BLK02

02 ECSB Z71 1500 Silverado - stock suspension -- looking to replace factory shocks (83K on the clock), they seem to be pretty bouncy in warmer weather, nice and firm when cold out and havn't gone very far -- they are the red factory shocks, which I think were made by Tenneco....... Anyway, I desire a firm, but compliant ride, and have heard many positives on Bilsteins, and Edelbrock IAS. Suggestions? Also, love the look of the 5100 Bilstein -- do they make that for a stock height suspension? If so, is there a reason to get that over the HD? Price expected per? Any other brands suggested?

Zick

iTrader: (18)

The Bilstein 5100 series is the exact same as the HD version, it just comes in longer lengths for lifted applications.
I know there are guys that run the 5100 series and a completely stock truck, they just get them in case they lift it later. I believe the ones they are using are designed for 1-3" lift but work fine on stock height.
I plan on getting the 5100 when I do my torsion lift. In all reality, the stock shocks I have now are actually too short at stock height. They bottom out before the suspension does.

06sierra5.3

iTrader: (7)

my buddy just put bilsteins on his stock suspension ext cab as a replacement cause he has 80k+. he said its like a whole new truck, it soaks up potholes and speedbumps.

FastCrewCab4x4

With stock size/weight wheels the bilsteins seem good, when you add a much heavier wheel and tire(like 20s) they become a little sloppy just like the stockers. if your going to have big heavy wheels best bet is adjustable shocks, then you can adjust them for any wheel combo.

budhayes3

iTrader: (19)

I swapped to Bilsteins from the red factory shocks and the improvement was night and day. It went from a stiff harsh ride to a firm responsive ride. (This was before I lowered the truck)

fastrt

iTrader: (48)

mine are great I have to take the rear off because of the new lowering kit but I have them for sale. they are 3 mo old and are the hd's.

BLK02

Thanks for the help....sounds like the Bilstein HD's are the ticket. I forgot to mention that I am running 285/75/16 Mickey Thompson MTX's, which weigh 8 lbs more than the stock 265/75/16 tire (285 - 53 lbs, 265 - 45 lbs), on the stock wheels. Should the 8 lbs of unsprung weight make a difference on the shock selection?

I looked around a little, and found the HD part #'s for my truck:
F4-BE5-6500-H0 front
F4-BE5-2905-H1 rear

Best price I found was about $250 for all 4. Anyone know anyplace cheaper? Any mailorder place recommended?

Zick

iTrader: (18)

8lbs will not make enough difference for you to tell. I'll will be fine.

$250 is about the best price I've seen.