I Just Want Better Ride Quality!

JacobC1983 · March 24, 2016

I need some help!

I have never bought new shocks for a new truck before....... So let's start with that. My 2015 GMC Sierra (half ton) crew cab came with the off road package and has Rancho shocks and I think they ride rough. What should I replace them with?

I don't tow often or haul incredibly heavy loads, but I do sometimes; so, I want to gain better (softer) ride quality while retaining most of the usability and payload of a work truck, or in my case, my toy hauler.

I do NOT want a lift, or leveling kit or anything like that, just replacement shocks that will make my truck ride softer.

Basically, I don't want to change anything about the truck except make it ride better....

What would you get?

What are the part numbers and where should I buy them from?

Let's assume for argument's sake that price isn't a concern.. but I don't think spending $1500 on shocks is reasonable, but if you think it's worth it.. then it just might be!

O_J_Simpson · March 24, 2016

What size tires and rims do you have?

JacobC1983 · March 24, 2016

Goodyear SRA 275 55R20..

I see a lot of people going with the Bilstein 5100.. where are you buying them from?

Jlm02a3094 · March 24, 2016

King, Icon, Fox, and Bilstein are all great brands. They all make adjustable versions (whether full Coilover or just shock) so if you change your mind down the road about leveling you'll have the option. My vote would be for some Bilsteins since they're the cheapest option. Set them at stock setting and it should be quite a bit better than the Ranchos.

Josh

DaveH71 · March 24, 2016

Your best bet for ride quality would be the OEM shocks and struts that come on the 2015's, Bilsteins are going to be geared more towards offroad/performance.

Dump the ranchos and get a set of Factory GM shocks and struts.

Also there are other variables to ride comfort then just shocks. Pay attention to tire pressure, make sure its set to what the sticker on your door says.

Those 20" rims are not really helping either, a tire with some more sidewall would help immensely.

A better quality tire will also help, such as michelins.

JacobC1983 · March 24, 2016

Where are you purchasing your bilstein shocks from? What are the part numbers I need?

Spurshot · March 24, 2016

It's a misunderstood concept that an off-road intended shock would be stiffer. It is actually somewhat the opposite. An off-road shock needs to let the suspension move quickly over rough terrain, yet prevent bottoming in some situations

I have King over the counter shocks and they are by far the best riding shock I've had on 4 different trucks which have had Rancho, Bilstein 4000 series and 5100, stock GM, etc.. Would I spend this much again? I believe so. But the standard Bilstein shocks and 5100 shocks were very good as well. If cost is a limitation, 5100 Bilstein shocks would be where I spent my money.

If you buy the big Buck shocks, keep your old ones, in case you get a new truck in a couple years. They are rebuild able

JacobC1983 · March 24, 2016

But you still have the same payload and tow-ability with the king shocks?

And how much were they? Do you have model numbers?

Spurshot · March 25, 2016

But you still have the same payload and tow-ability with the king shocks?

And how much were they? Do you have model numbers?

The rear shocks have no springs, just damping. They would not affect rear suspension capacity. The front have their own springs which I don't know whether the rates are comparable to stock, less or more. I don't believe they would change load carrying or tow capacity noticeably up or down.

It's been so long since I installed these, I don't recall the p/n's. They can be found on their website. I bought mine from a member that didn't use them, NIB, for a substantial discount.

Durtywimmin · March 25, 2016

Bought my Bilstein 5100 adjustable at Shockwave house.com $384 2014 Sierra SLYW

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Durtywimmin · March 25, 2016

Bought my Bilstein 5100 adjustable at Shockwave house.com $384 2014 Sierra SLYW

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Shockwarehouse.com

The rear shocks have no springs, just damping. They would not affect rear suspension capacity. The front have their own springs which I don't know whether the rates are comparable to stock, less or more. I don't believe they would change load carrying or tow capacity noticeably up or down.

It's been so long since I installed these, I don't recall the p/n's. They can be found on their website. I bought mine from a member that didn't use them, NIB, for a substantial discount.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Durtywimmin · March 25, 2016

Meant Shockwarehouse.com

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JacobC1983 · March 25, 2016

Wonderful..Thank you! Did your truck come with the Rancho shocks from the factory? Can you comment on the difference in ride quality?

hpd562 · March 25, 2016

I think if you check the Bilstein website, they only recommend 5100s if your leveling/blocking your truck and need a bit more travel. Bilstein 4600s I believe are factory replacement .