Modifying with shocks updates?

Grinnen · February 20, 2019

Where do I find what suspension I have on mine?

silveradosid · February 20, 2019

rpo list in the glove box

truckguy82 · February 20, 2019

On 2/17/2019 at 11:15 AM, TXGREEK said:

Bilsteins are not softer riding shocks, they’re entry level performance enhancement shocks that blow away the stock in stability and less roll per turn but don’t ride that much smoother than stock, just better handling. The stock shocks can easily go out and give an unsteady ride quality but the Bilsteins are very reliable.

I have no knowledge about plows but know that if your truck is setup for plowing then you may want to check on your front coils, if they’re stiffer than normal 4x4’s then it’s going to not make a difference switching your shocks if the spring rate is much heavier for the weight of the plow

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They are softer riding in some aspects. Put a G force meter in the truck when you go over a good size bump. The bilsteins will crush the oem ranchos.

They are literally the perfect budget shock.

Most people don’t really want “softer.” What they want is to go over a speedbump and not feel like you hit the bumpstops. They want to keep the good handling nature of a firm suspension yet still be compliant when asked to do something. And bilsteins deliver on that.

TXGREEK · February 20, 2019

They are softer riding in some aspects. Put a G force meter in the truck when you go over a good size bump. The bilsteins will crush the oem ranchos.

They are literally the perfect budget shock.

Most people don’t really want “softer.” What they want is to go over a speedbump and not feel like you hit the bumpstops. They want to keep the good handling nature of a firm suspension yet still be compliant when asked to do something. And bilsteins deliver on that.

You’re correct, Bilsteins are a great choice as an entry level performance shock that definitely out performs standard OEM Shocks. I’ve got lots of experience on them too but on another note, Bilsteins are only chambered for stiffer stability where as let’s say Fox 2.0’s are setup for all sorts of terrain while still giving a comfortable ride. My Bilstein 5100’s rode harsh and even after I lifted with the new taller 5100’s still rode harsh. I switched to front coil overs and completely blows away the Bilsteins. Like I said, Bilsteins are a great entry level performance shock but for those that want more, highly recommend Coil Overs.

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Grinnen · February 20, 2019

That may be an option down the road.

Do they make the drive more plush and pliant?

TXGREEK · February 20, 2019

That may be an option down the road.

Do they make the drive more plush and pliant?

If you’re asking me, yes. There’s absolutely nothing better in performance and ride quality than Coil Overs.

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Grinnen · February 20, 2019

I like the sound of that. Do they make it ride more like the Ram?

TXGREEK · February 20, 2019

Btw, CST and Kings are also highly recommended but a bit more cost.

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TXGREEK · February 20, 2019

I like the sound of that. Do they make it ride more like the Ram?

Seriously? Only a Ram rides like a Ram

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TXGREEK · February 20, 2019

I’d never own another Ram/Dodge, EVER! Let’s stick to just having a great suspension on our GM’s [emoji6]

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TXGREEK · February 20, 2019

Btw, the majority of people doing levels is to install larger tires. Installing Larger tires will immediately add to the ride experience but mostly rougher due to the E rated stiffer walls.

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Grinnen · February 20, 2019

What I meant was do they ride softer,less jarring and vibration.

Grumpy Bear · February 20, 2019

3 minutes ago, Grinnen said:

What I meant was do they ride softer,less jarring and vibration.

Bilstein? Grinnen anything is a step improvement over factory. The question is how large of a step will satisfy YOU and the answer to that is yours alone to answer.

It's like asking if you would like a Pepsi, having never tasted one for yourself, by asking someone else if they enjoyed it.

Softer and jarring are not mutually exclusive qualities and a damper can't cure random vibration only spring frequency induced oscillation.

Jarring is the most frequent compliant by far. Being jarred is a rapid change of velocity in an order of magnitude over your personal threshold acceleration rate. For most of us that seems to be something a bit under 1 G in any axis. Three things can cause a rate over this value (primarily).

1.) The suspension hits a hard design limiter. A bumper or welded in stop. The suspension is literally driven past it's design range of motion.

2.) Energy imbalance between the spring and the damper allowing the wheel to leave the ground in compression and having so little rebound dampening that it allows the wheel to 'strike' the pavement like a hammer blow.

3.) To much dampening leading to hydraulic lock. You strike a bump with enough force that the dampers valve package can not pass enough fluid quickly enough and in effect, liquid being incompressible, acts as if it were solid.

Ripley's believe it or not case #2 in a leaf spring truck is the most likely cause while running empty. Bed dance. Up front they lack compression. Between the two you ride the hobby horse.

Dampers/shocks that utilize the factory spring are working the valve dampening irrespective of the spring rate. Common sense, right? So yes a Bilstein is an improvement in reducing wheel acceleration rate. Will it be enough to make you happy?

Who knows?

Grinnen · February 20, 2019

From the sounds of it a set of coil overs might be what I need. I hate feeling everything on the road, getting slammed around on almost every bump and pothole. Add in that they level the front and I think that would be grand.