Shock Question

[05swb53l]

I have only had my truck about a month.. Like it so far, just been fixing some things.. Anyways, When I bought it the front passengar side shock was leaking... so I pointed it out and the dealer replaced it for free... Now the driver's side started squeaking like the other one was, but this one isn't leaking yet.. I took the shock off tonight and put the truck back down and just pushed up and down on the bumper like before and the squeak is gone... So, i've been searching the forums and thing I want to go with the Bilstein HD's...

 

BE5-6500-H0 front and BE5-2905-H1 rear...

 

Now, i've also seen reference that the bilstein's are the same as the factory z71's?? IS this true?? If it is, they are cheaper than the stock ones by far, my dealer wants 185 each for the front and gmpartsdirect is like 117 shipped to me... If they are the same, should I just order 3 and skip the one the dealer replaced?? Sounds like everyone loves them.. Also, I cranked my torsion bars about an inch.. I think I'm getting new tires and going 285's... Are these shocks fine for that?

 

Oh yeah, I can get all 4 from shockwarehouse.com for 261.80...

 

THanks Again

 

Brad

[alvocado]

I would always replace shocks in pairs especially if you are mixing brands. The dampening rates may not match.

[pm26]

Z71s used to be equipped with Billstein shocks, but they changed brands at some point. My truck definitely did not come with Billsteins. Billsteins are a bit too stiff for my taste. I test drove one of those Z package equipped compact Chevy Blazers a few years back and the thing rode like a pogo stick. And yes, it had Billstein shocks, as well as 31x10.5R15 tires. And it was brand new. That setup, in combination with a very short wheelbase gives one very stiff and bouncy ride.

[dsmazz]

Bilstein shocks are excellent shocks. They have a firm ride, not a "pogo stick" ride. We had a 2002 ZR2 Sonoma, and it came with Bilstein shocks, rode firm but was not bouncy at all. You should replace shocks in pairs at a minimum. A full set of Bilsteins should run about $265.

[dlstewart01]

Z71 shocks on the full size trucks have not been Bilsteins in a few years, like sense 1998. The Bilsteins are much much better than the red stock shocks. I have HD Bilsteins on my 2 wh dr. In fact I have had them on the last 4 trucks iv'e had. I will not use any other shocks,

 

Don

[tigerbait]

yes replace shocks in pairs.....and just to throw another wrench in the pot I have KYB Monomax, and love 'em

[silversport]

don't know if they're the same...my 2002 Avalanche Z71 came from GM with Bilsteins as does my 2000 Escalade...look for the yellow and blue shocks...Bilsteins have a reputation of being the same ride throughout their life...(100K or so) so I have read...

Bill

[05swb53l]

Thanks for the responses guys.... Now I'm doubting the Bilstein's.... So, they are rougher than the factory z71's... I know it's hard to quantify, but it is night and day, or just a bit?? Thanks

[overlord1]

Thanks for the responses guys.... Now I'm doubting the Bilstein's.... So, they are rougher than the factory z71's... I know it's hard to quantify, but it is night and day, or just a bit?? Thanks

 

I swapped out the oem shocks on my '06 Z71 for the Bilsteins at 15K miles and do not regret it. The oem shocks (even the ones on the Z71) are too softly sprung for my tastes. With the Bilsteins the ride is firmer (which is exactly what I wanted) but I would not say "rougher". With the Bilsteins the truck does not lean as much during turns/curves and it no longer gives the sensation of being on a boat when going over railroad tracks for example. If you prefer a softer "car like" ride then I would opt for a different shock like Monroe. Btw, I paid $250 delivered for all four, DO NOT buy them from a dealer.

[05swb53l]

That's what I was looking for, good feedback... Are your torsion bars cranked at all? Are you running stock size 265's??

 

Thanks

[overlord1]

That's what I was looking for, good feedback... Are your torsion bars cranked at all? Are you running stock size 265's??

 

Thanks

 

Yup, I cranked my t-bars about 1.5" which by itself firmed up the ride a bit. I am running the stock wheels/tires now but will soon be changing over to 18" wheels and 275/65-18 tires.

[j.roffel]

I have rancho RSX on my 2wd, and I have 2" coil spacers in the front, and theres still plenty of travel. I'm putting another 2" spring in the back so I can tell you how they work in the back too. I believe the RSX are made for slightly lifted trucks as well.