Need Help With Shocks.

[Steve_m]

Hey, I need new shocks on my 05 Duramax and need some help. I have decided on pro comp, because that seems to be the only thing available around here. So anyways, whoever had the truck before me put blocks in the back, and cranked the torsion bars in the front. So, I don't know how oversized my shocks need to be... The ones on there now are factory, with extenders.. Pro Comp has a shock that is for a 0-2" lift. I am thinking that should be good, but I don't know. How much lift do you get out of turning the torsion bars all the way up?? Thanks.

[AgDoctor]

the shocks you refered to will be fine. torsion bars will net you about 1.5 in. of lift. i had a similar prob a while back and thats how i fixed it. pro comps are what i used. bilstein also makes some. try looking up Offroad Unlimited, they have full kits and jut shocks.

[Matt_]

make sure the the compressed length of the aftermart shock is the SAME length as the compressed length of stock shocks.

 

Cranking the torsion bars is only re-setting your ride height, not really a true "lift". With that said, unless the shocks are limiting tire droop, longer shocks will not help at all. Your upper control arm should rest on the metal stops before your shock is fully extended.

 

So save yourself some time and money, go outside and jack the front of your truck up from the cross member. If your upper control arm touches the metal droop stops, then longer shocks will not help you. If your UCA does not touch the droop stops, then make sure that the compressed length of your new shocks matches that of the stock shocks otherwise you may blow them out if you hit a big bump.

 

Edit: most good aftermarket shocks (such as bilstein) have more travel than OEM shocks. So if you need new shocks anyway, i would recommend just getting OEM replacements and make sure you get some quality shocks.