Hokay - Another Durned Shock Thread

[McJeep]

So I've done a bunch of searching and reading and I'm pretty sure that the bilsteins are the shocks I want for a new to me 06 Sierra Z

 

Now I understand that the Z needs monotuibes and the bilstein replacements are monotubes, but bilstein also makes the 5100 series and another model that I've read about that is a quasi coilover that levels out the front end??

 

This truck is wallowing big time in the bumps so I'm positive that the ones on it are shot - I would think that it should be firmer than yer average pickup given the Z package right??

 

What I'm after is a firm well handling suspension on this thing - I don't mind giving up some cushy ride in order to accomplish this.

 

I also need to get these damned things ordered and installed before this sloppy ride gets me in trouble ;0)

 

Apologies for the simpleton post but personal experiences with this specific deal would be appreciated

 

It's an extended cab with the shorty (5.5') box

 

Thanks for your patience and insight foplks

 

Rob

 

 

wd

[Chris]

what year z71

 

 

i didnt see the year in the previous post...

[Stex]

The 5100s (silver, I guess they make them for the 06?) are the ones that raise the front end if you choose. You can leave them at stock. The HDs (yellow) will do fine if you do not care about the front lift. 4 wheel drive has the best prices and availability in my area.

[Chris]

i have the HD's and it was a toss up between those and the comfort rides. both are monotube, but mine is 2wd that does see some dirt. check out shockwarehouse.com amazing prices i got all four for my truck for $238. was $249 but i got a 5% military discount

[jro909]

went with hds no regrets..most brand shocks are decent from monroe to kyb to bilsteins...just stay away from store brands

[wicked ace]

So I've done a bunch of searching and reading and I'm pretty sure that the bilsteins are the shocks I want for a new to me 06 Sierra Z

 

Now I understand that the Z needs monotuibes and the bilstein replacements are monotubes, but bilstein also makes the 5100 series and another model that I've read about that is a quasi coilover that levels out the front end??

 

This truck is wallowing big time in the bumps so I'm positive that the ones on it are shot - I would think that it should be firmer than yer average pickup given the Z package right??

 

What I'm after is a firm well handling suspension on this thing - I don't mind giving up some cushy ride in order to accomplish this.

 

I also need to get these damned things ordered and installed before this sloppy ride gets me in trouble ;0)

 

Apologies for the simpleton post but personal experiences with this specific deal would be appreciated

 

It's an extended cab with the shorty (5.5') box

 

Thanks for your patience and insight foplks

 

Rob

 

 

wd

 

I Had an '03 extended /Z71 previously. I used Edelbrock IAS after the original KYB wore out at 25k. I was real happy with them. Best price I found was at PACE Performance.

[Matt_]

The 5100s (silver, I guess they make them for the 06?) are the ones that raise the front end if you choose. You can leave them at stock. The HDs (yellow) will do fine if you do not care about the front lift. 4 wheel drive has the best prices and availability in my area.

 

just to clarify, the 5100s for the GMT800 trucks dont raise the front at all. That's only an option with the GMT900 trucks since the shocks are really an integrated coilbody; so they have an adjustable spring perch to increase ride height if desired.

[McJeep]

gmt 800? gmt 900? never heard of these terms other than here and haven't been able to suss out what they mean.

 

So if I can't get the "coilovers" for my Z71, I may as well just get the hd's and then pickup the levelling kit (I assume it's rekeyed torsion bars?) to get things balanced out.

 

Confirm that the hd's provide a nice "firm" ride ???

 

Thanks again for your patience folks - like I said, I only want to do this purchase once ;0)

[McJeep]

hokay - I think my reading has confirmed that these ones will ride/handle the way i want

 

just ordered the following:

F4-BE5-6500-H0

F4-BE5-2905-H1

 

Soooo lookin forward to loosing the mush ;0)

[Chris]

shockwarehouse.com will pull it all up for your truck. mines 2wd so i cant verify the p/n's but i can tell you it will be firmer

[Caleb 6R]

GMT900- 07+ New body style

 

GMT800- 00-07 Older body style...or something like that not exactly sure when the 800 designation started.

[McJeep]

Thanks fer that - 'figured, but it's always nice to have confirmation

[McJeep]

Sooo as a quick review of the bilsteins - they did indeed fix up the worst of the handling problems (there was almost NO rebound in the old shocks when I removed them) but still aren't riding with quite as much authority as I'd like. (I'm probably just too accustomed to the SWB ride of lifted jeeps). I imagine that getting the T bars rekeyed and getting proper LT tires on her instead of what's on it now (P rated) will put her jusssst where I want it ride wise.

 

Thanks muchos for the help people.

 

Running around to pick up shocks at a customs clearing office - 1 hour

Installing shocks purchased south o' the 49th - 2 hours

$$$ saved by avoiding local prices and brokerage fees - $400 !!!!!!

$$$ saved by installing myself - $200 !!!!!

Getting paid $200/hr for an afternoon - priceless ;0)

 

Brought to you by the cheap bastids of Scottish descent association ;0)