02 ECSB Z71 1500 Silverado - stock suspension -- looking to replace factory shocks (83K on the clock), they seem to be pretty bouncy in warmer weather, nice and firm when cold out and havn't gone very far -- they are the red factory shocks, which I think were made by Tenneco....... Anyway, I desire a firm, but compliant ride, and have heard many positives on Bilsteins, and Edelbrock IAS. Suggestions? Also, love the look of the 5100 Bilstein -- do they make that for a stock height suspension? If so, is there a reason to get that over the HD? Price expected per? Any other brands suggested?

 

The Bilstein 5100 series is the exact same as the HD version, it just comes in longer lengths for lifted applications.
I know there are guys that run the 5100 series and a completely stock truck, they just get them in case they lift it later. I believe the ones they are using are designed for 1-3" lift but work fine on stock height.
I plan on getting the 5100 when I do my torsion lift. In all reality, the stock shocks I have now are actually too short at stock height. They bottom out before the suspension does.

 

my buddy just put bilsteins on his stock suspension ext cab as a replacement cause he has 80k+. he said its like a whole new truck, it soaks up potholes and speedbumps.

 

With stock size/weight wheels the bilsteins seem good, when you add a much heavier wheel and tire(like 20s) they become a little sloppy just like the stockers. if your going to have big heavy wheels best bet is adjustable shocks, then you can adjust them for any wheel combo.

 

I swapped to Bilsteins from the red factory shocks and the improvement was night and day. It went from a stiff harsh ride to a firm responsive ride. (This was before I lowered the truck)

 

mine are great I have to take the rear off because of the new lowering kit but I have them for sale. they are 3 mo old and are the hd's.

 

Thanks for the help....sounds like the Bilstein HD's are the ticket. I forgot to mention that I am running 285/75/16 Mickey Thompson MTX's, which weigh 8 lbs more than the stock 265/75/16 tire (285 - 53 lbs, 265 - 45 lbs), on the stock wheels. Should the 8 lbs of unsprung weight make a difference on the shock selection?

I looked around a little, and found the HD part #'s for my truck:
F4-BE5-6500-H0 front
F4-BE5-2905-H1 rear

Best price I found was about $250 for all 4. Anyone know anyplace cheaper? Any mailorder place recommended?

 

8lbs will not make enough difference for you to tell. I'll will be fine.

$250 is about the best price I've seen.