Bilstein Shocks Oem's On Z71 Pkg?

Oneafive · March 18, 2008

I'm trying to decided on what new shocks I can put on my 2006 Silverado 1500 4wd. to "smooth" out the ride some. I'm considering Bilstein # BE5-6500-H0 & BE5-2905-H1. Or going with a Monroe Sensa-Track # 37152 & 37151. I previously test drove Z71 packages and they were not smooth enough for my back, so I went with a 4X4 pkg without the Z71 Now it too, is causing me some lower back problems. I get a numb right foot when driving. I guess I screwed up getting the Z85 trailer pkg. Damn nice truck I hate to have to get ride if it cause of my back.

I could really use some insight here on helping choose which shock would be better choice. Also are the Bilstein's I mention above... are they the OEM for the Z71 pkg? I also cannot find what the OEM is on the Silverado with a Z82 and Z85 pkg I have now. I can't find a web sight that gives the actual part numbers. Help........and yes. I'm going to treatment for my back

overlord1 · March 18, 2008

I'm sorry, did you say something?

Oneafive · March 18, 2008

Yes, I have new tires and I tried lower the PSI's, which did not help me out.

overlord1 · March 18, 2008

Yes, I have new tires and I tried lower the PSI's, which did not help me out.

If you are looking for a "smoother"/softer ride I don't think you'll be any happier with the Bilsteins. I installed the very Bilstein shocks you mentioned and I am very satisfied. However I wanted a firmer ride that did not "bounce" as much over bumps as did the oem shocks. The Bilsteins are noticeably firmer than the oem Tenneco shocks. The Monroes are not as firmly valved so those may be an improvement over oem for your needs.

Oneafive · March 18, 2008

Yes, I have new tires and I tried lower the PSI's, which did not help me out.

If you are looking for a "smoother"/softer ride I don't think you'll be any happier with the Bilsteins. I installed the very Bilstein shocks you mentioned and I am very satisfied. However I wanted a firmer ride that did not "bounce" as much over bumps as did the oem shocks. The Bilsteins are noticeably firmer than the oem Tenneco shocks. The Monroes are not as firmly valved so those may be an improvement over oem for your needs.

Thank you for the information. I am leaning towards the Bilsteins, but didn't want to get them if they are what is OEM's for the Z71 package. Do you happen to know?

overlord1 · March 18, 2008

Yes, I have new tires and I tried lower the PSI's, which did not help me out.

If you are looking for a "smoother"/softer ride I don't think you'll be any happier with the Bilsteins. I installed the very Bilstein shocks you mentioned and I am very satisfied. However I wanted a firmer ride that did not "bounce" as much over bumps as did the oem shocks. The Bilsteins are noticeably firmer than the oem Tenneco shocks. The Monroes are not as firmly valved so those may be an improvement over oem for your needs.

Thank you for the information. I am leaning towards the Bilsteins, but didn't want to get them if they are what is OEM's for the Z71 package. Do you happen to know?

Bilstein at one point was the oe supplier for shocks on the Z71's. However they ceased being the oe supplier several years ago (not sure exactly when). If your truck is an '06 and it has the oe red shocks they are made by Tenneco which also makes Monroe. They are in every way inferior to Bilstein in my opinion. If you want a firmer, more stable ride with less "bounce" then I would recommend Bilstein. Keep in mind that your ride will be slightly firmer than it is now with the Bilsteins.

Oneafive · March 18, 2008

I'm trying to decided on what new shocks I can put on my 2006 Silverado 1500 4wd. to "smooth" out the ride some. I'm considering Bilstein # BE5-6500-H0 & BE5-2905-H1. Or going with a Monroe Sensa-Track # 37152 & 37151. I previously test drove Z71 packages and they were not smooth enough for my back, so I went with a 4X4 pkg without the Z71 Now it too, is causing me some lower back problems. I get a numb right foot when driving. I guess I screwed up getting the Z85 trailer pkg. Damn nice truck I hate to have to get ride if it cause of my back.

I could really use some insight here on helping choose which shock would be better choice. Also are the Bilstein's I mention above... are they the OEM for the Z71 pkg? I also cannot find what the OEM is on the Silverado with a Z82 and Z85 pkg I have now. I can't find a web sight that gives the actual part numbers. Help........and yes. I'm going to treatment for my back