? Regarding Shocks On Gmt 800

[fighter42487]

hey everyone, i have a 2004 gmc sierra with a pro comp 2" level kit on it, i am looking into getting new shocks but want to get the right size for front shocks due to level kit. what do you recommend? the only reason i am thinking about this is because my passenger side shock just started leaking( weird)

[Z'06]

I'm running Bilstein 5100 (p/n F4BE5C153H0) in the front, which are designed for 0-2" key lifts.

[pm26]

I am shocked.

[csheatz]

is there any difference between turning the stock torsion keys, or getting aftermarket keys? I am only looking for about 1.5" of front lift, I know I can get this with the stock keys, but I can also get 2" aftermarket keys for $100, and I can get the keys and 2" rear blocks for $150.

[Z'06]

is there any difference between turning the stock torsion keys, or getting aftermarket keys? I am only looking for about 1.5" of front lift, I know I can get this with the stock keys, but I can also get 2" aftermarket keys for $100, and I can get the keys and 2" rear blocks for $150.

 

Your stock shocks will be fine for just turning the stock torsion keys. Some even use them when they switch keys, but you will likely find yourself topping out your shocks, so it would be advisable to look at some extended shocks. ReadyLift even ships their keys with shock extenders if you don't want to upgrade shocks right away.

 

You can use the tried and true Ford keys (p/n XL3Z5B328CA). I primed and painted mine before installation so that they won't rust like the factory ones do.

[KMGZ400]

is there any difference between turning the stock torsion keys, or getting aftermarket keys? I am only looking for about 1.5" of front lift, I know I can get this with the stock keys, but I can also get 2" aftermarket keys for $100, and I can get the keys and 2" rear blocks for $150.

 

 

your safe to crank your t-bars no reason to spend money for anything else.. i wouldnt go over 1.5 in though..

[csheatz]

is there any difference between turning the stock torsion keys, or getting aftermarket keys? I am only looking for about 1.5" of front lift, I know I can get this with the stock keys, but I can also get 2" aftermarket keys for $100, and I can get the keys and 2" rear blocks for $150.

 

Your stock shocks will be fine for just turning the stock torsion keys. Some even use them when they switch keys, but you will likely find yourself topping out your shocks, so it would be advisable to look at some extended shocks. ReadyLift even ships their keys with shock extenders if you don't want to upgrade shocks right away.

 

You can use the tried and true Ford keys (p/n XL3Z5B328CA). I primed and painted mine before installation so that they won't rust like the factory ones do.

 

 

 

You want me to put a ford part on my truck? HAHA.

 

I will have to look that part up on ebay

[marko]

Ahem. Getting back on topic, I have had good luck with the Bilstein 5100's also, and the Monroe Reflex (stock height). Bilsteins are a tad more trucklike and very surefooted off road. Can't go wrong with them.

[jblakeney]

Is it stock shocks that is on the truck now.....

 

If so.... put stockers back unless your having over extending or bottoming out of the shocks... Dunno if you have Torsion bars or Coil springs but..... Monroe Reflex Mono-Tubes are great riding shocks..... Its the best thing that they offer. I have been selling the Reflex Mono-tubes for several years now with NO COMPLAINS...... I am riding around in my 99 GMT800 with them..... Quite possibly the best riding shock on the market OE or aftermarket.

 

else if..... Put Bilstein on the truck. They offer modified lift truck shocks. As per the application.....

 

Jbo

 

If you are in doubt about the brand.... ON the lower portion of the shock tube (right above where it bolts to the lower arm) their will be a production stamping on the shock... Get the numbers and its a simple cross-reference after that...

[Matt_]

is there any difference between turning the stock torsion keys, or getting aftermarket keys? I am only looking for about 1.5" of front lift, I know I can get this with the stock keys, but I can also get 2" aftermarket keys for $100, and I can get the keys and 2" rear blocks for $150.

 

None, nilch, nada, nothing what so ever. If you can get 1.5" from your stock keys, then whatever you spend on aftermarket keys to get the same 1.5" is as good as burning that money.

 

As far as shocks are concerned, you don't "need" lift shocks since you haven't really "lifted" anything. Any quality aftermarket shock will work fine. IF you do want to get "lift" shocks, make sure that their compressed length is the same as an OEM shocks compressed length since your suspension can still compress the same amount (all you did is change the ride height).

 

Some OEM shocks will limit suspension travel a bit, others (usually the Z71 upgraded version) will not limit suspension travel and your UCA will hit the droop stop before you shock is fully extended. If the UCA on your truck hits the droop stops when the front is jacked off the ground, then longer shocks won't do you any favors either. At that point, just buy some shocks to suit your desired ride quality (bilstein for stiffer, monroe reflex are usually a "smoother" riding shock).

 

One thing is for certain--- do not put shock extenders on or you are likely to blow out your shock if you hit a good bump.

 

Edit: remember, companies are out there to make money.... someone somewhere had the great idea to make "customers" think that they "need" new shocks with these "leveling kits". If you're not familiar with suspension systems and how they work, its easy money for them and the customer is none the wiser...

[fighter42487]

Ahem. Getting back on topic, I have had good luck with the Bilstein 5100's also, and the Monroe Reflex (stock height). Bilsteins are a tad more trucklike and very surefooted off road. Can't go wrong with them.

 

ah yes, back to my question!! well thanks for the advise, i see that most people have had good luck with bilstein shocks so thats what im going with.

[jblakeney]

Ahem. Getting back on topic, I have had good luck with the Bilstein 5100's also, and the Monroe Reflex (stock height). Bilsteins are a tad more trucklike and very surefooted off road. Can't go wrong with them.

 

ah yes, back to my question!! well thanks for the advise, i see that most people have had good luck with bilstein shocks so thats what im going with.

 

 

I have had them on my Jeep for about 5 or 6 years..... Strictly rock crawler (off highway).... They have stood up to everything the trails have dished out......

 

Jbo