shocks

[JORSWIFT]

Does any one know what the OEM shock part # is for our rear shocks? 2002 GMC ZR5? I have a chance to buy some Bilsteins but they are OEM part # 12474913? Thanks.

[HenryJ]

We did not receive OEM Bilsteins. ZR5 was an appearance package and did not get Bilstein shocks like the ZR2 package.

[JORSWIFT]

Will they fit or no? I know we can get HD Bilsteins. Was hoping they would fit or be comparable. Thanks.

[HenryJ]

ZR2 shocks, if that is what they are, are longer than our shocks. Hobie put a set on the back of his truck after adding 2" lift shackles. I sort of worried he might bottom them out. They did give him lots of drop though. I am fairly sure the front shocks will be too long no matter what you do.
I have heard the OEM Bilstein are a little softer than the HD Bilstein. I don't know if that is good, bad or an issue.

[JORSWIFT]

OK. I plan on adding a 2" lifting shackle for the rear as well. I just thought they might be the same product as the HD Bilsteins. I want a more aggressive stance and dont want the truck to squat much with a light load. My wife and kids were sitting on the tailgate at ball game and the truck was squating a bit. Thanks.

[HenryJ]

They are definitely not the same as the aftermarket HD Bilstien shock. Bilstein makes shock to a manufacturer specification too.
A friend here has a rig with lift kit supplied Bilstein shocks. Turns out that they are not replaceable and not under the Bilstein warranty. One of his failed and he was unable to get a replacement. They were built specially for the kit and sold to the kit manufacturer. When the kits are gone, so are the shocks.
I suspect the OEM Bilsteins are similar in that GM set the specifications. The shock boot is different for sure. I like the convoluted , "sealed" boots on the HD shocks. The OEM shocks have a plastic shield.
I have OEM Bilstiens on my Avalanche and have been tempted to get a set of HD Bilsteins. My hope is that they would firm it up a little bit. I really can't complain about it as it is though.

[JORSWIFT]

Ok, thanks for the info. I will stay away from the OEM and just splurge for the HD Bilstein. Now will it affect the ride or anything if I just get the rear first and hold off for awhile for the front?

[HenryJ]

If you still have stock shocks, get them all replaced...now. You will be amazed in the difference. Mine went from making my wife sea sick to riding like it was on rails in the corners. The difference is HUGE. These shocks have very good street manners and are unmatched offroad. The patented design is very good. No springs to get weak. Monotube for good cooling. Check out their website to learn more.
My stock shocks were replaced twice under warranty. They pay less than $1 each for those shocks and can replace them many times over during the warranty period. They are cheap in all ways.
I think I still have the last set that was replaced under warranty. They made it home in time for the BIlsteins to replace them. Two strike rule applied

If all you are going to do is lift the back a couple inches to get back the factory rake, the HD replacement shocks will offer all the travel that you need. That is what I used on mine with the Boise SpringWorks spring kit on the rear.

It is a chunk of change to buy all four shocks at once, but I would do it. If you plan to keep the truck over four or five years, save your money and buy the Bilstein shocks. They are truly a lifetime shock and will hold up longer than the truck will. If you are only going to have the truck a couple years, you might consider some cheaper shocks and not feel bad when they die in a couple years. I have not heard anything good from those who went with Rancho shocks, so I would avoid those.

[JORSWIFT]

Awesome. Thanks for the advice!

[Cajun]

If you are doing the shocks, then do the Energy Suspension Poly sway bar bushings. New shocks and sway bar bushings together...you will not believe the difference

I've always been envious of you guys that spent the money for the Bilsteins. I have children that always seem to need something lots less fun than truck parts, like a trips to the dentist. So I was on a tight budget and a short leash, went with the Pro Comp 9000s. They go for about $40 ea. HUGE difference in the trucks manners. I have had flawless service from them for seven years. my

http://www.procompusa.com/productlist.a ... _qualifier

[green02crew]

I went with cheap shocks the first time. Money wasted. 2 of 4 died. Lifetime warranty sure, but how many times do I want to change them out? Went with the Bilsteins instead.

[04crewvt]

I still am OK with my Rancho RSX shocks, I might like the ride better on Bilsteins but without a local ride to test them out I have no way to compare. 6 years and about 60K on them and counting.

[green02crew]

We're not THAT far from each other. Trade for a day when its reasonable to drive again?

[04crewvt]

Might be cool to get together I have friends in Keene area I have not seem in quite a while and the Crotched mountain ski area is where my crew got it's only taste of trail riding with NEZR2 club a few years back

[JORSWIFT]

What is the part # for the Rancho shocks? Thanks.

[04crewvt]

The RSX's have been discontinued so the part number is no longer on their site you might find it on Amazon or somewhere like that. Looks like the bilsteins are the way to go now.

[JORSWIFT]

Bummer.. Im finding out most parts & accessories are discontinued or indefinite back order!

[04crewvt]

7 years after last manufacture date for the last s10 crew cabs will be next month. Not surprised to find Aftermarket parts starting to dry up for all the s-10's except for the ZR-2's. It's one of the reasons I bought a set of energy suspension poly bushing kits for my leaf springs years ago and put them on the shelf till I needed to redo the spring pack someday. Still have them waiting in the wings.

[JORSWIFT]

These are available at Sears...
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... s&sLevel=3.

[HenryJ]

These are available at Sears...
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... s&sLevel=3.

I guess I shouldn't laugh...I drive a car that was once sold by Sears
Sorry, that was the first thing that flashed

Remember what we said about Rancho shocks. Go in eyes wide open and don't be unhappy in a year or so.

[killian96ss]

I tried Rancho RSX (now discontinued) and Bilstein HD shocks when I had my CC and the Bilstein's were better. The Rancho 5000's are a step below the RSX's and are very stiff shocks, so expect a harsh ride if you go that route. The Bilstein's really are the way to go, but if you don't have the $ get something in the mid range by either Rancho or Pro Comp.

Steve

[roadrunner]

Replaced my stockers a few years ago with Bilstiens and never looked back or regretted it either. Good ride great handling and they are standing up to the pounding I've given them. My .02 worth.

[F9K9]

I had less than 1,000 miles on mine when, I junked the stockers. Bought them once and I am still happy almost 6 yrs later.

[JORSWIFT]

Now, when I sit in my truck it has some sag and will lean towards the drivers side. I am not that big of a guy 200lbs, will new shocks (the bilsteins) help with this problem? Also, seems as if I am looking up once in the cab, the bed seems lower than the cab, will the new shocks help that as well? Thanks.

[killian96ss]

New shocks won't correct leaning or sagging which is caused by worn out torsion bars and/or leaf springs. You can adjust the torsion bars up or down on each side to raise the front of the truck, lower it, or to even out side to side measurements. If the rear is too low, you can install longer shackles, add a leaf to each spring pack, or replace the spring packs with custom made springs that usually contain stiffer or more springs per pack.

Steve

[sonomadude4x4]

any have a link for the HD Bilsteins for our crews i need both front and back i cant seem to find them any help would be great my truck just has the MML so just need stock legenth shocks

[HenryJ]

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/

Front F4-B46-1410-H1

Rear F4-B46-1681-H0

[sonomadude4x4]

pefect thanks