Thinking of replacing shocks/struts

TJay74 · June 16, 2015

I have a 2014 Sierra crew cab with the All Terrain package. As noted the factory "Rancho" shocks are not Rancho at all, in that regards they are dismal in performance so far from my experience. I had about 300lbs in the bed this weekend and hit a mild dip in the road, shocks blew thru the travel and bounced off of the bounce bumpers.

So with that I am thinking of changing out and going to the Bilstein socks on all 4 corners. Truck is stock other than I had it leveled in the rear via drop shackles, so which series would be the best bet. I am not looking for a couch/Cadillac ride, I want a firm sporty ride but I also don't want the back end of the truck moving across the road like it has the few times I drove over wash board asphalt.

So what says you to the folks who have replaced their shocks?

Thanks.... Todd

RobZ71LM7 · June 16, 2015

I'm running Bilstein 4600's on all 4 corners and have been very happy with them-best $300 I've spent so far. They're a pretty good balance between a nice ride and enough rebound to keep the truck controlled, responsive and not floaty. My factory shocks seriously lacked low and high speed rebound. I obviously did not have Rancho's stock, but if history tells us anything it is that GM spec'd shocks are pathetic.

Skeeter McSkeet · June 16, 2015

I've got the billy 5100s they are a big improvement over the ranchos. You can tell more so off-road than on the highway, I've had several friends comment on how nice it rides around town.

-Skeet

TJay74 · June 16, 2015

Well spoke with Bilstein, going to measure the rear shock length now as the truck sits. Mine is lowered 2" in the rear so the tech thinks the 5125 series will be better for the rear since they can find one that will work with my truck.

How many of you installed yours? How bad was the front, I am assuming I only need a spring compressor for the fronts?

Skeeter McSkeet · June 16, 2015

I had a shop do mine, I got the leveling struts so I'm not sure if they're different than a regular strut. I know they did need a spring compressor.

-Skeet

RobZ71LM7 · June 17, 2015

The front is easy I just used a regular spring compressor.

Last C5 · June 17, 2015

I've got 5100s front and back that I installed myself. Pretty easy job with a good spring compressor.

Chadwilliam1 · June 20, 2015

Where are you guys getting the 5100s from?

DeePa · June 20, 2015

Mine have been back ordered for a while

Jon A · June 20, 2015

Well spoke with Bilstein, going to measure the rear shock length now as the truck sits. Mine is lowered 2" in the rear so the tech thinks the 5125 series will be better for the rear since they can find one that will work with my truck.

If you want to step up in quality a bit, a shock that would work for you is the Bilstein 5165 Series, part # 25-177510 . It has a collapsed length of 14.4" vs. 16.2" for the replacement 5100 so you don't need to worry about bottoming out and it's a bit nicer shock all the way around. The 255/70 valving is firmer than the 5100 so it gives very good handling. I'm running the #25-187717 which is the same thing only longer (stock to 3" or so of lift). Both have longer travel than stock. Mine are paired with ICON coilovers in front and they seem to work very well together.

If you want to use these you'll need new bushings (BSN-2202G) and spacers (BSN-E4B4660R1), four of each. While it can be done by hand with a vice, I'd recommend having a shop press those in. I also recommend getting the billet mounting kit (11176015), two of those as they're nicer than the hose clamp deals.

berk4422 · June 21, 2015

I put in Rancho quick lift and love them. Just last week I was in Dallas for business and rented a car - got an LT 2015 Silverado. It did not ride nearly as nice as my 2015 with adjustable front/rear quicklifts. Very pleased with my ranchos...

Chadwilliam1 · June 21, 2015

Do you have a part number for those ranchos?

towdog333 · June 21, 2015

I'm thinking about replacing my shocks, I have 22" wheels and the oem shocks just don't get it. You feel every little bump rut you name it. Had bilsteins on my 05 GMC HD and loved them