shock opinions

[87chevy]

Hey guys I soon will be installing marks 3" suspension lift. Wanted to get some opinions on rear shocks. I was thinking of using the bilstein 10" 5125 series v255/70 shocks but want to see some opinions first.

[Cable810]

I'm runnin Skyjacker N8030 Shocks.

[87chevy]

Did they give you any rake

[Diacom]

you know, you asked about shocks, not springs...

[navigator]

shocks don't give lift/rake.

[87chevy]

Yep u guys r right thats my fault im talking about springs on another site

[navigator]

I think Mark's lift sits pretty much level. I run the skyjacker N8030s and am happy with them.

[87chevy]

Ive been looking into the skyjackers also I think im going to go with them but who knows ive changed my mind to many times already. I think they will go good with a set of z71 springs.

[Lauron]

Jim, I installed the Bilsteins with MarkMcs 3" lift. I have had minimal time in the TB so can't comment on how they are in the ride department. Take a look at the Bilstein Rear shock thread if you haven't already done so. It does share opinions of Skyjackers as well.

Ron

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3438

[The Roadie]

...I think they will go good with a set of z71 springs.

Shocks are a combination of length and valving. The BDS were the only set chosen by the designers for us KNOWING they were going to be used on lifted trucks with spacers and Tahoe/Avalanche Z71 springs. For other shocks, users have chosen them primarily for length, and you're trusting the users (I think) to have evaluated the other qualities of the shock with some skill and science. Unsophisticated or inexperienced users might not know what they needed to specify.

In my case, I still run the BDS gas units, but wish I had even more stiffness to counteract the Airlift1000 bags INSIDE my Z71 springs. And adjustability is something I'd look for nowadays, knowing the range of typical PSI that I use inside the bags. I didn't know this years ago, and my expedition weight distribution has changed as I carry less cargo and fewer tools, but have the RTT way up high. And my mix of low-speed rock crawling to high speed desert washboards has changed.

[Opeth]

I have the Bilsteins.... For some reason they don't like cold weather, anything sub 25* f my rear end clunks over city street bumps. Above that no clunks. I don't know if its the rubber contracting in the bushings or what. The ride feels the same no matter what temp, but not sure what the hell is causing the clunking.

[Lauron]

Cody, what size bolt did you use? The Bilstein uses a 1/2 sleeve and then a 1/2" bolt is required.

I ended up making 1/2" ID spacers with washers to centre and tighten on the bushing inner metal sleeve. This allows the shock to pivot in the mounting bracket. I initially installed the shock with washers but this did not allow much flex and I was worried I would wear out the shock prematurely.

This pic shows the shock mounted "upside down" because it collected water inside the boot when I had it mounted boot up. This position avoids contact with body of the shock with the mount that some have experienced. I have not yet flipped them back over, boot up, with a hole in the boot to drain the water.

Ron

[fishsticks]

5125s are pressurized gas shocks. It's fine to run them rod down.

[Opeth]

I did the same, think I was first to try these out or at least post in that other thread where Donny suggested them opposed to the Fox's.



1/2" bolts through bottom and top, cut spacers and use washers. The clunk comes and goes, everything is snug back there might just be the Z71 springs being too stiff for the shocks when it's really cold. It's 19*f outside right now and didn't make a peep on the way home, so I have no clue. Lol

[v7guy]

I like the ole fox racing shocks. I'm a little more partial to gas charged personally. The bilsteins seem like a nice option too.

[soldier32mp]

I went through 2 sets of the new Fox's and just went back to the bilsteins .

[soldier32mp]

I'm just curious has anyone tried the bilstein 5100 up front vs the HDs ?

[The Roadie]

Got a model number or URL for 5100s for the front? Didn't think they made that variation.

[soldier32mp]

Bill... BSN-24-187169

[dvanbramer88]

Bill... BSN-24-187169

That SHOCK you posted won't work on the front of a TB. You need a STRUT.