What springs and shocks came in a '97 Z71?

JTR 97 Z71 · August 4, 2006

Hello,

I'm wondering what springs and shocks came from the factory on an '97 Silverado Z71 X-cab shortbed. (Part numbers would be great!). Also, How can I tell for sure if they are the same parts I have on my truck? I love the way my truck is, however over the last 120+K the rear springs seem to have taken a set and I'm sure the shocks are worn. (I let me father use the truck whenever I'm gone for a long period of time, and he uses the heck out of it! -Lot's of towing and heavy weight! And probably more miles than I've put on it)!

Anyway, I want to replace the springs and shocks (Front and Rear) with the exact same parts, however I'm somewhat concerned that I'll get something diffrent, as my truck sit's about 2 inches higher then most other factory Z71's I've seen. -It came from the factory with 285/75R16's, so that's probably it, but I'd like to be sure I get the exact same parts. Also, I'm hoping I can order them now, and they will be waiting for me to install when I get back in about a month. Any suggestions where to order them from? (I've used GMParts Direct and Pace Parts in the past).

Lastly, I've considered changing to 2500HD suspention due to the excessive weight's it's towed in the past (16K+ LBS) and excessive payloads (2400 LBS). How would this (changing the suspention) effect my on and off road ride quality?

Thanks,

-Justin

GMSea97 · August 4, 2006

I'm not sure of part numbers but I am pretty sure the Z71 came with bilisten shocks. If you do put a 2500 suspension in it you will get a really rough ride when not loaded. Hope this helps you alittle. My personal suggestion is to just get a decent set of bilisten shocks and to install a set of firestone airbags. They will increase payload and won't sacrifice ride.

JTR 97 Z71 · August 7, 2006

I'm not sure of part numbers but I am pretty sure the Z71 came with bilisten shocks. If you do put a 2500 suspension in it you will get a really rough ride when not loaded. Hope this helps you alittle. My personal suggestion is to just get a decent set of bilisten shocks and to install a set of firestone airbags. They will increase payload and won't sacrifice ride.

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That's a good idea! -I'll have to look into the airbags! any suggestions where to look for / get info on / purchase them?

Thanks,

-Justin

GMSea97 · August 8, 2006

I know summit carries them. My father bought a set for his f350 from there, they work wonderful. Expect to pay about $350 for firestone brand airbags

cowboybinkz71 · August 16, 2006

I don't have any part numbers, but the Z71 package included Bilstein shocks from teh factory up until the body-style change for the '99 model year. If I remember from my '96, there was a spring pack that had abotu 5 springs in ti, more than what the current trucks have.

My cousin's farm truck is a '95 K1500 4x4 and they put a set of Firestone heavy-duty air springs on it to help haul the trailers in the fields. They work very well but add a little chop to the ride. Most of your RV shops and truck equipment shops have them and can install tehm for you. There's 2 ways to install them. You can manually air them up using an air tank and a nipple in the back bumper, or you can opt for the on-board air compressor and an air gage on the dash board with a push button which will let you air them up from in the cab.

Luck with it.