ZBass28

2000 Silverado Z71 with 110K miles on the clock. I just put on my 3rd set of shocks. Originals went bad at 58K, replaced with Bilsteins which started getting worse around 100K and I just replaced them with Edelbrock IAS shocks at 110K. Around 100K I noticed the front end started feeling softer than it had in the past. Lots of nose dive on braking and lots of motion up/down when doing the bounce test on the front end. I assumed the shocks needed to be replaced.
I put on the new Edelbrocks a few days ago and the front end is still bouncy. If I do the bounce test both sides will continue to bounce up/down another 3 or 4 times before coming to a rest. The truck was always tight prior to noticing the problem around 100K. Is this going to be something to do with the torsion bars, and if so, what needs to be done to achieve an acceptable rebound limit.

I've read that some here have said that their Z71's were bouncy from the factory, but not mine, not until recently. Any ideas?

Much appreciated,
Tom

blake2kz71

iTrader: (17)

Read through your post and i think you will find the answer. It has 100k miles!! Its not brand new anymore. You might try lowering your torsion bars some.

ZBass28

I realize its got 100K, but the change in ride quality has changed dramatically in the last 10K miles, not steadily as one would expect as it ages. Up until 100K the truck was still very tight and didn't exhibit any of the current condition. Are the Edelbock shocks considered somewhat stiff, or are they soft (relative to let's say the stock red Z71 shocks)?

treyZ28

bouncing isn't spring, its shock.

The shocks absorb energy.

Its definitely a shock problem, regardless of miles. My truck has 105k without any bouncing, rattling, diving etc. Still feels brand new to me since I replaced the idler arms and tie rod ends (cranking t-bars does that)

ZBass28

These are brand new shocks though. Are the IAS's that soft where they would be the equivalent of a Bilstein with 55K miles on them? Probably not I am thinking. The amount of bouncing after the stationary bounce test hasn't changed from the old Bilstein's to the new IAS's.

blake2kz71

iTrader: (17)

dude are you tellin me if you crank the bars way up the truck wont bounce more?? I have first hand experience with this. A z71 will bounce like hell with the bars cranked up a good bit.

treyZ28

my torsion bars ARE cranked and they dont bounce. The reason it bounces is because you overcranked and fucked up the shock, like I did.

Like I said, SHOCKS absorb energy. Whatever is going on- its not letting the shocks absorb the energy.

treyZ28

keep in mind that cranking the torsion bars changes the spring rate. Perhaps you have over-cranked and the shock just doesn't have enough travel now?

ZBass28

Torsion bars have never been touched on this truck. No front end work (other than greasing) has ever been done to the truck in fact.

treyZ28

Just out of curiosity, try cranking the bars 4 full rotations up and driving down the street.
If it works, go get an alignment. if not, lower them 4 full turns.