General Shock/Lift Questions

**jtl5008** · 07-06-2009, 05:47 PM

Hello everyone. I just bought a 2005 Chevy Silverado Z-71 Extended Cab last week and have been browsing the net for a community of knowledge. I have been reading many posts the past few days and I feel I found the right place.

I am absolutely loving my truck and can't wait to begin modifying it. I have a few things in mind I would like to do, but honestly I am not very mechanically inclined! I am a computer geek seeking new knowledge and new experiences.

To start off I would like to replace my shocks. My ride seems to bounce a bit when I hit a bump and even squeaks a bit. I have never replaced a shock before and I don't really even know how to, so I will probably have someone do it for me. I got an estimate at PepBoys today and they will install 4 Monroe heavy duty shocks for $300.

After looking at others trucks on this website I really like the look of rides when they are lifted. Think I want to lift my truck a bit, not too much maybe only 2". My truck will be a daily driver and mainly on the highway, but I live in a very rural area and have about 3 miles of dirt roads. The truck drives pretty good now on the terrain but I want to make it better, especially for the winter.

Now to my questions.

Since I will be replacing my shocks, is there a certain kind I should get if I plan to lift the truck in the future? or are there shock kits available that lift the truck as well? I also plan on buying new tires in the winter, my tread is not 100% right now. As far as using my truck for towing, it won't be much. Maybe a couch here and there, a four wheeler, a small trailer, and possibly a small boat in the future.

I bought the truck because I will need 4x4 in the winter and since I spending the money I felt I would get more use out of a truck than an SUV.

Now that everyone knows what I will need to use my truck for and some of my future plans, what do you guys think I should do? What would be the best way to tackle these projects?

Thanks in advance.

**canislupis69** · 07-06-2009, 06:20 PM

Welcome to the site! There is a lot of great knowledge on here. If you are only looking for a couple of inches have you considered a leveling kit? They are very inexpensive and allow for larger tires. As far as how big Im not sure, maybe some one with a leveling kit on here could help you with that as I am running 35 inch tires on a 7 1/2 inch lift. As for shocks I think there are so many good ones I think it is more of a personal preference thing. My lift kit is from BDS, so I have BDS shocks and have not had a problem, but I know there are many other great brands out there. If you just do a leveling kit, I think you could get away with replacement oem shocks. Again, mine came with my kit so hopefully someone else on here will be able to help you in that area.

**kgibson181** · 07-06-2009, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by jtl5008

Hello everyone. I just bought a 2005 Chevy Silverado Z-71 Extended Cab last week and have been browsing the net for a community of knowledge. I have been reading many posts the past few days and I feel I found the right place.

I am absolutely loving my truck and can't wait to begin modifying it. I have a few things in mind I would like to do, but honestly I am not very mechanically inclined! I am a computer geek seeking new knowledge and new experiences.

To start off I would like to replace my shocks. My ride seems to bounce a bit when I hit a bump and even squeaks a bit. I have never replaced a shock before and I don't really even know how to, so I will probably have someone do it for me. I got an estimate at PepBoys today and they will install 4 Monroe heavy duty shocks for $300.

After looking at others trucks on this website I really like the look of rides when they are lifted. Think I want to lift my truck a bit, not too much maybe only 2". My truck will be a daily driver and mainly on the highway, but I live in a very rural area and have about 3 miles of dirt roads. The truck drives pretty good now on the terrain but I want to make it better, especially for the winter.

Now to my questions.

Since I will be replacing my shocks, is there a certain kind I should get if I plan to lift the truck in the future? or are there shock kits available that lift the truck as well? I also plan on buying new tires in the winter, my tread is not 100% right now. As far as using my truck for towing, it won't be much. Maybe a couch here and there, a four wheeler, a small trailer, and possibly a small boat in the future.

I bought the truck because I will need 4x4 in the winter and since I spending the money I felt I would get more use out of a truck than an SUV.

Now that everyone knows what I will need to use my truck for and some of my future plans, what do you guys think I should do? What would be the best way to tackle these projects?

Thanks in advance.

I have an 03 1500 and I was in the same situation as you just wanting to lift my truck a couple of inches on a budget. I'd say the best route is a leveling kit. I bought the 2 inch leveling kit from Pro comp and it leveled it out and raised it to look great. I also was able to fit 33 inch tires easily and you could possible even fit 34's. As for your shocks, it isn't required that you buy new shocks to install the leveling kit, but since you said yours are worn you could buy replacements from Pro Comp, Rancho, Sky Jacker, etc, and have them put on when you have your leveling kit installed.

Hope this helps

**masterfoxscout** · 07-07-2009, 05:06 PM

I've got the same truck as you. Check out my gallery for photos. I'd suggest a leveling kit if you want to just enhance the look. You can throw some good sized meat up under there with a leveling kit. I'd definately change out the shocks. I run ProComp MX6 adjustables as my truck is a daily driver too. You can have your cake and eat it too basically, with adjustables.

**silveradotrailblazer** · 07-07-2009, 05:23 PM

I have 05 Z-71 crewcab with Skyjacker 6 inch lift with Dual Edelbrock remote res. shocks in the front and single remote res. in the rear. The reason I went with Skyjacker is the kit fits, nice welds on the brackets (no bogger welds) and they are the only lift manufacture that addresses the 1500s offset front differential. If you want to level the truck Id use the Offroad Unlimiteds kit. It comes with new t/bar keys and longer Bilstein shocks. You can also order matching rear Bilstein shocks from them. Installed this on my freinds 05 Z-71 and looked and rode great. It lifted front about 2inches.

**jtl5008** · 07-08-2009, 05:28 PM

Thanks for all the info and tips. I am looking into the leveling kits you guys mentioned.

Here is what I have so far:

Off Road Unlimited Kit w/shocks - $455.65 @ offroadunlimited.com

Pro Comp Leveling Kit wo/shocks - $219.95 @ exploreprocomp.com

Rough Country Leveling kit w/shocks and 2" rear block - $189.95 @ roughcountry.com

I am not sure what the 2" rear block is for on the Rough Country kit and the other kits don't mention it, at least I didn't notice. I am also wondering on the quality of the Rough Country shocks, anyone know?

What do you guys think of a leveling kit with stock wheels and tires? Look awkward?

I do eventually want to put bigger tires on, just don't have the cash at the moment, so if I decide to buy a leveling kit without shocks, I could get the shocks now.

Thanks again.

**kgibson181** · 07-08-2009, 05:44 PM

The rough country kits have given many of my friends great results. The 2 inch block in the rear on the rough country means the rear will be raised 2 inches in the kit as well which may not be the best option if you want the truck leveled out nicely. I would personally reccomend the procomp because thats what I put on my truck and it is great. As far as stock tires looking awkward, I rode mine around for a while with the leveling kit and stock tires it isnt awkward looking, just looks more like the stance of the 2500 models with stock tires. But once tires are on it looks awesome.

**silveradotrailblazer** · 07-08-2009, 05:51 PM

The Bilstein shocks you get with the Offroad Unlimited kit are the best shock you can buy. The Rough Country shocks cant compare in any way to the Bilsteins. You get what you pay for.

**adampaul1964** · 07-08-2009, 06:08 PM

Here's my 02! I have the same truck and I added the Pro Comp torsion keys and couldn't be happier! Gave it a nice level stance, but I settled for 32" tires because I wanted 20" rims and the price climbs dramatically for 33" tires. My truck is my daily driver so it was more practical to go with a less aggressive tread for street and highway use. Check out my albums I have lots of before and after pics! Good luck on whatever you decide. BTW how many miles are on the truck?, just wondering how long my shocks are going to last.

**jtl5008** · 07-10-2009, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by adampaul1964

BTW how many miles are on the truck?, just wondering how long my shocks are going to last.

Just hit 67k. Truck is very smooth until I hit a bump then it bounces for a few seconds. Not sure if it's because the shocks are worn or if it's normal. Never owned a truck before. But I am going to replace them anyway.

I might need to wait a little longer before buying a leveling kit now.

Hours at work just dropped from 40 to 20! Kinda puts a big damper on my cash flow, lol.