Upgrades for a smoother ride?

[TXGREEK]

I’ll add to what some have already said but provide my experience. I have the Bilstein 5100’s at the stock setting with a Zone 2” Level Kit. The Bilsteins ride much better than the Rancho’s that came on my Z71. 

 

When I went from a P metric tire (P275/60R20) to a LT285/60R20, the ride is noticeably harsher.  Nitto Grappler G2 is also available in a P metric size for certain sizes.  

 

I’m debating about going with a CST lift and 35” tires, or taking out the Zone Level kit and raise the 5100 up to max lift and then going with Nitto Grappler G2 305/55R20 XLS which is a P rated tire. 

 

Rim diameter and tire weight play a significant factor in ride quality.

 

18, 6.2 CC, SLT 4.5” CST lift, 20x9 Fuel, 285/60/20 May be going up very soon Nitto Ridge Grapplers. With level rode harsh, with 4.5” CST ride is much better than leveled and both with 5100’s. Next week installing CST coilovers up front and CST resi’s in rear.

 

[Centex14]

I’d gladly get rid of my 18’s for some 20’s. Brand new Michelin’s.

 

For the record, since the day she was born my kid has ridden in everything from sports cars to 3/4 ton trucks for hours on end. Longest was 12hrs to Florida in a 3/4 diesel 4x4. Never even flinched. A stock half ton is a cake walk for a kid to sleep through. Currently 2yrs old and would rather ride in daddy’s truck or daddy’s car than mommy’s explorer.

 

 

2014 z71 LTZ

Volant Intake

Borla Exhaust

Diablo

Bilstein 5100

Rough Country Level

 

 

[dcarl]

Not to hijack the OP’s thread but is the ride improvement worth the cost of the lift kit and other components? I want to do the lift, im just a little apprehensive about spending that much....

[Centex14]

Not to hijack the OP’s thread but is the ride improvement worth the cost of the lift kit and other components? I want to do the lift, im just a little apprehensive about spending that much....

Completely subjective. Mine rode fine with 116k mile rancho’s and bilstein 5100’s.


2014 z71 LTZ
Volant Intake
Borla Exhaust
Diablo
Bilstein 5100
Rough Country Level

[TXGREEK]

Not to hijack the OP’s thread but is the ride improvement worth the cost of the lift kit and other components? I want to do the lift, im just a little apprehensive about spending that much....

Doing the 2.25” level immediately gave me a somewhat rougher ride and especially with E-F rated tires even with 5100’s. Once I did the CST 4.5” lift with new 5100’s all around it immediately rode much better than being leveled, everything just sits perfect. CST Performance Suspension is without a doubt the best, period. “I DO NOT RECOMMEND OR ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO DO A LIFT TO GET A BETTER RIDE”, my own personal experience is absolutely awesome with CST as well as their excellent customer service. If it’s working for you being leveled or stock then great [emoji1303] but I expect the best out of my personal vehicles especially knowing my kids are riding in them. My recommendation, do not buy a cheap ass lift just to have the lift look, you’ll end up spending a lot more money in the end and for most, it’ll be a very bad added expense.

The stage 1 lift itself is awesome with just Bilsteins. My ocd will not let me get one without the other Ha! [emoji848]

[TXGREEK]

Completely subjective. Mine rode fine with 116k mile rancho’s and bilstein 5100’s.


2014 z71 LTZ
Volant Intake
Borla Exhaust
Diablo
Bilstein 5100
Rough Country Level

Never heard of any Ranchos lasting longer than 20k miles. The knockoff Ranchos I had went out on my truck approx between 3-5K miles. Definitely rode better with Bilstein 5100’s.

[Centex14]

Never heard of any Ranchos lasting longer than 20k miles. The knockoff Ranchos I had went out on my truck approx between 3-5K miles. Definitely rode better with Bilstein 5100’s.

Mine did. Not much of a ride difference between them and the bilsteins.


2014 z71 LTZ
Volant Intake
Borla Exhaust
Diablo
Bilstein 5100
Rough Country Level

[Yondu]

For a softer smoother ride I would look at Monroe shocks and struts over Bilstein. If I didn't want to level that's the route I'd go.  

[TXGREEK]

Mine did. Not much of a ride difference between them and the bilsteins.


2014 z71 LTZ
Volant Intake
Borla Exhaust
Diablo
Bilstein 5100
Rough Country Level

That’s absolutely ridiculous!

[Yondu]

26 minutes ago, TXGREEK said:

 

Doing the 2.25” level immediately gave me a somewhat rougher ride and especially with E-F rated tires even with 5100’s. Once I did the CST 4.5” lift with new 5100’s all around it immediately rode much better than being leveled, everything just sits perfect. CST Performance Suspension is without a doubt the best, period. “I DO NOT RECOMMEND OR ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO DO A LIFT TO GET A BETTER RIDE”, my own personal experience is absolutely awesome with CST as well as their excellent customer service. If it’s working for you being leveled or stock then great but I expect the best out of my personal vehicles especially knowing my kids are riding in them. My recommendation, do not buy a cheap ass lift just to have the lift look, you’ll end up spending a lot more money in the end and for most, it’ll be a very bad added expense.

The stage 1 lift itself is awesome with just Bilsteins. My ocd will not let me get one without the other Ha!

 

 

Maybe I'm off on this - but the 4.5 CST stage 1 relocates things to lift the truck and keep stock angles.  I don't think it would ride any better than Bilsteins with no lift.   It's like riding stock, 4.5" higher.  

[truckguy82]

So this ride is because of your baby correct?

 

so you shouldnt care about general bumps, mostly big bumps that would wake the baby.

 

the bilstein 5100’s are the perfect solution for that. It significantly handles those big bumps way way better. The oem ranchos feel like someone hit your dash with a sledgehammer everytime you go over something mildy large. With the bilsteins, it’s just a thud, just like pretty much every other car.

[Centex14]

That’s absolutely ridiculous!

I know. My opinion is different than the rest of the site so I must be lying or a troll.


2014 z71 LTZ
Volant Intake
Borla Exhaust
Diablo
Bilstein 5100
Rough Country Level

[TXGREEK]

Maybe I'm off on this - but the 4.5 CST stage 1 relocates things to lift the truck and keep stock angles.  I don't think it would ride any better than Bilsteins with no lift.   It's like riding stock, 4.5" higher.  

It was compared to the 2.25” level I had. Rides just like stock with CST lift

[midwestdenaliguy]

It all depends on how much money you want to spend. Cheapest/quickest fix is getting rid of your 10 ply KO's and going with a 4 or 6 ply tires (P rated) on a 16-18" rim. Next option, but causing you to spend more, is to get new a new suspension. Keeping stock angles is best to keep it the smoothest, but you can do a mild lift and still have a good ride. Here's a write-up I did on my new wheels (went from 22" to 18") and suspension (2" front lift and 1" rear lift). Even though I went with a 10 ply all-terrain tire, it's still a better ride than my stock set up. 

 

 

Good luck on your decision.

[Timmayy!]

15 hours ago, osscie3 said:

 

What are some good options for me? Also, I'm happy to answer any additional questions to help formulate the best suggestions. Thanks guys.

The falken wildpeak AT3W comes in a 275/55/20 that is a P rated XL tire (6 Ply)

 

They also have a 275/60/20 that is a P rated SL (4 Ply)

 

Both would suit your needs wells and would retain the good look of an all terrain. Plus they are a very good tire for the money.