the z85 is the hd suspension, sometimes called handling/trailering......... the z83 is the smooth ride suspension. My truck was always much more .... smooshy i guess.( why would the hd package ride less firm?) and now i lowered it with belltech 2" coils and hangers/shackles..... the rear rides so squishy and it bangs so much. what' gives? I wondered what was up, before i lowered it, now it's much worse, i need to stiffen the rear. I swapped out the edelbrocks i bought with the kit, for my stock shocks, hoping it would stiffen it up so i could drive it, but it barely helped. i wanna know if maybe the stepside trucks run a different spring? i need some assistance here, cause my truck rides like crap. stiff front end, and soft rear end..... makes for a really bouncy ride.

 

I have the Z85 and mine rides pretty stiff. After I installed the shackles I have had no issues with bottoming out. Your situation sounds kind of unusual.

 

I also have a Z85 step-side and the rear is anything BUT soft. When I replaced the original shocks with Bilsteins, it stiffened it up more than stock but it was already pretty stiff. Of course, mine's a 4x4 so that's what I expected.

 

damnit, now i'm mad!!!!! what's up with my ****

 

I had the Z85 on my 94 Sonoma extended cab 4X4 and hated it. You couldn't even think about trying to take a drink unless there was a lid on the cup!