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Bilstein Shocks

lesZ71

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lesZ71 Enthusiast

lesZ71

Posted
Posted

I have a 2004 Z71 (stock suspension) with just under 50k miles and the ride is definitely getting rougher the past month or two...so I figure I its time for some new shocks. I have been searching the forum here for what shocks seem to be the most preferred...and it looks to be overwhelmingly in favor of Bilstein HDs. I was looking at shockwarehouse and found a package deal on Biltstein HDs for all 4 corners (~$260). The part number for the font shocks is F4-BE5-6500-H0. The part number for the rear shocks s F4-BE5-2905-H1. My current driving habits are around 90% highway & 10% light offroading. I understand from what I have read that these shocks will provide a firmer ride. How much firmer than stock? Is this a good deal?

07Graystone Enthusiast

07Graystone

Posted
Posted

They will be somewhat more firm than OEM shocks, but to the point of being harsh. In my experience, they will seem harsh on small bumps until you put a few hundred miles on them. $260 is about what I paid also.

peteking Enthusiast

peteking

Posted
Posted
They will be somewhat more firm than OEM shocks, but to the point of being harsh. In my experience, they will seem harsh on small bumps until you put a few hundred miles on them. $260 is about what I paid also.

 

I agree. I installed my HD's about 2 weeks ago, and I paid ~260 bucks. It is a firmer ride...but these shocks handle bumps so much better than my old ones.

Raleighwood New Member

Raleighwood

Posted
Posted
I have a 2004 Z71 (stock suspension) with just under 50k miles and the ride is definitely getting rougher the past month or two...so I figure I its time for some new shocks. I have been searching the forum here for what shocks seem to be the most preferred...and it looks to be overwhelmingly in favor of Bilstein HDs. I was looking at shockwarehouse and found a package deal on Biltstein HDs for all 4 corners (~$260). The part number for the font shocks is F4-BE5-6500-H0. The part number for the rear shocks s F4-BE5-2905-H1. My current driving habits are around 90% highway & 10% light offroading. I understand from what I have read that these shocks will provide a firmer ride. How much firmer than stock? Is this a good deal?

 

Same as above. Bilstein is tough to beat and the warranty is great too!

lesZ71 Enthusiast

lesZ71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So, it sounds like they should firm up the ride and do really well for highway driving. The primary concern I have is will I feel every bump on the road or will they be smoothed out? How do the Bilstein 5100s compare to the Bilstein HDs?

lesZ71 Enthusiast

lesZ71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Getting ready to make the purchase....would the Bilstein HDs be a better choice than the Bilstein 5100s?

05silvycrew Enthusiast

05silvycrew

Posted
Posted

installed the Billstein HD's on my truck about a month ago, and for all the hype...I honostly couldn't tell you the difference from my stock shocks (90,000 miles on them) and the new HD's. Maybe it's just me or just my truck, but I really honostly couldn't feel a great difference. they do add a nice splash of yellow to the undercarriage though! lol. I'm sure they're a great shock and the quality is top notch, but in my experience it didn't change much.

georgerosen06 Enthusiast

georgerosen06

Posted
Posted

i have the 5100's on my truck after i leveled my truck the suspension seemed to bottom out more? not sure if thats the correct term there but thats why i described it as and its gone with these new shocks....granted there two inches longer so im sure thats why however in my experience the shocks do stiffen the ride but its not bad at all...definatley a great purchase!

peteking Enthusiast

peteking

Posted
Posted
Getting ready to make the purchase....would the Bilstein HDs be a better choice than the Bilstein 5100s?

 

Do your homework. Pretty sure that the 5100's and the HD's are not interchangeable. The 5100's are for lifted trucks, I believe. HD's will fit stock ride height.

TooTall1 Enthusiast

TooTall1

Posted
Posted

Everything I've found says the 5100s are for lifted trucks only.Leveling your truck by cranking the torsion keys doesn't count as lifted.

lesZ71 Enthusiast

lesZ71

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Everything I've found says the 5100s are for lifted trucks only.Leveling your truck by cranking the torsion keys doesn't count as lifted.

 

 

That is what I thought as well...just wanted to make sure. Looks like I will be going with the HD's. Thanks for all the feedback.

  • 2 weeks later...
lesZ71 Enthusiast

lesZ71

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Everything I've found says the 5100s are for lifted trucks only.Leveling your truck by cranking the torsion keys doesn't count as lifted.

 

 

That is what I thought as well...just wanted to make sure. Looks like I will be going with the HD's. Thanks for all the feedback.

 

 

 

Well, I made the purchase about a week ago from shockwarehouse.com. Shocks arrived 4 business days after order was placed. I installed them 3 days ago and so far I am very pleased with the purchase. They definitely smooth out the ride. The stock shocks were completely worn out. Almost feels like driving a new truck now! Installation was not too bad...took just over 2hrs to do by myself. Thanks for the feedback.

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