Rear Lift & New Shocks & Add-a-leafs

chakis24 · February 16, 2011

so basically my shocks are worn and i need new ones. im looking at bilstein 5100s, but what i dont understand is that there isnt a front shock option for a non-lifted truck? there are rears, but no fronts. is this correct? also, cranking the torsion bars isnt considered a lift right even though by cranking the front doesnt it cause the shock to be at rest not technically in its at rest position, but slightly extended? i might be better off with the B6s (but then there might be an issue with the rear- see below- as they only come in stock heights). also, how do these compare with the stock z71 shocks? id assume theyd be better overall?

in addition to new shocks id also like to raise the rear an inch or two to also help with the sag. is an additional leaf really all i need to lift the back? (see: http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits-Suspe...p;t_pn=SUP2580). also, does this count as something of a suspension lift? would i need to get a shock thats designed for a 2" lift (as that would be about what id gain with an added leaf)?

and lastly, how long to leaf springs usually last? i dont haul with my truck on a regular basis (moreso the past 2 years though since buying the quad), but im close to 120,000 miles and i put on the current lift and tires between 50 & 60k. im sure the larger tires and wheels have had an effect (its like having a constant load no?). should i forego an added leaf and replace them all? how do i know if the leaf springs are worn? also, since i do put the quad in the bed im looking for something that will be a little stiffer and sway less when its up there- as it feels like the truck is swaying a little more than it used to. what about leaves from a 2500? will those bolt up and give me a few inches more? but then again, would i need a lift adjusted shock?

sorry if its a little confusing, but thanks for the help.

8.1HD/ALLISON · February 16, 2011

I don't know about the shocks, but I can tell you the 2500 leaves with bolt right in. Leaf springs should go as long as the truck I would think. Unless there is a broken one.

chakis24 · February 17, 2011

I don't know about the shocks, but I can tell you the 2500 leaves with bolt right in. Leaf springs should go as long as the truck I would think. Unless there is a broken one.

interesting. thanks. would the 2500 springs sit higher if put on my truck you think? since theyre probably stiffer and meant to handle more weight, and theyre supporting a lighter frame, i would think on my truck they wouldnt flatten as much when unloaded?

chakis24 · February 19, 2011

bump....anyone?

8.1HD/ALLISON · February 19, 2011

The 1500 spring run that spacer block. The 2500 does not due to haveing more springs. So the height would be the same. When I put them on my last truck I left the block under the 2500 spring pack. I think it will get you 2 inches hight in the rear. If you want a little extra leave the blocks in. If not remove them.

chakis24 · February 19, 2011

The 1500 spring run that spacer block. The 2500 does not due to haveing more springs. So the height would be the same. When I put them on my last truck I left the block under the 2500 spring pack. I think it will get you 2 inches hight in the rear. If you want a little extra leave the blocks in. If not remove them.

thanks. how much heavier duty are the 2500 springs? or are they the same and just stronger because their is an additional leaf? and thinking about it i think i would require a longer shock in the rear- not sure about the front though.