Z71 Rancho shock replacement options?

VictorLin0725 · February 18, 2019

Just got a "brand new" used 2017 Silverado Z71 with the midnight edition package. I really loved the monochromatic look but hate the suspension on it. Anyone know how I can go about replacing the Rancho shocks while also leveling the truck and adding a 1 inch lift? It might be a tall order but would like to know if its possible. Do I need to replace the whole suspension system (shock, coils, struts, etc.) or just the shocks themselves. I normally drive on highways and unpaved country roads so a comfortable shock is really all I need nothing wildly "off-road" oriented. I'd honestly be ok with the stock suspension setup on LTZ/High country models but like the styling of the Z71 better so now I'm stuck with the stiffer suspension (which doesn't even make sense for off-roading).

Cheers,

Victor

btj_z71 · February 19, 2019

I think everyone on here will tell you to go with Bilstein 5100 shocks

VictorLin0725 · February 19, 2019

10 minutes ago, btj_z71 said:

I think everyone on here will tell you to go with Bilstein 5100 shocks

How do they feel? I kind of want a middle of the road "stock" feeling.

rah7777777 · February 19, 2019

O_J_Simpson · February 19, 2019

Cinder Blocks would ride better than Ranchos. 5100's change the whole truck for the better.

HeySkippyDog · February 19, 2019

There was a guy on here trying to "convert" his truck to a Z71, you should try to sell him your shocks!

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VictorLin0725 · February 19, 2019

53 minutes ago, HeySkippyDog said:

There was a guy on here trying to "convert" his truck to a Z71, you should try to sell him your shocks!

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Is he looking for the Z71 look or feel? I don't know why anyone would want to buy these shocks, I would feel terrible selling these to anyone haha.

HeySkippyDog · February 19, 2019

Is he looking for the Z71 look or feel? I don't know why anyone would want to buy these shocks, I would feel terrible selling these to anyone haha.

We tried to change his mind. He's gotta have it.

Let me see if I can find the thread.

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HeySkippyDog · February 19, 2019

Send the OP a PM.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/219562-z71-grill-emblem-ad/&share_tid=219562&share_fid=33003&share_type=t

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HeySkippyDog · February 19, 2019

I can echo the recommendation for Bilstein 5100s. When my 2014 Z60 shocks were toast, I replaced them with 5100s. It was an incredible difference.

Also, interestingly enough, for the rear shocks, there is a different Bilstein p/n for 2014+ vs 2007-13. However, the only difference is that the travel distance for 07-13 is only less than an inch different from the 2014+. I bought the 07-13 shocks for the rear and they mounted up and worked just fine. The only visible difference was the dust boot.

Amazon has the best pricing on the shocks that I have found.

To replace the fronts, if you move the snap ring up on the shock to raise the front end, it becomes difficult to get the low end mount back into the lower control arm. The solution is easy. After re-assembling your strut, place 1 of your spring compressors oriented toward the outside of your truck on the spring and crank it until the lower strut mount will align with the lower control arm. Put the nuts on the top, then bolts on the bottom. Then release the compressor and you're in.

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HeySkippyDog · February 19, 2019

Forgot to add: 07-13 shock has slightly MORE travel. Not less. Tube and rod diameters are the same.

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VictorLin0725 · February 19, 2019

57 minutes ago, HeySkippyDog said:

I can echo the recommendation for Bilstein 5100s. When my 2014 Z60 shocks were toast, I replaced them with 5100s. It was an incredible difference.

Also, interestingly enough, for the rear shocks, there is a different Bilstein p/n for 2014+ vs 2007-13. However, the only difference is that the travel distance for 07-13 is only less than an inch different from the 2014+. I bought the 07-13 shocks for the rear and they mounted up and worked just fine. The only visible difference was the dust boot.

Amazon has the best pricing on the shocks that I have found.

To replace the fronts, if you move the snap ring up on the shock to raise the front end, it becomes difficult to get the low end mount back into the lower control arm. The solution is easy. After re-assembling your strut, place 1 of your spring compressors oriented toward the outside of your truck on the spring and crank it until the lower strut mount will align with the lower control arm. Put the nuts on the top, then bolts on the bottom. Then release the compressor and you're in.

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Sent him a PM. Wierd guy, not sure why you would want to downgrade your truck with cheesy decals. As for the Bilsteins, how is the reliability? I'm always concerned with anything "adjustable". Been looking at the Fox setups too, a bit more pricey but slightly better? Not sure what to get yet, just need a nice setup for mostly highway driving because the Ranchos annoyed the hell out of me on a long commute. Would I even be better off getting a stock suspension from GM?

Thanks

805Blue · February 19, 2019

18 minutes ago, VictorLin0725 said:

Sent him a PM. Wierd guy, not sure why you would want to downgrade your truck with cheesy decals. As for the Bilsteins, how is the reliability? I'm always concerned with anything "adjustable". Been looking at the Fox setups too, a bit more pricey but slightly better? Not sure what to get yet, just need a nice setup for mostly highway driving because the Ranchos annoyed the hell out of me on a long commute. Would I even be better off getting a stock suspension from GM?

Thanks

Im actually wanting to switch to Fox shocks as well.

HeySkippyDog · February 19, 2019

Sent him a PM. Wierd guy, not sure why you would want to downgrade your truck with cheesy decals. As for the Bilsteins, how is the reliability? I'm always concerned with anything "adjustable". Been looking at the Fox setups too, a bit more pricey but slightly better? Not sure what to get yet, just need a nice setup for mostly highway driving because the Ranchos annoyed the hell out of me on a long commute. Would I even be better off getting a stock suspension from GM?

Thanks

"Adjustable" as far as Bilstein 5100s go is the snap ring on the front shock that determines the position of the lower spring seat. The 5100 gives you the option to lift your front end about 2". If you do not want the lift, you can get 5100s and leave the snap ring at the stock position (lowest) or you can save about $50 and get Bilstein 4600s that do not offer a lift and ride the same.

They are NOT adjustable on the fly like Fox systems. HOWEVER. I can say that Bilstein shocks on these trucks is awesome for daily driving and work use.

Longevity, I would guess is 80,000-100,000 miles depending on how hard you work the suspension. My Z60 stock shocks lasted to 105.

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805Blue · February 19, 2019

6 hours ago, HeySkippyDog said:

"Adjustable" as far as Bilstein 5100s go is the snap ring on the front shock that determines the position of the lower spring seat. The 5100 gives you the option to lift your front end about 2". If you do not want the lift, you can get 5100s and leave the snap ring at the stock position (lowest) or you can save about $50 and get Bilstein 4600s that do not offer a lift and ride the same.

They are NOT adjustable on the fly like Fox systems. HOWEVER. I can say that Bilstein shocks on these trucks is awesome for daily driving and work use.

Longevity, I would guess is 80,000-100,000 miles depending on how hard you work the suspension. My Z60 stock shocks lasted to 105.

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So if you already have a leveling kit, which i do at 2.5" does it give you another 2"? I definetly dont want to go above that due to the angles. I've read anything above 3" and the CVs are put under a lot of stress.