Shock upgrade question...

[Duramaximus]

Of all of the additions I've done. Swapping out the Ranchos made the biggest and most noticeable difference.

 

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[ibmiked]

Does anyone know the torque specs for the rear shock bolts? Apologies if it has been posted - I searched but couldn’t find it. I’m throwing a set of 5100s on the back this weekend. Thanks!

 

[kobra357]

Does anyone know the torque specs for the rear shock bolts? Apologies if has been posted - searched but couldn’t find it. I’m throwing a set of 5100s on the back this weekend. Thanks!

I think I put mine at 80ft. Dons life said 90 in his video. I found a website that says 85. So there you go. I installed the 5100s all around and am super happy.

 

[ibmiked]

I think I put mine at 80ft. Dons life said 90 in his video. I found a website that says 85. So there you go. I installed the 5100s all around and am super happy.

Thank you!! I appreciate it. I’ll have to check out that Don’s life video as well.

 

[JTCJC]

I ordered the 5160s for the rear. They should be delivered tomorrow. We have pretty rough roads in Tennessee and my rear end gets scary on the highway. It happens everyday to and from work. I plan to do the fronts at some point but I am still researching the UCA debate. I think I will just replace the UCAs (not sure which brand yet) to be safe but does add a bit of cost to the project.

 

[Duramaximus]

I ordered the 5160s for the rear. They should be delivered tomorrow. We have pretty rough roads in Tennessee and my rear end gets scary on the highway. It happens everyday to and from work. I plan to do the fronts at some point but I am still researching the UCA debate. I think I will just replace the UCAs (not sure which brand yet) to be safe but does add a bit of cost to the project.

You'll love the 5160's. Mine have been great. No issues.

 

[JTCJC]

You'll love the 5160's. Mine have been great. No issues.

Looking forward to it. Did you change the UCAs for the 6112s?

 

[kobra357]

Looking forward to it. Did you change the UCAs for the 6112s?

You did not ask me, but since your changing out the shocks I would do the UCAs too. Save you down the road. I did and am glad for it. My 3 cents.

 

[JTCJC]

You did not ask me, but since your changing out the shocks I would do the UCAs too. Save you down the road. I did and am glad for it. My 3 cents.

Thanks! There is a lot of chatter over this issue so hard to determine if it’s “required or recommended“.

 

[kobra357]

If you’re doing a level or a lift probably yes. If just replacing shocks probably no. Im guessing.

 

[JTCJC]

Of all of the additions I've done. Swapping out the Ranchos made the biggest and most noticeable difference.

I replaced my rears and unbelievable the difference. Hard to believe GM would not have these or equivalent stock, especially considering the OEM cost. And I would enjoy talking to the engineers/driver who approved the original design.
I did talk to my dealer before installing. Obviously the Bilstiens are not warranty but does not affect the manufacturer warrant/extended warranty.

 

[kobra357]

I think GM uses the softer bouncy Ranchos because on test drives the truck drives better at fist for the short time you try it. Just like the crappy tires used on 90% of cars. They are for short test runs not longevity these days.

 

[Andystoy AT4]

I bought the 5100 Bilstein front and back but so far I have only installed the rear 11800km/7380 m total.

When I removed the Ranchos they immediately expanded to full length so they do have some gas charge.

I have driven my AT4 on several trips by itself and pulling about 3500 lbs. on a light tandem trailer and have noticed no improvement in ride quality in either case. IMO save your money and replace the Ranchos when they are worn out or you have changed the suspension to something that requires new shocks.

I installed the front Biltein shocks a couple of days ago at 17500 km/10937m. They are installed at the lowest clip (stock height) and there is no noticeable change in the front end height.
I removed the front strut package at home but when I tried to compress the springs with two econo spring compressors it didn't look good so I took the struts to a front end place and they changed the Ranchos with the Biltein. I installed the front struts at home.
After a 80km/50m drive this morning on our asphalt roads, the truck now has a stiffer ride (more jar when crossing the breaks in the pavement). I will be towing the same trailer towards the weekend and will update if something is different.

IMO and FWIW if your Ranchos are still good, run them until they need to be replaced. I don't feel the change was worth it for me. I drive asphalt 2 and 4 lane highways that have lots of pavement cracks and later on they grow with the frost heaves.

 

[jconner00]

I think GM uses the softer bouncy Ranchos because on test drives the truck drives better at fist for the short time you try it. Just like the crappy tires used on 90% of cars. They are for short test runs not longevity these days.

exactly!!! i thought "why is everyone complaining?" until about 1,000 miles on them. Now the back end jumps around like a hooker.

 

[FunHuman]

Stock it rode like a truck bouncing around, no cushion. Body roll like a canoe. I installed the Bilstein 6112 front, 5160 rear. Amazing change, the ride is neither soft nor hard, it is just what you would expect from a tight performance car (it's all relative).
Last week I was flying down an unfamiliar country road (75mph). Next thing I know it turns into a roller coaster ride. Expecting neck injury, as I flew over the rise of the road into the dips, I was honestly in awe. No bounce, no loss of control. It honestly felt like the truck was being pulled back to the pavement by magnets. I spoke aloud to myself "Wow."
Listen I drive the sh#t out of this truck, I traded a 2022 C8 Vette for this thing (got a dog).
I do not ever go off road, but I can tell you the Bilstein's transformed my ride, worth every penny. Hellwig sway bar sitting in the garage waiting for installation.