Lowering Rear 2"

spikesputnik · April 5, 2009

So I got my beautiful new 2009 Silverado 1500 LT Ext cab 2WD this week and am surprisingly happy with it overall, especially considering that I'm coming out of a LTZ Tahoe that was really sweet in EVERY catagory- but I'm downsizing my life these days.... But one thing that bugs me is the stance of the truck. I'd like to lower the rear end 2"/level it out. I've seen a few makers of drop shackles and that part looks like a relatively simple operation. I'm not looking to "slam" it, just level it.

My question is---if I were to replace the shackles for a 2"drop, is that going to negatively affect the suspension compliance because the shocks will be compressed further into their stroke even before a bump is hit or a load applied??

My concern is that the OEM shocks are "position sensitive" in that they provide more dampening as they go further into their stroke. Or are they a straight rate damper providing consistant dampening.

Are "drop shocks" needed also to get the proper compliance too??

FWIW I load and tow minimally so I won't miss the last 2" of travel.

Sorry if this is considered sacrilege on this site, but I'm just looking for help here.

Thanks in advance.

Matt_ · April 5, 2009

You should be alright. The 2" change in shock position won't affect the ride a noticeable amount (the damping coefficient doesn't change that drastically); and if it does, shocks are easy enough to replace

I say DO IT, it will look great.... oh, and pics are required

..... and there are only two sacriligous things on this website: 1) completely debadging your truck so it looks like a base model W/T and 2) adding chrome bed rails. Stay away from those two things and you'll be good

pennzoil29 · April 5, 2009

Welcome aboard Oh yeah, you can't come on here bragging about a new truck w/o pix.

JoshRDavis.84 · April 5, 2009

We nee PICS

SPORT14692 · April 5, 2009

I leveled the back of my truck with Bell Tech shackles and have had no problems, now as far as all that other fancy talk,(Big Words you used), I can not help you because I do not have my dictionary around. lol

Welcome aboard

66nova · April 5, 2009

Go for it. I think it looks great. I have been considering doing it my self. Jim (Zembonez) has leveled his, and I think I read a post of his saying it made his ride a little better.

spikesputnik · April 6, 2009

Thanks for the feedback guys. Pics coming, but I have yet to even wash it yet- rianed on the way home day 1!!!

Zembonez · April 6, 2009

Did mine about 12k miles ago (when new) and it worked like a charm. Smoothed out the ride a little too! OEM shocks are not "smart" and don't need to be replaced until they wear out at about 10,000 miles. They are junk.

brims · April 6, 2009

Did mine about 12k miles ago (when new) and it worked like a charm. Smoothed out the ride a little too! OEM shocks are not "smart" and don't need to be replaced until they wear out at about 10,000 miles. They are junk.

You only got 10,000 miles out of your factory shocks? I'm at over 20,000 miles and I don't notice any bouncing or anything that would lead me to believe I need new shocks.

Zembonez · April 6, 2009

Did mine about 12k miles ago (when new) and it worked like a charm. Smoothed out the ride a little too! OEM shocks are not "smart" and don't need to be replaced until they wear out at about 10,000 miles. They are junk.

You only got 10,000 miles out of your factory shocks? I'm at over 20,000 miles and I don't notice any bouncing or anything that would lead me to believe I need new shocks.

I've never had a set of standard OEM GM shocks that lasted much more than 12K. (Yes I know TONS of people continue to drive on them) Some of the optional shocks hold up much better.

The rears on mine are basically shot and the front suspension now bottoms out quite easily through dips. No worries. I'm going to replace the shocks all the way around. Most people will drive around forever on worn out shocks and swear that they are "just fine" (my dad for instance). You'd be amazed at how much difference installing a GOOD set makes. It makes the truck feel like a totally different vehicle.

brims · April 6, 2009

I've never had a set of standard OEM GM shocks that lasted much more than 12K. (Yes I know TONS of people continue to drive on them) Some of the optional shocks hold up much better.

The rears on mine are basically shot and the front suspension now bottoms out quite easily through dips. No worries. I'm going to replace the shocks all the way around. Most people will drive around forever on worn out shocks and swear that they are "just fine" (my dad for instance). You'd be amazed at how much difference installing a GOOD set makes. It makes the truck feel like a totally different vehicle.

I wouldn't doubt that a quality set of shocks will make these trucks a lot better just didn't expect that they'd be gone that quickly. I'll continue to keep an eye out for excessive bounce or bottoming out. Hope I get a little more out of mine.

spikesputnik · April 6, 2009

Did mine about 12k miles ago (when new) and it worked like a charm. Smoothed out the ride a little too! OEM shocks are not "smart" and don't need to be replaced until they wear out at about 10,000 miles. They are junk.

Zembonez- did you use Ground Force or DJM shackles? Or another brand?

And when you replaced the shocks did you then use a shorter one or standard length?

These shackles are soo "economical" that they have me worried, as I don't want to put junky product on my new truck....

Zembonez · April 6, 2009

Did mine about 12k miles ago (when new) and it worked like a charm. Smoothed out the ride a little too! OEM shocks are not "smart" and don't need to be replaced until they wear out at about 10,000 miles. They are junk.

Zembonez- did you use Ground Force or DJM shackles? Or another brand?

And when you replaced the shocks did you then use a shorter one or standard length?

These shackles are soo "economical" that they have me worried, as I don't want to put junky product on my new truck....

I have the Bell Tech shackles with the hard red neoprene bushings. I think they help tighten up the handling since they don't flex like the soft rubber OEM shackles... but that might just be wishful thinking!