Z71 rear shocks

[Snacky]

So I was going to get under my truck and clean up ans repaint the red rear shocks, they look crappy and you can see them from the street with my truck in the driveway and you can see them where I park at work. It drives me nuts. Since shocks don't seem to be that expensive, maybe I'll just replace them instead. I like a stiff shock. Not sure if it matters, but I'll add that before too long I'll be installing the CCM 2.5/1 and getting 285/65/18's. I want something that looks nice too. Any suggestions (on the shocks)?
Thanks!

 

[Snacky]

Hmm. Since I also plan on getting one of the nicer leather wrapped column shifters, I wonder if I could get adjustable shocks and use the +/- switch on the shift lever to adjust the shocks. Is that in any way possible?

 

[Zed 71]

So I was going to get under my truck and clean up ans repaint the red rear shocks, they look crappy and you can see them from the street with my truck in the driveway and you can see them where I park at work. It drives me nuts. Since shocks don't seem to be that expensive, maybe I'll just replace them instead. I like a stiff shock. Not sure if it matters, but I'll add that before too long I'll be installing the CCM 2.5/1 and getting 285/65/18's. I want something that looks nice too. Any suggestions (on the shocks)?
Thanks!

IMO wait until you get the CCM kit and buy the proper length rear shocks. Installing too long a shock at stock height will limit up travel (potential to bottom out shock) and OEM stock length with limit droop (also top out shock).

I would recommend Bilstein 5100s, but those are not stiffly valved. I bought ICONs (for a different rig) and they control the ride a lot better than OEM (look good also).

 

[Snacky]

IMO wait until you get the CCM kit and buy the proper length rear shocks. Installing too long a shock at stock height will limit up travel (potential to bottom out shock) and OEM stock length with limit droop (also top out shock).

I would recommend Bilstein 5100s, but those are not stiffly valved. I bought ICONs (for a different rig) and they control the ride a lot better than OEM (look good also).

Zed, I don't know much about shocks and haven't done my homework. Good call on waiting till I put on the CCM and tires. Let me see if I understand, just taking a stab at this...
Too tall a shock on stock will bottom out because at stock height the shock is already compressed a bit?
oem shock with CCM will top out cause it's already "stretched" a bit?
Not sure what stiffly valves means. Does that just mean stiff? I def don't want anything less stiff than shock, I like a tight ride.

 

[Zed 71]

Zed, I don't know much about shocks and haven't done my homework. Good call on waiting till I put on the CCM and tires. Let me see if I understand, just taking a stab at this...
Too tall a shock on stock will bottom out because at stock height the shock is already compressed a bit?
oem shock with CCM will top out cause it's already "stretched" a bit?
Not sure what stiffly valves means. Does that just mean stiff? I def don't want anything less stiff than shock, I like a tight ride.

You have the basic idea. If you do not take it off-road for the most part it is ok to run OEM length shock/strut shafts. It is really noticeable when cycling the suspension off-road or on speed bumps. Go to the Bilstein website, they have some good explanations on shaft lengths and I believe valving.

 

[Snacky]

You have the basic idea. If you do not take it off-road for the most part it is ok to run OEM length shock/strut shafts. It is really noticeable when cycling the suspension off-road or on speed bumps. Go to the Bilstein website, they have some good explanations on shaft lengths and I believe valving.

Cool thanks. Yeah, off-roading will be rare and aggressive off-roading probably never. I'll check out that site.

 

[Snacky]

A lot of options out there. Can anyone recommend a good rear shock to use with the CCM lift? I'm also considering ditching the 1 inch spacer and going with a 1.5 inch so I can keep some forward rake. So maybe a shock that works well with a 1 or 1.5 inch spacer.

Should I also be considering changing the front shocks when I install the CCM?

 

[Zed 71]

Cheap and stiff try Rancho 9000XLs. They are adjustable dampening wise, contact them to discuss extended length shocks.

Better shocks would be Fox, Kings, and Icon. You get what you pay for...