Rear Shocks

[signguy62]

Just installed Marks 2.5" lift. (Thanks again Bob). Swapper the fronts for Bilstein HD's but still running the stock Bilsteins in the rear. Seams their at their limit at full extension. Railroad grades feels as though rear wheels actually hop. Are the Bilstein HD's any longer or do I need to go with the BDS rear shocks?

[janesy86]

Not fully sure, but I'm pretty sure that they are the same as stock. I'd just go with the BDS rears as the 5500 series is the same price wise as the Bilstiens... I just ordered my set today, since my Z71 shocks are leakin' oil now.

[signguy62]

Thanks for your input.

[Gordinho80]

The Bilstein HDs meant for the TB rear are the same length as the stocks. One option for longer shocks, is an HD meant for the 07 & up Z71s. You'd have to use washers to fit them right...

Take a look at some the build threads, I know Alek and Bill are running different shocks. Alek has FabTechs and I think Bill has BDS shocks...

I'm running the Z71 shocks that came with the springs. I like them more then I liked the Bilstein HDs when I had them in for a week. But I do plan on upgrading in the future...

[signguy62]

Thanks Mario, appreciate the input.

[Mooseknuckle]

The BDS 5500 series will do just fine actually a lot better than the z71 shocks that come with the springs. The z 71's are fine and will work as some guys on here are still running them with no problems. I opted to purchase the BDS 9500 series after talking to The Roadie,they are 140 a pair. An essential upgrade for "My Mission".

[janesy86]

I opted to purchase the BDS 9500 series after talking to The Roadie,they are 140 a pair. An essential upgrade for "My Mission".

Really?? On BDS' website it says $114 or so each... Where are you gettin that deal? Care to share? Even tho my 5500 series are on the UPS truck as we speak and should be here Friday!!

[Zero]

stay away from the avalanche shocks, I dont like them at all....and roadie can give you 101 reasons not to get them. Go with BDS, you know youll get the right part for your truck, plus their stuff is top notch!

[signguy62]

BDS site:

9500's $117.- ea.
5500's $48.- ea.

9500's when ordered w/ their lift kit $140. pr.

[Gordinho80]

Bill's running the Gas shock... 95619. 55619 is the hydraulic version of that shock...

95619 - Gas Shock Absorber - $117.77
55619 - Hydraulic Shock Absorber - $47.32

Prices are from BDS Website

[janesy86]

BDS site:

9500's $117.- ea.
5500's $48.- ea.

9500's when ordered w/ their lift kit $140. pr.

Ahhh... ok, that makes sense.

stay away from the avalanche shocks, I dont like them at all....and roadie can give you 101 reasons not to get them. Go with BDS, you know youll get the right part for your truck, plus their stuff is top notch!

Yea mine just blew their seal and are leaking oil, but I can't really say that they were that bad. I guess I'll find out how they compare once I put on the BDS'

[Gordinho80]

My avalanche shocks have held up fine for a year now. I do plan on going the BDS route soon, but the avalanche shocks have been alright... a little bouncy at times, but MUCH better for me, then the Bilstein HDs when I had them in. The HDs would have been fine if weren't running the Z71 springs and just the BDS lift, I think.

[Philberto]

I find that the avalanche spring/shock combo likes to launch the rear of my tb when it's not loaded down...I will definitely be looking to bds once my current shocks blow out.

[Gordinho80]

Phil, I agree. When the cargo is empty, my TB's rear is all over the place. My shocks came with my springs. I got the springs and shocks for $70 shipped last year. I looked at it like I was getting the shocks for free. I had already ordered Bilstein HDs for all around, I put them on before I put the Z71 springs in. I loved the way it drove. When I threw the springs into the mix, it was HORRIBLE! I replaced the shocks and was very pleased with the difference. Not the same ride I had with the HDs and no Z71s, but closer... MUCH closer.

[signguy62]

Well, thanks for everyones input. I just placed my order for the BDS 5500's.

[Philberto]

Mario, out of curiosity, were you running the Bilsteins for the TB or the Bilsteins for the Tahoe/Avalanche? One would think the damping rate would be different, IMO.

[Mooseknuckle]

yeah my bad 120 each for the BDS 9500. so 240 total. I paid 585.00 for the 9500 rear shocks and the 2" Bds Lift kit front and rear. I thought it was a good deal

[Gordinho80]

Phil, I was running the HDs meant for the TB.

[Philberto]

Ah, OK. I wonder to myself what it would be like if one ran the HD's meant for the Tahoe. Could those possibly be a similar ride to the BDS shocks? Also, for those of you running the new Avalanche-based BDS shocks, or who ordered them... Do they fit correctly in the TB shock mounts, or do you have to shim the lower mount?

[Gordinho80]

I don't think they have an avalanche shock that any of us would run. All the BDS shocks for the avalanche are meant for 6" of lift on that vehicle...

One would assume that a Bilstein HD meant for an Avalanche would probably work better on our lifted rigs then the TB HD, but I'm still leaning more toward the BDS 9500s to be honest.