Getting Bilstein 5100's for front. Is upgrading rear shocks even worth it?

[Captain Insaino]

I've done a lot of reading, watched a lot of videos. I know the difference will be night and day for the ride in front. But what about the rear? I have the ZW7 Nivomats, decent shape, no leaks in the rear. I'm leveling the fronts. No extreme duty off road stuff, mostly highway driving with occaisional unmaintained dirt roads, soupy river roads, creek crossing, etc. I'm after the most comfortable, forgiving ride I can get without breaking the bank. Would upgrading the rear shocks be a dramatic enough difference in ride to be worth it?
Thanks in advance.

2015 Tahoe LT 4WD

 

[sspearsau]

While I cannot speak from experience, I am contemplating doing the same (5100s all around). The guy at 4WheelParts was of the impression that the rear shocks makes a huge difference on SUVs given the weights that the rears carry, compared to a truck that, unless hauling or towing, does not have much weight over the rear shocks.

Please post a review after you do the fronts!

 

[Captain Insaino]

Thanks, I will. I seriously dislike the ride stock. It handles the big stuff well, but it seems like I feel everything else. My 2002 Z71 was actually smoother. Install will be on the 26th.

 

[sspearsau]

I, too, am not a big fan of the ride. To me it feels like a boat that is constantly rocking.

What's further surprising is that every bump in the road sounds like it is in the backseat with a major thumping sound. Almost like the shocks bottom out (though I know they are not).

 

[Captain Insaino]

I am going to answer my own question in the original post. Yes. After getting the Bilsteins installed, all of the steering wheel feedback I was getting with the stock front shocks is gone. But now the contrast between front and rear is obvious. Especially when taking a speed bump faster than usual. The inherently bumpy ride I used to have is half gone. Can’t wait to do the rears. Would highly recommend the 5100s for an upgrade in ride quality and leveling.

 

[GreyStone]

How did the level come out? ~ Pics?

 

[Captain Insaino]

I could actually notice when I first stepped in the truck. I had to readjust my seat, LOL
Need to re-adjust the headlights tonight

 

[GreyStone]

View attachment 250918 View attachment 250916
I could actually notice when I first stepped in the truck. I had to readjust my seat, LOL
Need to re-adjust the headlights tonight

Nice!!!..Are those 265/65s

 

[sd172]

275/65 r18s here.
On the first picture the 5100s are set to the highest position (4 out of 4), the tops of the front and the rear wheel wells are at 38 inches. The highway handling was slightly off compared to the stock.
On the second picture the 5100s are set to the 2 out of 4 position, the front sits at 36.5 inches. I would chose this configuration if you are regularly driving over 65.
P.S. The rear is stock and has the max tow air ride shocks.

 

[GreyStone]

275/65 r18s here.
On the first picture the 5100s are set to the highest position (4 out of 4), the tops of the front and the rear wheel wells are at 38 inches. The highway handling was slightly off compared to the stock.
On the second picture the 5100s are set to the 2 out of 4 position, the front sits at 36.5 inches. I would chose this configuration if you are regularly driving over 65.
P.S. The rear is stock and has the max tow air ride shocks.

View attachment 250924 View attachment 250925

Damn good lookin truck! The second pic sits really nice. I recently picked up a set of those same rims you guys have - found some take-offs on CL.