Cheap! Back before 2000, Bilstein made shocks custom designed for the Silverado/Sierra. I've used Monroe Sensatracs in my '89 Chevrolet Silverado, but they wore out so fast that I got tired of constantly replacing them. Then bought a 2000 Silverado and put on a set Bilsteins at about 30,000 miles replacing the heavy duty two stage Monroes. I bought them at AutoZone for around $60/shock and had a mechanic install them for $115. You can install them yourself without much difficulty. They are far superior. No nose diving, level cornering, no fish tailing and basically sports car handling with smoother ride. They make your truck feel glued to the road at speeds in the 75-100 MPH range. Excellent warranty that's valid. They will last an honest 100,000 miles and if not, Bilstein will replace them. They have a gliding sensation similar to the ride of a BMW. Best shock that you can buy. They tend to be a bit stiff on dirt roads, that's the only downside. If you do a great deal of dirt road driving, the Rancho RSX might be a better choice as it has a relief value that adjusts better to road irregularities. Wish Bilstein offered a model that was adjustable and then it would be the ultimate shock. By the way, Rancho and Monroe are the same company and both makes cheap products that do not last. Tires matter a great deal too....put on either the Bridgestone Alenzas, Alenza Plus or new top of the line Pirelli. Forget Michelins as they ride harsh and are not near the equal of the softer more compliant rubber in the Bridgestone or Pirelli. I run them about 2-3 lbs about the recommended 35 lbs...around 38 which seems to be the best pressure. Hope this info helps. Jimbo290.