2016 Sierra Crew Z71 bounces around like a yoyo

starbuck62a · September 22, 2017

My 2016 Sierra bounces around whenever going over bumps in the road such as unlevel train tracks, potholes, dips, speed bumps. I've heard this may be due to the Rancho shocks it comes with from the factory. If I replace these, will this behaviour settle down? I am considering replacing the rear shocks with something better to begin with and see if it makes a difference. What is recommended for a truck at stock height?

2017SierraSLT · September 22, 2017

Remember the factory GM "Ranchos" have nothing in common with the true Rancho shocks available aftermarket other than the decals, and white paint. On my 2013, I noticed a remarkable improvement by switching from the factory "Ranchos" to the Rancho RS5000 shocks. They were smoother, and had better rebound recovery. Bilstein also makes one heck of a shock.

aseibel · September 22, 2017

pick-up trucks ride much differently than cars, especially with no weight in the rear.

first of all, make sure you aren't expecting a ride comparable to a passenger car. are you used to trucks or is this your first?

Then throw a couple hundred pounds in the back and see how it rides.

starbuck62a · September 22, 2017

pick-up trucks ride much differently than cars, especially with no weight in the rear.

first of all, make sure you aren't expecting a ride comparable to a passenger car. are you used to trucks or is this your first?

Then throw a couple hundred pounds in the back and see how it rides.

I've driven a 2005 Avalanche Z71 with blue/yellow shocks for the last 10 years and it drives like a dream... no bouncing whatsoever and no weight in the back

mookdoc6 · September 22, 2017

I've driven a 2005 Avalanche Z71 with blue/yellow shocks for the last 10 years and it drives like a dream... no bouncing whatsoever and no weight in the back

That truck is completely different.....Z71 is for the stiff of heart! ditch the shocks and do what guy above mentions! It will still "Truckie" Due to the Z71 upgrades!

2017SierraSLT · September 22, 2017

Even with the Z71 package, these trucks are firm, but definitely not the worst riding truck on the market. The RAMS will ride better due to the soft coil spring rear suspension, but I do not believe those belong on a pickup truck.

O_J_Simpson · September 22, 2017

Ranchos are now complete junk. Replace them with your favorite real shock such as Bilstein 5100 or Fox. Life will be good again.

Sir Dan · September 22, 2017

I've driven a 2005 Avalanche Z71 with blue/yellow shocks for the last 10 years and it drives like a dream... no bouncing whatsoever and no weight in the back

Avalanche is just a Suburban with a notch cut out for the bed. Completely different chassis and ride from the pick-up trucks.

04GMshorty · September 22, 2017

Mine stutter hops like crazy as well( non z71), switched to fox replacement shocks and it got a little better but not that drastic.. I think these trucks are to light in the back so there's no weight to really work the suspension.

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Heavy 5.7 · September 22, 2017

I think these trucks are to light in the back so there's no weight to really work the suspension.

Until... you haul something, hence the term "pickup truck".

Gofas · September 23, 2017

My favorite combo to help eleminate the porposing

Is 4600's in front and rancho adjustables in rear.

4600'' all around are a firm true pick up feel.

Rancho adjustable all around are a little bouncy but less vibrations.

This is my present set-up and enjoy the ride on our beat up country roads.

starbuck62a · September 23, 2017

I went to gm dealer today and asked parts desk about bouncing truck and they told me they had never heard of rancho issue. I asked if people complain and answer was no. Very odd!

cire0309 · September 23, 2017

Avalanche is just a Suburban with a notch cut out for the bed. Completely different chassis and ride from the pick-up trucks.

Same chassis, different rear suspension.

I've driven a 2005 Avalanche Z71 with blue/yellow shocks for the last 10 years and it drives like a dream... no bouncing whatsoever and no weight in the back

The Avy's had a multi-link coil rear suspension similar to the current Ram 1500/2500's.

My 07 Avy definitely rode a lot smoother than most leaf spring trucks, but the rear end would sit low with only 700-800 lbs in the bed.