Bilstein Shocks Help

mints33 · September 24, 2008

The shocks on my truck are toast ... I have no idea when/if the previous owner replaced the shocks. Anyhow, after some research, I'm fairly convinced I'll be going with Bilsteins. But I've been reading it'll give you a 1" drop in the rear? Is this the case with all Bilstein rear replacements? I'm looking at the HD ones, truck is stock height, 97 K1500. Any info would be a great help, thanks much!!!

2000DV4.8 · September 24, 2008

I have the Bilstein BST HD shocks on my 2000, and I like them. If you buy shocks for a stock ride height truck, you'll be fine. Shocks don't affect the ride height (they just dampen the suspension, not support any weight), but you do need to buy the correct length shocks.

mints33 · September 24, 2008

I have the Bilstein BST HD shocks on my 2000, and I like them. If you buy shocks for a stock ride height truck, you'll be fine. Shocks don't affect the ride height (they just dampen the suspension, not support any weight), but you do need to buy the correct length shocks.

Thanks much!

Anyone else care to comment??? Thanks

stanz792 · September 24, 2008

+1 with DV2000NJ comments. My 2 previous chevy p/u I installed Rancho 5000 shocks. didint change ride height at all, definite improvement in ride though. I think any brand name after market shock would be an improvement!

Laterz

Stans792

mints33 · September 27, 2008

Wow ... 149K w/ the original shocks, that's rough, yeah, I just got the truck. Anyhow, I had some time tonight, and installed one Bilstein shock in the rear, looks like the truck is 1/2" lower w/ the Bilstein shock vs. the stock, non-existent shock. Is this normal? Thanks!!

2000DV4.8 · September 27, 2008

Shouldn't be possible. Shocks have nothing to do with ride height.

Are you going by comparing left/right fender heights, or before/after? If it's side to side comparison, it's completely normal for a truck to sit lower on one side, and should have absolutely nothing to do with the new shocks.

mints33 · September 27, 2008

Shouldn't be possible. Shocks have nothing to do with ride height.

Are you going by comparing left/right fender heights, or before/after? If it's side to side comparison, it's completely normal for a truck to sit lower on one side, and should have absolutely nothing to do with the new shocks.

Before and after, passenger side dropped about 1/2" and driver side which I did this morning got a lift, lol of 1/4". I took it for a test drive and it was the same afterwards. Maybe they need to be broken in, so we'll see. Now I need to order some for the front, can't believe they're original shocks ... OUCH!!!

Sinkhole · September 27, 2008

I also never heard of shocks effecting ride height unless they were air shocks. I guess if air shocks can effect ride height regular shocks could theoretically effect ride height slightly.