Looking for a decent on/off road suspension

[Kanon Morris]

Hi folks, I have a 6.2L AT4 and as much as I love the truck, the shocks are a little too bouncy.

 

I’ve spent hours researching suspension upgrades and I’ve landed on two options:  Bilstein 6112/5160; or Fox 2.5 Performance DSC.  Both with upgraded UCAs.

 

My goals are less roll during turns, less bounce on the highway, more compliance with the road/pot holes, and good washboard performance.    Good on-road performance (not Cadillac-like ride, but at least not jarring) is also important.  I don’t do serious Baja style off-road, but many local forest roads are rough.

 

I’ve read mixed reports about the Bilstein:  some say they’re perfect on and off road, and some say they’re too firm for daily driving.  The price is what has me considering them.  For anyone who owns these, will they meet my needs?

 

I’m considering the Fox 2.5 DSCs because I understand I can change the speed compression, and I’m guessing that means I can firm them up for off-roading, or soften them up for daily driving.  Am I right?

[Gangly]

The FOX 2.5's are overkill if all you are trying to do is minimize roll and reduce bounce.  Literally any aftermarket shock will take care of that.  The Bilstein shocks are great all around shocks and would easily handle what you are wanting a shock to be able to do.

[Kanon Morris]

1 hour ago, Gangly said:

The FOX 2.5's are overkill if all you are trying to do is minimize roll and reduce bounce.  Literally any aftermarket shock will take care of that.  The Bilstein shocks are great all around shocks and would easily handle what you are wanting a shock to be able to do.

Thanks, also want to be able to hit rough/washed out forest roads without rattling family’s teeth.

 

These are a third option I like, but no compression adjustment:

 

https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/chevy-gmc/silverado-1500/2019/cognito-1-inch-performance-uniball-leveling-kit-with-fox-ps-coilover-2-0-ifp-for-19-20-silverado-sierra-1500-at4-silverado-1500-trail-boss-4wd/

Edited August 11, 2021 by Kanon Morris

[Gangly]

My Eibach Spring/Shocks have done great for me and 90 percent of my driving is highway with the other 10 percent being 2-track, dirt roads, and fields with washed out sections that can bottom out stock shocks.  I mentioned my Eibach setup since the Bilstein shocks you mentioned are very similar to my Eibachs in mostsituations which would make me believe the Bilsteins would probably suit your needs just fine.  Good luck with whatever you chose.

[Kanon Morris]

Thanks, Gangly.  After seeing many of your responses elsewhere, I value your feedback since you seem levelheaded and reasonable. That, and I’ve read enough good feedback about the Bilstein’s that I think they’re what I need.

 

 

[Dunn]

clickers on shocks are fine tuning, you cant  revalve the shock by just using clickers.......its a minor adjustment FWIW

 

on road and offroad will always be contradictory to each other, no matter the shock....you cant have best of both so its a decision on what side you would rather error on or whats more important to you....either way you should be way better than what you have

 

if you know anyone or a shop that has a truck with either maybe you can go for a ride in one....

[Kanon Morris]

1 hour ago, Dunn said:

clickers on shocks are fine tuning, you cant  revalve the shock by just using clickers.......its a minor adjustment FWIW

 

on road and offroad will always be contradictory to each other, no matter the shock....you cant have best of both so its a decision on what side you would rather error on or whats more important to you....either way you should be way better than what you have

 

if you know anyone or a shop that has a truck with either maybe you can go for a ride in one....

I’ve actually put out feelers in the Portland area, but maybe I’ll find a shop that can demonstrate the difference.

 

When I say off-road, I’m mostly talking about bad gravel roads and forest roads, so nothing major.  I’d like to be able to go 20-30 mph since some of these roads are very long and going 5-10 mph can add hours and hours to a trip.

[Dunn]

i have bilstein 5100 and though i havent been offroad yet for sure they would handle it better than X31 ranchos that came stock.....i can feel it stiffer throughout whole stroke on road, still nice ride, just firmer.....if i had a crew cab and bigger tires (more weight) it would make suspension more supple as my truck is pretty light......as far as what will suit your specific taste the most is anyones guess.....fox 2.0 is suppose to be one of the most friendly on road and still handle fire roads....

 

any reputable aftermarket shock will be an upgrade in off road.........i compressed my stock rancho by hand and it blew a seal and spewed oil everywhere.....truly a cheap POS shock, 4k miles i had on them.....fox 2.0, bilstein, eibach for entry level and king/fox 2.5 oem for next level up.....(stay away from lift co branded shocks imo)......bilstein 6112 is right in between and probably the best compromise between the 2 levels, especially for price

 

 

[Kanon Morris]

Thanks everyone.  I guess my next question is which aftermarket UCA will allow me to keep my OEM 18” wheels?

 

A few kits I’ve picked claim to be incompatible with OEM 18” wheels, and I’m told it’s due to the UCAs.

 

I’m leaning toward these RC UCAs that will let me lift the front 1 inch over stock for a total of 3”:

 

https://www.roughcountry.com/gm-forged-aluminum-upper-control-arms-29501.html?find=2021-gmc-sierra-1500-4wd-752716#overview

 

 

[Dunn]

i have a 3" front lift with Cognito UCA for same reason allowing me to use stock wheels which I am still running....sure its fine if they say you can.....

[Kanon Morris]

Thanks, Dunn.
 

I’ve asked them if it works, but haven’t received a response.