Suspension Option

TxDoc · November 13, 2001

Does anyone have the Manual Selectable ZX3 suspension option? How does it compare to what you had before and are there any downsides?

chevy4x4trucks · November 13, 2001

Never heard of it before, is that the option w/ the firm ride button?

TxDoc · November 14, 2001

Yes, you apparently can chose between smooth (Z83) and (Z85) shock damping for ride and handling.

I got some info from an owner (ChiefZUSAF). Here is what he told me:

"I have the ZX3 package (orange shocks) on my 01 Silverado. It is a button located next to the "passenger air bag off" switch" that electronically controls the ride. The "soft" ride mode is nice and comfortable much like a car. The "firm" ride mode is definitely a harsher ride except when you have a load then it isn't too bad.

I had a 99 Sierra with the Z85 firm ride package (blue shocks) on it and the ride was comparable to the "firm" mode on my Silverado"

and "The shocks are manufactured by Delphi and are orange in color...when I looked under the truck it appeared that each shock had an air line going to an air pump in the engine bay.

However, a good friend of mine (bigtime GM nut and co-worker in the US Air Force) told me that those were not air lines...he said they were electrical lines that are connected to the shocks which contain some kind of new-tech gel...once you select the firm mode the electrical signal causes the gel to firm up. Now, I have not verified any of this with GM or Delphi...I can't say if any of this is factual. I will do some research and find out now that you have re-engaged my curiosity"

SpiritoftheWild · November 15, 2001

I have the FW1 Ride Control on my 2002 Sierra Z71. I believe the FW1 is the same as the ZX3. The shocks under my truck are also orange and made by Delphi. This is the first year that the Z71 is offered with the ride control. Personally, I love it. It has the same switch as the ZX3 (Firm vs Normal mode). The "firm" setting is definitely firm but rock solid. It is definitely more firm than my S10-ZR2, and the normal setting is equivalent to a normal Z71 ride. I haven't towed anything yet, but I'm guessing that the firm setting will be great for that and offroading. I can also corner a lot faster in "firm" than "normal." I have added BFG A/T 265/75's and that might make a little difference.