Suspension Handeling, 03 Z71.

FargoZ71 · June 19, 2009

Hello, the suspension forum is worthless for anything other then Tkey cranks or lifts, I've checked. I'm looking to mildly improve the handling of my truck, the thing dives and gives that cadilac type bounce that's typiucal of 1500 chevy's..

List of equipment i've thought about upgrading too.

- New Bilsten HD shocks for a little stiffer ride.

- Sway bar kit to stop some of the roll.

Also thought about taking the 4 inch block in the rear out for a 2 inch for a level ride w/o cranking my front end. My truck doesn't see mud holes or anything, just Hunting and a helluva lot of snow. Taking the block down i also figured would lower the CoG just a little w/o decreasing my ground clearance.

The trucks at 65,000 miles, running some 265/16R 75's that were new like 3k ago.

Again just looking to firm it up a little and take some roll out, not looking for a auto cross vehicle.. its a damn truck lol.

Any suggestions are helpful and i'm open to all opinions, thanks.

2007VictoryRed · June 19, 2009

Rear sway bar, bigger front sway bar there sometimes sold as a kit. Being that you have a 4 wheel drive the front sway bar is not a thick as a 2wd, also get new bushings from energy suspension. All that will make and night a day difference.

2000DV4.8 · June 19, 2009

You didn't say if the truck was stock or not, but the OEM block is 2" not 4". You could still remove the 2" block and use shorter U-bolts to level it.

If you're at 65k on the original shocks, I'd replace them to start out with, especially since you described the ride as "Cadillac bouncy". I've been happy with my Bilstein BST HDs, and I've had them on for 11 months/ ~11k miles. One of the first things I noticed after installing them was a HUGE decrease in body roll while cornering.

If you still feel like you're getting too much body roll with the new shocks, then I'd go with a rear sway bar.

FargoZ71 · June 20, 2009

Rear sway bar, bigger front sway bar there sometimes sold as a kit. Being that you have a 4 wheel drive the front sway bar is not a thick as a 2wd, also get new bushings from energy suspension. All that will make and night a day difference.

You didn't say if the truck was stock or not, but the OEM block is 2" not 4". You could still remove the 2" block and use shorter U-bolts to level it.

If you're at 65k on the original shocks, I'd replace them to start out with, especially since you described the ride as "Cadillac bouncy". I've been happy with my Bilstein BST HDs, and I've had them on for 11 months/ ~11k miles. One of the first things I noticed after installing them was a HUGE decrease in body roll while cornering.

If you still feel like you're getting too much body roll with the new shocks, then I'd go with a rear sway bar.

Stock truck, i'll upgrade shocks w/i the next month then, and it's not like bouncy like worn out shocks, you can slam down on the front end and it will only rebound once.. i'm just used to a 1 ton ram or a civic..

Thanks for the tip on the rear blocks and i'll try shocks first, then swaybar if needed.

Suggestions on model of shocks to upgrade too? Was thinking bilstien.. dont know which model.

2007VictoryRed · June 20, 2009

Go with the stock replacement ones from bilstein(yellow and Blue). But if your going to remove the 2 inch block in the rear go with the silver ones. Remove the blocks frist then measure the lenght from bolt to bolt on the shock with your truck sitting on level ground. I'll get you some part numbers.

Jennabear · June 20, 2009

I put the Eibach Sway Kit on my Tahoe and it dramatically decreased the body roll and helped with cornering. I also put Bilsteins on not too long ago.

FargoZ71 · June 20, 2009

I put the Eibach Sway Kit on my Tahoe and it dramatically decreased the body roll and helped with cornering. I also put Bilsteins on not too long ago.

Nice, you see to have everything on that damn tahoe.. lol..

Thank you guys for the Tune !!!!

bossier62guy · June 20, 2009

I put the Eibach Sway Kit on my Tahoe and it dramatically decreased the body roll and helped with cornering. I also put Bilsteins on not too long ago.

Nice, you see to have everything on that damn tahoe.. lol..

Thank you guys for the Tune !!!!

Agree w/ Dan.....change those shocks first before you take any other action....you'll be "shocked" at the improvement in handling. I replaced my factory shocks at 45K and they were gone by then.