Z71 Springs

[tasnat23]

Well, I finally picked up a set of Z71 springs from eBay......$40+shipping, so $65 total. Hopefully they are what they say they are, the seller was a top seller, so I guess I should be too worried. But is there anything special I need to know. Im just putting the springs in, since I already have the BDS rear shocks. Im guessing its just like I did when I put the BDS lift in. Pretty easy.

Oh, and quick question, I have a sMaxx 1" spacer in the rear with the BDS lift right now, when I put the Z71 springs in, I can leave that 1" spacer in right?

[The Roadie]

Its easy, except for the usual issue of getting the spring over the perch hump if you don't extend the axle down a bit with a bottle jack. Be careful stressing the ebrake cables when the shocks are disconnected, since they become the downward limiting element.

You can leave the SMAXX spacer in, but you might not want to. You're going to bang into full extension a lot if you compress the springs too much.

And with Z71 springs, I found the previous Trailblazee/BDS shocks were undersized. Tahoe Z71 shocks that often come with these takeoff spring kits are a joke.

I got a set from BDS meant for Tahoes/Avalanche/FJ60s and they're WONDERFUL! Not packaged with a part number yet to sell to the public, but I evaluated them with BDS' advice to choose the right shock body. Soon as I get a part number to buy I'll post my evaluation report. And we'll try to get a vendor here to sell them to us.

[Philberto]

I've got no problems with my z71 shocks... how are they a joke, if you don't mind me asking? Only problem I have is now when I go over speed bumps unloaded, the back end slams back into the ground after the bump hehe

[The Roadie]

They're just skinny - thin tube. Less mass to absorb heat, so they are sized to work OK for paved roads and short runs on gravel. Longer runs like 20 miles down a desert wash at 40 MPH at 110 degrees with bumps and some washboarding and they'll overheat, and perhaps blow out the seal. I've done that to three sets of rear shocks so far, and am hoping to warn others of the risk.

I've been advising people who buy the Z71 takeoff springs from Ebay to not use the shocks. Get the longer ones from BDS that go with their lift kits, and if you're upgrading now, hold out another week or so and I should have a new part number from BDS to recommend.

It's doubly important for you and me who are carrying hundreds of pounds of expedition gear and are close to (or over) GMVW.

[tasnat23]

Sounds good Roadie. I will need to wait about a month and a
half to do the upgrade anyways. By the time I get the springs in the mail I will be ready
to g to California. I am going to Beale AFB for some training. So I have a while to wait for some good rear shocks since I currently have the ones that came w/ the lift.

[Philberto]

They're just skinny - thin tube. Less mass to absorb heat, so they are sized to work OK for paved roads and short runs on gravel. Longer runs like 20 miles down a desert wash at 40 MPH at 110 degrees with bumps and some washboarding and they'll overheat, and perhaps blow out the seal. I've done that to three sets of rear shocks so far, and am hoping to warn others of the risk.

I've been advising people who buy the Z71 takeoff springs from Ebay to not use the shocks. Get the longer ones from BDS that go with their lift kits, and if you're upgrading now, hold out another week or so and I should have a new part number from BDS to recommend.

It's doubly important for you and me who are carrying hundreds of pounds of expedition gear and are close to (or over) GMVW.

Ahhhh.... gotcha. I was rather curious about how the z71 shocks weren't much larger than the stock ones... However, what makes the BDS ones potentially better than say, rancho/skyjacker/fabtech, etc shocks for a tahoe? (assuming they make them... haven't looked yet)

[The Roadie]

Ahhhh.... gotcha. I was rather curious about how the z71 shocks weren't much larger than the stock ones... However, what makes the BDS ones potentially better than say, rancho/skyjacker/fabtech, etc shocks for a tahoe? (assuming they make them... haven't looked yet)

Stock trailvoy shocks are even more of a joke. I took mine off at 9K miles, still in warranty and they sucked.

BDS shocks are better than their competitors shocks, most other things being equal, because they support our platform. The other guys deserve NONE of our loyalty, IMHO. BDS made the first serious lift for functional offroading - gutsy move - copied by almost none of their competitors.

If they make their investment back, we might get MORE products. If they see no support from us, the supply chain dries up. I can't stress this enough. Hint. Hint. Winky-wink.

I run with their stickers I believe in them so much.

[Philberto]

Ahhhh.... gotcha. I was rather curious about how the z71 shocks weren't much larger than the stock ones... However, what makes the BDS ones potentially better than say, rancho/skyjacker/fabtech, etc shocks for a tahoe? (assuming they make them... haven't looked yet)

Stock trailvoy shocks are even more of a joke. I took mine off at 9K miles, still in warranty and they sucked.

BDS shocks are better than their competitors shocks, most other things being equal, because they support our platform. The other guys deserve NONE of our loyalty, IMHO. BDS made the first serious lift for functional offroading - gutsy move - copied by almost none of their competitors.

If they make their investment back, we might get MORE products. If they see no support from us, the supply chain dries up. I can't stress this enough. Hint. Hint. Winky-wink.

I run with their stickers I believe in them so much.

Point taken.

[teebes]

Ahhhh.... gotcha. I was rather curious about how the z71 shocks weren't much larger than the stock ones... However, what makes the BDS ones potentially better than say, rancho/skyjacker/fabtech, etc shocks for a tahoe? (assuming they make them... haven't looked yet)

Stock trailvoy shocks are even more of a joke. I took mine off at 9K miles, still in warranty and they sucked.

BDS shocks are better than their competitors shocks, most other things being equal, because they support our platform. The other guys deserve NONE of our loyalty, IMHO. BDS made the first serious lift for functional offroading - gutsy move - copied by almost none of their competitors.

If they make their investment back, we might get MORE products. If they see no support from us, the supply chain dries up. I can't stress this enough. Hint. Hint. Winky-wink.

I run with their stickers I believe in them so much.

Would be sweet if BDS could come up with an upgrade for the front shock A nice complete kit rather than having to include the bilstein HDs.

[mikek3363]

i'm sure everyone hasn't had problems with BDS shocks but mine absolutely suck i've only had them for about 2 years and the back right one is already blown with oil running down it and they are rusted to hell

[Trail X]

It'd be interesting to actually compare shock diameters... I just threw out my stock shocks... shoulda kept them for a measure.

I remember a significant difference between the Z71s and the stock shocks though... I certainly wouldn't consider it a worthless upgrade. Mine have been working great for over 30k miles so far.

[The Roadie]

Which BDS did you have? Hydraulic (white paint) or gas pressurized (silver)? I just installed some beefier ones meant for a 2002 Suburban, and the silver ones now have a plastic coating.

Did you have Z71 springs for all two years? I have Z71 springs, Airlift bags inside of those, and regularly run with 500+ pounds of supplies. And the 32-33" wheels/tires are significantly heavier than stock.

I also blew my BDS shocks out, that were meant for stock trailblazers or as much as 31" tires, and can't blame them at all.

I'll be able to post about the alternatives as soon as BDS gives me a part number for the upgraded shocks PLUS the mounting hardware. I just obtained the naked shocks with BDS engineering's advice and already had hardware in stock.

[bgwolfpack]

BDS does not warranty the shocks they sell, only hard parts.

[teebes]

BDS does not warranty the shocks they sell, only hard parts.

Whoa there I've personally had BDS step up and replace my gas shocks - free of charge!! Here's some info for folks interested in their warranty info:
http://www.bds-suspension.com/Company/w ... p#warranty

BDS Suspension Co. warrants to the original retail purchaser that its Limited Lifetime Warrantyshock and stabilizer cylinders are free from defects in material and workmanship for so long as they own the vehicle. Excluded from this warranty are the finish of the product and mounting bushings. Defects in material and workmanship do not include such things as dented cylinders or bent rods caused by obvious side impact, rust, worn or deformed bushings. A shock absorber is a wear item and over time will experience diminished damping resistance due to normal component wear. This is not a defect in material or workmanship and is therefore not warrantable.

[bgwolfpack]

BDS does not warranty the shocks they sell, only hard parts.

Whoa there I've personally had BDS step up and replace my gas shocks - free of charge!! Here's some info for folks interested in their warranty info:
http://www.bds-suspension.com/Company/w ... p#warranty

BDS Suspension Co. warrants to the original retail purchaser that its Limited Lifetime Warrantyshock and stabilizer cylinders are free from defects in material and workmanship for so long as they own the vehicle. Excluded from this warranty are the finish of the product and mounting bushings. Defects in material and workmanship do not include such things as dented cylinders or bent rods caused by obvious side impact, rust, worn or deformed bushings. A shock absorber is a wear item and over time will experience diminished damping resistance due to normal component wear. This is not a defect in material or workmanship and is therefore not warrantable.

teebes, Read what I wrote. They do not carry a in house warranty on shocks. They will, however meet the Private label shock mans. warranty. Your not dealing with BDS just someone elses warranty. And who could say no to you anyway.

[Trail X]

I'll be able to post about the alternatives as soon as BDS gives me a part number for the upgraded shocks PLUS the mounting hardware. I just obtained the naked shocks with BDS engineering's advice and already had hardware in stock.

Why don't you get your BDS contact to become a member here? I'm sure BDS has some marketing guy assigned to our platform. It'd be nice to see some actual representation.

[The Roadie]

I asked. Too many forums. Too little time. I'll protect their interests here and be a go-between. And poke them as often as I can with new product requests as long as folks keep BUYING their stuff for the platform.

[stonetrail]

How much lift do the Z71 springs give you and does any one know if you can stack them with Liftmeister 2.5" lift .

[janesy86]

With just the springs they will get you approx. 1.5" and yes you can stack them. Right now I just have the Z71 springs and haven't put in the rear spacer. Sits exactly level right now.

[bgwolfpack]

I asked.

Roadie you don't seem that timid.

Too many forums.

Too little effort.

Too little time.

Not for a good salesman.

I'll protect their interests here and be a go-between.

Are you getting a spiff?

And poke them as often as I can with new product requests as long as folks keep BUYING their stuff for the platform.

If they would be a voice here and on the os Markmc might not get so many free sales. At least he puts in the time needed, which isn't much.
Free marketing and they don't take advantage of it. Idiots