Stock shock replacement

[L83_Z71]

Evening fellas, been looking into replacing my stock Ranchos for something a little softer. Any recommendations for direct stock replacement shocks?

[Boardmember]

Bilstein 4600

 

i answered but caution you to put on your hazmat suit - you’re likely to get blasted by the “DID YOU SEARCH?  THERES A TON ON THIS TOPIC OUT THERE.”

[L83_Z71]

2 minutes ago, Boardmember said:

Bilstein 4600

 

i answered but caution you to put on your hazmat suit - you’re likely to get blasted by the “DID YOU SEARCH?  THERES A TON ON THIS TOPIC OUT THERE.”

Hahaha oh I'm sure brother. I knew I was opening myself up to getting blasted lol. Thanks for the reply though. 

[Boardmember]

I had the Z71 and now have the 4X4 with the RPO “Z60” Performance suspension set up. I can’t determine what exactly that is - shocks, heavier duty sway bar? - but it rides MUCH better than my Z71.   Now, that’s my ignorant, small brain, personal opinion,of course.  

[wforrest08]

Buy a set of black take offs from a non Z they will be the smoothest all around stunts/shocks you’ll find for the money. Go find a truck equipped like yours on a lot minus the Z package and test drive it for comparison. 

[sdeeter19555]

Bilstein 4600
 
i answered but caution you to put on your hazmat suit - you’re likely to get blasted by the “DID YOU SEARCH?  THERES A TON ON THIS TOPIC OUT THERE.”

I would think the 5100s would ride smoother than a 4600, but both would be stiffer than a set of non-Rancho OE shocks. My guess would be pretty much any good name after market I'd going to be stiffer in ride than the factory shocks...

2012 2500hd 6.0l CCSB 4wd

[Kubs]

I will be changing out my stock NHT shocks for Bilstein 5100 in the next few weeks.  I would sell them to you cheap if you want.  They have less than 1000 miles on them.

 

I do not know what is different about the NHT max trailering shocks, but they feel very soft and smooth. They also have a black body like the base model shocks.

[Cheverado]

8 hours ago, Boardmember said:

I had the Z71 and now have the 4X4 with the RPO “Z60” Performance suspension set up. I can’t determine what exactly that is - shocks, heavier duty sway bar? - but it rides MUCH better than my Z71.   Now, that’s my ignorant, small brain, personal opinion,of course.  

Got rid of my 2015 Z60 LT  because it drove like a Corvette - fillings in my back teeth would come loose every time I rolled over a crack in the pavement. Now driving a 2014 LTZ Z71 and the ride is much smoother with the Rancho shocks. Weird how we all have different experiences with this. 

[Slabsides45]

Waaaay back in the day I worked as a Chevy salesman (nickname was Captain Giveaway, btw, because if you had a sad story I'd immediately cut the deal to the bone).  I may be drastically misremembering, but the Z71 package had all kinds of offroad suspension "upgrades" that made the on-road ride much more stiff.  I don't think it was just shocks.  That said, I might have slept since then and be totally wrong.

 

Anyhow, I have always made it a point to buy the "4x4" version of whatever Chevy I want, trying to avoid getting beaten up, and some of my Z71 friends that ride in my truck have commented on my superior on-road ride quality.

 

Now, having said all of that, I can add nothing more to the conversation, as I know nothing of new shocks....  

[Eddie 70]

5 hours ago, Cheverado said:

Got rid of my 2015 Z60 LT  because it drove like a Corvette - fillings in my back teeth would come loose every time I rolled over a crack in the pavement. Now driving a 2014 LTZ Z71 and the ride is much smoother with the Rancho shocks. Weird how we all have different experiences with this. 

I have a 2wd z60 LT and you are right. It will rattle your bones on expansion joints. I have swapped shocks to Bilstein 4600 and is pretty much the same. The only thing I could see changing that would be spring rates.

[Julio13]

I am really happy with my rancho quick lift shock and strut combo they are adjustable and very easy to install got them through eBay 500 for all 4


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[silveradosid]

i have the z85 suspension which is supposed to be for trailer towing my truck has standard black shocks and it rides like a brick

[Boardmember]

Well OP there you have it.  Responses have covered every possible 4wd configuration and the only agreement is that a couple of the versions use a shock that is painted black.

 

in my Z71, I’d roll (never slowly enough) over parking lot speed bumps and it was so harsh to be almost painful.

 

i have the Z60 (one of the Black shock options I guess) and rolling over the same parking lot bumps is an entirely better experience.

 

is it differences in individual builds?  More than shocks?  I do t drink enough when I’m driving over speed bumps?  Because I know this to be true but I also believe the others.

 

 

[wepiii]

I have the z60 and I hate it. The road outside the dealership that I did my test drive on had just been paved. I feel every single crack in the road. It does handle well, but I’d prefer the dips in the turns my old truck had compared to the stiffness of this suspension. 

[Mozzer]

Mine is a Work Truck & has Z85 in the RPO list. Are these suspension differences only in shocks or are there different spring rates?

If spring rates differ that might explain why some people aren't happy with their Bilsteins & some love them. If the spring is too stiff the shock won't be able to take out the harsh ride.



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