Crew Cab "See-Saw"

DougsTJ2 · May 30, 2005

Resently, there was a post concerning strange ride characteristics in the 1/2 ton 1500's. This covered shocks and an anti-sway bar for the rear. I don't think I'm interested in the sway bar...truck is a truck. The shocks are a different story.

I don't know much about the shocks on my '05 other than, in my opinion, they are the wrong shocks for a crew cab. I don't know if they are a straight carry over from the extended cab or not but they are valved too soft especially in front. After hitting a bump, it takes 4 bounces for the truck to re-settle.

I have blue shocks...don't know what they are (gas or hydrolic). Has anyone tried edelbrock or bilstein shocks (part #'s ?). Are there anyothers that are the same caliber?

Does anyone have a writeup on changing the front shocks? I mention only the fronts because the rear are very straight forward.

I think GM missed the boat on this one. Other than this problem, the truck is great.

redvett · May 30, 2005

Resently, there was a post concerning strange ride characteristics in the 1/2 ton 1500's. This covered shocks and an anti-sway bar for the rear. I don't think I'm interested in the sway bar...truck is a truck. The shocks are a different story.

I don't know much about the shocks on my '05 other than, in my opinion, they are the wrong shocks for a crew cab. I don't know if they are a straight carry over from the extended cab or not but they are valved too soft especially in front. After hitting a bump, it takes 4 bounces for the truck to re-settle.

I have blue shocks...don't know what they are (gas or hydrolic). Has anyone tried edelbrock or bilstein shocks (part #'s ?). Are there anyothers that are the same caliber?

Does anyone have a writeup on changing the front shocks? I mention only the fronts because the rear are very straight forward.

I think GM missed the boat on this one. Other than this problem, the truck is great.

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I have driven several of the 05 1500 crew cabs & they drove as good as my 04 EXT cab 4x4. Have you taken it back to the dealer yet for this problem? If no do it. Your returning the truck for warrenty work is a form of complaint. Plus you may have some bad shocks.

99silveradoz71 · May 31, 2005

I had the stock red Tenneco shocks on my 99 and swapped them out for Bilstein HD's at 36k. The change was like night and day. I definitely recommend the Bilsteins.

DougsTJ2 · May 31, 2005

I had the stock red Tenneco shocks on my 99 and swapped them out for Bilstein HD's at 36k. The change was like night and day. I definitely recommend the Bilsteins.

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Please try to discribe the ride to me. Is it still smooth and a Cadillac type ride or did it firm it up...or did it make it harsh?...please give details

6Burgh · May 31, 2005

I don't see your truck listed as a Z71. Does yours have the regular 4x4 suspension? I thought the regular "4x4" suspension was very untruck like when I was test driving them and prefered the z71 suspension.

MS3DALE · May 31, 2005

His would not be the Z71 suspension because it is a 2WD,His has the Z85 suspension which is considered the "Increased Capacity Chassis Pkg." or "Heavy-Duty/Trailering Suspension Pkg."

6Burgh · May 31, 2005

His would not be the Z71 suspension because it is a 2WD,His has the Z85 suspension which is considered the "Increased Capacity Chassis Pkg." or "Heavy-Duty/Trailering Suspension Pkg."

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Ok not sure of the options available in the full size trucks. I know the Canyon/Colorado you can get the Z71 package in a either 2wd or 4wd.

MS3DALE · May 31, 2005

Don't feel bad,it gets even more confusing...you can now get a 2WD Z71 Tahoe or Suburban too.

Bgdsub72 · May 31, 2005

His would not be the Z71 suspension because it is a 2WD,His has the Z85 suspension which is considered the "Increased Capacity Chassis Pkg." or "Heavy-Duty/Trailering Suspension Pkg."

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Ok not sure of the options available in the full size trucks. I know the Canyon/Colorado you can get the Z71 package in a either 2wd or 4wd.

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there is no z71 canyon or colorado to my knowledge

asilverblazer · May 31, 2005

Lots of em on the commercial.

Swapping the front shock is pretty easy too. There is a special socket that can be used on the top bolt to keep it from spinning when you try to loosen the nut. (You will understand when you try it) The special socket is not a requirement but helps. I used an open end wrench instead (5mm I think) on the top of the bolt and another open end wrench on the nut. The bottom is simple.

Tire pressure may have a little to do wit it. Check it as well, Might take some sponginess out of it.