Old guy new to the site

dutchboy · April 24, 2006

Hey to everybody,

I wasn't kidding about being an old guy so don't expect me to learn too many new tricks.

My '97 was a regular cab short bed 4WD Z71 with the 5.7l motor and stock suspension. The '06 is an extended cab 2WD with the 5.3l and w/o HD suspension.

After 7 months of driving I still haven't gotten used to the difference in ride. The truck rides like the 1964 Cadillac Coupe de Ville I learned on. Too much float, too much rebound from even minimal road roughness, and in general a more "wallowing" feel to it.

Yes, it's my fault; I talked myself into doing something responsible and mature (you'd think after 50+ years I'd know better) in giving up the 4X4 to save money. And I should have driven the truck far longer off the showroom before buying it, or at least found out that Chevy was making an HD as well as a LD model (btw, I think that the dealerships pay to have the roads around their neghborhood kept very smooth...).

Anyway, what do you guys think I can do with this problem? I don't think my a** is going to change, so what about the suspension? Any hope?

OUMike · April 24, 2006

I would probably try swapping the shocks. I just recently added Monroe Reflex to my 94' and I really dig the ride. There are lots of posts on here about shock and tire preferences.

Good luck and welcome aboard

99silveradoz71 · April 25, 2006

Welcome

MS3DALE · April 27, 2006

Welcome

Maybe give a set of Bilstein shocks a try.

dutchboy · April 28, 2006

Thanks for the kind welcomes. I'd come to the same conclusion about upgrading the shocks, then I took a good look at the front suspension - little baby shocks inside coil springs. They don't look like just drop in coil-overs, at least not like I'm familiar with.

So, I checked with a number of suppliers and Bilstein does not have part numbers out yet for the '06 light duty models. It's not lifted, so after market extended shocks are out too. Edelbrock has part numbers, but I'm not ready to buy on-line or by phone just yet.

I'm still so pissed at the dealer that I haven't asked them about shock upgrades - after a couple of days of driving it I stopped in and asked WTH happened to Chevy's pickups that made 'em ride like sedans and got crap from the salesboy & head weenie.

I won't be back, either.

Sorry about the venting.

Anyway, while looking for answers I found this site and thought I'd check to see what other owners might know. If you know of any top notch suspension outfits that might have a definitive answer in the San Fernando Valley (CA) area, I'd appreciate a heads up.

Thanks again,

Jim