mcdavis

Yep, I like that style better than the factory style or other tubular models. Saw a set of these today, so got to see them up close. Looked nice. Glad you posted, my GMC is the same color and your pic answers some questions. Have a good one!

How do you like the Westins? Do the steps line up well for getting in and out? I like those. Nice truck!

What hard covers allow access to the front of the bed by flipping the front panel back besides the factory cover? Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Thank you, sir

Yeah, that is odd. I had a 95 Yukon (1st year), 2001 Yukon XL, 2006 Yukon XL, and have bought/used for our construction company (subcontractor) 20+ GM 3/4 ton trucks and have never changed shocks for any reason under 100,000 miles (I managed our fleet). The Yukons were all sold with 125,000+ on them, stock shocks. The trucks were constantly on jobsites at full weight capacity, 2wd, and rarely if ever broke a shock. This was a mix of standard cab 8' bed and crew cab 8' bed trucks. Granted, they weren't all Ranchos, and over the years we did replace some high mileage shocks. It just seems like, given the much higher number of vehicles and the much more abusive treatment my fleet went through, I would've run into trouble if GM were putting cheap shocks on their trucks. But, maybe I was just lucky and you weren't. Who knows? I totally agree, though, if I had had 3 trucks with leaking shocks in 7000 miles or less, I wouldn't trust them either. Frankly, I wouldn't have bought the same truck with the same shock the 3rd time after it happened twice.

When you say all 3 sets "went out" on you in less than 7000 miles, what do you mean "went out"? Did they literally break and leak? I ask because my stock Ranchos, with 81,000 on them, perform fine for my needs so 3 sets going out in 7000 miles is surprising to me. And yes, I've done suspension mods on other vehicles, understand how shocks work, etc. I'm no expert, but I understand the basics.

Not true. I bought my Z71 used because it had 4wd (wasn't buying a 2wd), was in my budget, and I liked the truck. Really didn't care about the Z71 beyond it being 4wd. I'm not planning to go offroad 4wheeling, just want 4wd for the few times I need it due to weather or work. And, I've seen numerous comments on this site in the short time I've been here from people buying Z71 for appearance reasons (color matched trim, I think). Not meaning to be rude to you at all, but you really can't make a massive generalization like that and ever be accurate. I'm positive there are numerous Z71 lifted trucks on this site that are mainly pavement queens. Nothing wrong with that, it's the owner's choice, and they are still very good looking trucks.

Different question than the pole, so forgive me OP: why does everyone keep saying Tenneco Rancho instead of just Rancho? I know Tenneco is the parent company to Rancho, but why the use of both? Is the OEM Rancho a different product than what can be purchased under the Rancho name retail?

Did you delete your picture?

I just logged onto the GMC site, Owner Center area, and hit the online chat button. Within 10 minutes of asking them for a build sheet, and giving them my VIN and email address, I had a 7 page build sheet with codes and descriptions for my 2016 Sierra. Just adding on that this method still works.