z71 hard/stiff ride

[jeffman66]

 

has anyone out there encountered a hard/stiff ride in they're late model z71's .I have an 03silv.z71 extcab that feels extremely stiff compared to my 95 short bed z71 and that truck had trucktires where the 03 has passenger tires. I'm thinking about changing the shocks first, then going from there,also any recomendations on shocks?

[Delray]

Jeff

Thats funny,I just bought a 04 silverado Ext.cab 4X4 and it rides like a car,nothing like the 98 Z-71 I traded in.Just plain $ucks.I'm looking to up grade to a set of gas shocks.I'll trade ya shocks?I have less than 1000 miles on these.

Steve

[revrnd]

I'm thinking about changing the shocks first, then going from there,also any recomendations on shocks?

The gas shocks are the main component besides the stiffer torsion bars of the Z71 package. In the early days the alum. rims & off road tires were included.

 

You should have bought a regular 4x4 if you're thinking of removing the OEM shocks for softer shocks.

[JamesB]

Have you checked the air pressure in your tires?? I recently got my oil changed at my dealer and they inflated the tires... The ride was much harsher leaving than on the way there. I checked the air pressure when I got home and they had aired the tired up to 45lbs!

 

James.

[tryn2lrn]

You may want to try rancho (I believe they were) 9000s. They are adjustable, I wanted to firm up my blazer and they allowed me to tweak for back roads or highway driving. I was very happy with them.

Also I tried Edelbrock (again I believe they were) IAS shocks they stay stiff while on smooth roads until bumps were hit and they then softened up for the sharp bumps. They were a bit pricey a few years ago when I had them, I haven't checked them lately. They worked very well also. Good luck and keep us posted with your results.

[frdfandc]

My 2003 Z-71 ECSB rides like a car. I love it. Its great on the long highway trips.

 

And actually your truck has truck tires on it. They just have a "passenger" load rating on them.