Shock question from noob

AllenW2018 · July 6, 2018

I bought a 2014 Sierra 1500 all terrain (6.2L)that has a 4” sst readylift kit in it. I know I need factory shocks for the front end, my question is , do I need the ones that have the seat for the spring attached to them or the slick ones that don’t.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I don’t know much about vehicles but I’m broke after recently having triplets and trying to save money by doing it myself.

One more thing, where does the all terrain package fit in? Sle, slt, Denali? I only ask because when looking up parts it only gives those options for fitment.

Thanks in advance.

AllenW2018 · July 7, 2018

Please. Kind of in a bind and need to order ASAP.

Supreme Pizza · July 7, 2018

Shocks are not paramount. You can remove them from the vehicle and drive it. There is no rush. Slow your roll buddy.

AllenW2018 · July 7, 2018

I’m not in a rush as far as mechanical issues are concerned but really pressed for time to get it done period. Next week is the only time I will have in the past 2 years and to shut it down and fix it. Also having to replace the uca’s and and a few other things. Trying to get it all done while I have it out of commission.

Dr Awesome · July 7, 2018

You should try asking in the mods forum, there is a sticky for lift kits. Or call Autozone, they should be able to tell you.

AllenW2018 · July 7, 2018

2 minutes ago, Dr Awesome said:

You should try asking in the mods forum, there is a sticky for lift kits. Or call Autozone, they should be able to tell you.

Thanks, I didn’t think it would be in the mods section because of it still having the factory shocks on it. Just needing to change them out and the lift really doesn’t matter. But I’ll check it out. Thanks.

wforrest08 · July 7, 2018

Go out and stick your head under one of the front tires and look up at the strut. If it’s still the factory style strut it will have the perch (that’s what the OE spring sets on) Rancho RS 999830 would be the stock replacement strut with 0 lift 999832 is the 6” lift part number. Use the GORANCHO.COM site to find your part number then the matching one from junkzone if your ordering your parts from them. I’d check with the manufacturer of the lift to see what they recommend for how much “lift” your strut needs if your not 100% sure it’s 0 (ie. stock) which it should be if the lift kit is using strut spacers for the lift (I believe the 4” kit does but I’m not ? on that from memory). The other thing to remember is you’ll need a strut compressor tool to swap the springs from the old ones to the new or take them to a shop and have them do it (I’d recommend this). Junkzone probably has a sh!tty azz cheap tool for you to borrow but you better study up on how to use it right if you’ve never done them before and whatever you do DON’T PULL THE ASSEMBLIES APART WITHOUT THE SPRINGS COMPRESSED this is how people get hurt.

Your truck is definitely not a Denali because they didn’t make a D A/T this thread will explain the differences between the SLE and SLT A/Ts for you.

I’m assuming your window sticker is long gone and somebody debadged the tailgate so it doesn’t say?

AllenW2018 · July 7, 2018

7 minutes ago, wforrest08 said:

Go out and stick your head under one of the front tires and look up at the strut. If it’s still the factory style strut it will have the perch (that’s what the OE spring sets on) Rancho RS 999830 would be the stock replacement strut with 0 lift 999832 is the 6” lift part number. Use the GORANCHO.COM site to find your part number then the matching one from junkzone if your ordering your parts from them. I’d check with the manufacturer of the lift to see what they recommend for how much “lift” your strut needs if your not 100% sure it’s 0 (ie. stock) which it should be if the lift kit is using strut spacers for the lift (I believe the 4” kit does but I’m not ? on that from memory). The other thing to remember is you’ll need a strut compressor tool to swap the springs from the old ones to the new or take them to a shop and have them do it (I’d recommend this). Junkzone probably has a sh!tty azz cheap tool for you to borrow but you better study up on how to use it right if you’ve never done them before and whatever you do DON’T PULL THE ASSEMBLIES APART WITHOUT THE SPRINGS COMPRESSED this is how people get hurt.

Your truck is definitely not a Denali because they didn’t make a D A/T this thread will explain the differences between the SLE and SLT A/Ts for you.

I’m assuming your window sticker is long gone and somebody debadged the tailgate so it doesn’t say?

Man you hit the nail on the head. You’re awesome. It’s got the spacer for the lift above the strut. So it’s stock size strut. I just wasn’t sure if the perch was factory and you slid it around the new shock. But I got it now. Thanks. Also, very correct, someone rebadged everything before I bought it and I don’t know jack crap about all terrains. I’m gonna read that thread you shared. And as far as compressing the spring goes, I bought one a back in 2011 when I was going to put a lift on a truck but it wouldn’t fit around the beefier springs but I feel confident it will with these.

Thanks again man.

Donstar · July 7, 2018

14 hours ago, AllenW2018 said:

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I don’t know much about vehicles but I’m broke after recently having triplets and trying to save money by doing it myself.

Congratulations on your triplets! What an amazing experience! My first time changing shocks on my truck (46 years ago) was also in an effort to save money. When all was finished, I didn't save any money and lost a lot of time with my family. Take your truck to a few places that specialize in shocks and struts for a free estimate and to confirm your needs.

AllenW2018 · July 14, 2018

On 7/7/2018 at 9:14 AM, Donstar said:

Congratulations on your triplets! What an amazing experience! My first time changing shocks on my truck (46 years ago) was also in an effort to save money. When all was finished, I didn't save any money and lost a lot of time with my family. Take your truck to a few places that specialize in shocks and struts for a free estimate and to confirm your needs.

That’s what this forum is for to an extent though, to gain free knowledge from others. Anyways, I got all my parts in and changed control arms and shocks in the struts, took about 5.5 hours to do it all.. saved almost 800 dollars in labor that I was quoted. Paid 75 for an alignment this morning and now it feels like I’m riding in a caddy.