Shocks – which ones for softer ride ?

[K5_Fla]

I have the 6in skyjacker “soft ride” springs. They are anything but soft. I did finally change the skyjacker shocks to Bilsteins 5100 and it does help some. But the hard springs are the bigger issue.... As stated above… all kit shocks are junk when compared to Bilsteins.
If you haven’t already… remove the sway bar … that’s helps too. Don’t need it if you have stiff lift springs.

 

[Brian_D]

I have the 6in skyjacker “soft ride” springs. They are anything but soft. I did finally change the skyjacker shocks to Bilsteins 5100 and it does help some. But the hard springs are the bigger issue.... As stated above… all kit shocks are junk when compared to Bilsteins.
If you haven’t already… remove the sway bar … that’s helps too. Don’t need it if you have stiff lift springs.

Right now i have stock suspension, i guess ill get some new springs and shocks.

Should i leave the sway bar on with stock everything?

Ps, I actually planning on lifting the rear about 1, 2 inches because its sitting 1 inch on the dot lower than the front right now.. looks silly.

 

[dyeager535]

You shouldn't need to lift the rear, new stock springs should take care of the problem. I put replacement springs in that location and it actually raised the rear more than worn springs that had an add-a-leaf in them.

If removing the sway bar makes it ride even nicer, not sure how I'd know my truck was even touching the ground. Slight exaggeration, but lowered tire pressure makes it ride at least as good as an IFS rig.

Check the front spring u-bolt retention plate. If they are shiny where the bumpstop has been hitting, you need new springs. That made mine ride incredibly harsh. Instead of getting new springs I trimmed the stops as a test, new springs will happen later.

 

[doonjumper]

I found this site helpful http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Pick_The_Right_Shocks.htm

 

[brt666]

I'm trying to find out how to get new shocks for my GMC V2500 -91 6.2L diesel STOCK height Suburban... My only concern is comfort comfort comfort, i never go offroad with this vehicle since it is my daily driver.

I believe that the Bilstein 5100 would suite me but when i try to get them from Summit it is impossible since they only list Bilstein B6 HD for my truck??? why is that? can anybody here give me some part numbers for 5100:s for this truck so i can get the right shocks? i have a dual setup in front but i suppose i just put in single Bilsteins.

By the way, i'm located in sweden so i really want to be sure what i'm ordering since the shipping/tax/toll cost me the same amount of money as the shocks do.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The Bilstein HD's are for stock vehicles. The 5100's are for lifted vehicles with different spring rates from stock.

 

[dhcomp]

The 4600 Bilsteins (i think these are the hd's) are great on a DD, but they aren't soft.
For stock length stuff on the soft side, i'd go with parts store style.

How about the Monroe's sensatrac's?

 

[Blue85]

I disagree, the Bilsteins offer BOTH a softer ride and more control. The monotube can dump oil much faster on a big bump than the small valve in a twintube can pass. Only the cheapest of shocks is just a simple damper with a fixed rate (maybe a steering stabilizer). Everything else is designed with some level of dynamic. A Bilstein just behaves a lot smarter than a parts store or lift kit shock.

 

[dhcomp]

I Loved my 4600's. but I would never say they were on the softer side.

 

[brt666]

Ok thanks, i just ordered 4 pcs Bilstein B6 HD, new front U-bolts and a new steering stabilizer from Summit = $397.50 ...
Freight/toll/tax to Sweden = $260.50 ...
anyway, the swedish supplier sell the Bilsteins alone for $189 each so ...

 

[Stomis]

I have to say Ive been recently converted to a believer in good quality shocks. And I dont mean a set of $25 more parts store shocks over the el cheapos. I mean re-buildable shocks that will last the life of the rig like Fox's.

While its true that shocks dont affect spring rate they do stop springs from properly functioning.