Opinions on aftermarket upper control arm

michigan2500hd · July 30, 2020

I'm looking to replace my uppers along with a set of front shocks. ( 2015 6.2 NHT)I have a lower "shim style" leveling kit which as we know accelerated the wear on my ball joints. I have just south of 95,000 mileS and the dealership says my front shocks are making noise which I've heard occasionally along with the dreaded knocking when you drive slowly across a rough driveway or parking lot that I believe is the control arm on the driver's side.

These factory stock front shocks have only been about 45,000 miles. They're the non Rancho black ones. I had Bilstein 5100 installed on the highest setting but didn't really like them at all. They were too stiff and I felt every tiny pavement seam.

The Bilsteins started making a small knocking noise after about a year and then the top of one broke off. I went back to factory and the ride was a bit better but both sets of shocks would pogo horribly over speed bumps even at a crawl and if feel and hear a large bang work the shocks extended.

So I'm looking for recommendations on upper control arms and shocks.

I'd like to get the tubular angle correcting style but I'm having a hard time finding any that are priced decently. The ones that are priced right are all out of stock.

So what's a smooth riding shock that doesn't accentuate every imperfection in the road?

Grumpy Bear · July 30, 2020

I installed the King OEM with great results and I still use the factory control arms as King suggested. Now at 122 K miles and solid as a rock. King's are linear valved. Factory and Bilstein are dirgressive valve. It is quite a difference. Fox is another linear valve option. They King has 1/2 inch more shock travel (1 inch more wheel travel) so some lift is possible without hitting the upper A stops with preload as long as you remain in the 50-60% of compression height without the shim. Need more lift? Loose the shim lift and install a knuckle lift. No geometry issues that way with the arms or stops. Ben Brazda at Filthy Motorsports is very knowledgeable on these set ups.

Grumpy Bear · July 30, 2020

I know the 2500 is different but I think Ben could be of some service anyway. Well and Accutune.

michigan2500hd · July 31, 2020

11 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

I installed the King OEM with great results and I still use the factory control arms as King suggested. Now at 122 K miles and solid as a rock. King's are linear valved. Factory and Bilstein are dirgressive valve. It is quite a difference. Fox is another linear valve option. They King has 1/2 inch more shock travel (1 inch more wheel travel) so some lift is possible without hitting the upper A stops with preload as long as you remain in the 50-60% of compression height without the shim. Need more lift? Loose the shim lift and install a knuckle lift. No geometry issues that way with the arms or stops. Ben Brazda at Filthy Motorsports is very knowledgeable on these set ups.

Thanks! I'll look at the kings. I should have mentioned the reason for getting control arms is that the drivers side has a little play. The dealership couldn't find it but when I had my son push and pull in the top of the tire I could feel a little movement when grabbed the grease boot.

I've been researching for a couple days and I'm finding people seem to like the Bilstein 6112 set up with the Bilstein springs. I hear they ride better than the 5100's.

What ever I get I'm not worried too much about cost. I drive a lot and I sure don't want to regret not getting a smooth riding shock. I've been going backwards compared to many on here. I bought some 2019 Silverado 18" wheels wrapped in Michelins. Ditched the stock 20's because of the harsh ride. I have a 2" spacer lift that I'm sure is hurting ride quality but I'm not sure I'm at the point I want to go back to stock height yet.