I've got an '00 Silverado Z71 with about 58K miles on it. The ride quality has gotten pretty bumpy and the truck wiggles a lot over bumps on the highway. The whole back of the truck really feels loose compared to how it did maybe 10K miles ago, and I am wondering if a simple shock absorber replacement will do the trick. I suppose I'd like to do shocks/springs up front and would like to do something a little better than what was on the truck stock.

In general, at what mileage should these changes be needed? The truck does not see any heavy duty use other than pulling a 1000lb jetski/trailer sporadically.

 

I would replace the shock absorbers all the way around with new Bilsteins. You should feel a difference for the better in ride and handling. My '99 old body style 2500 has had them on since new and even after 150,000+ miles they don't seem to be completely worn out. I'm not sure what the recommended mileage for replacement is but I plan on running my stock absorbers until i notice a problem with them.

 

I changed mine @ 52000 miles and they were shot.

 

Springs too, or just the shocks at this time?

 

You should be OK with just shocks...the front is torsion bar anyway. My truck is 5 years old with almost 40k on it and my shocks are shot! Had the fronts replaced twice under warranty too (squeaking). Been dumping all of my cash into mild performance mods though (cam, springs, injectors, etc.), so shock replacement has been getting pushed back...but that's next on the list.

 

replace your shocks. unless your truck starts to sag, you don't need to change the springs. if you want to spend the $$$ on them, the Edelbrock shocks are incredible.

 

No just the shocks

 

I went ahead and ordered Bilsteins for all around. Hopefully this will bring back the nice tight ride I was accustomed to.

I also decided to go ahead and get some new spark plugs and wires since those have 58K on them and winter is approaching.

Any tricks to doing the shocks? I've torn apart and rebuilt my entire '96 Z28 but I have yet to really lift a finger doing anything on this truck because it's been pretty problem free for the past 3 years. Any pointers on removal and installation on the front and back shocks? I was thinking of picking up a Haynes manual for this vehicle for when I decide to start replacing things.

 

I just spent about 3 hours the other night researching wires here and elsewhere and came to the conclusion that the quality of the stock wires was the most reliable. I've heard nothing bad about the stock wires, but plenty bad about quality control issues with Taylor, MSD, Magnecor, etc. So I have new NGK plugs but will be keeping my stock wires. Not telling you what to do but just sharing what I came up with after all that research.

 

I think it's time for new shocks for me 160,00 miles and a lot of that was taking cows to market with a trailer completely full of cows. The front of the truck was about to come off the ground. This was before it was mine and my dad used it. He still doesn't think he needs a 2500 HD . Anyway I know my shocks need to be changed I wanted the edelbrock IAS but they are quite a bit of $$. For someone on a budget do you think they would be worth it?