73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: Als87 on May 10, 2013, 12:18:57 pm
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I am looking to put new shocks on my 87 shortbed.
I have a 4" lift & was wanting opinions or advice on the best shocks without breaking the bank.
Mostly highway driving since I drive it to work but I like to play in the mud when I get a chance so I'm looking for the best of both worlds.
I have a brand new set of skyjackers that were given to me that I need to sell. They won't fit on my truck because one end has a straight bolt.
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I wanted some King Shocks with the piggy-backed remote reservoirs, but can't afford the cost right now, so I went with some Bilstein 5125's on my crew. You just have to measure the length between your shock mounts with the current shocks dismounted and jack-up your truck to let the suspension droop. Measure the distance to get the full extension length and then set it back down in its wheels. For full compression you can estimate that by looking at the springs and figuring how much they can compress when fully loaded. Generally you will not reverse arch your springs. This dramatically reduces the fatigue life of the springs. Then just find the dimensions that fit. I think I got the P/N: 33-185576.
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After much research, I went with Bilstein 5100's and really like them. Quality shocks and not overly priced. Whatever you get, make sure you pull a tape and run off of your measurements instead of the MFG recommended length. The correct shock for my rear (6" leaf sprung lift) ended up being the shock they recommend for my truck with a 4" lift. Had I run the recommended shock, it would have been prone to bottoming out and inches of unusable extension.
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My 2004 Silverado Crew it came with Pro Comp MX6 to go with the Pro Comp lift. They are not cheap at about $100 each but they work really well and they are adjustable. There is a dial so you can select how stiff they are. Also, they mount upside down, reservoir on top. They say it reduces the unsprung weight.
Best part, life time warranty against manufacturing defect and leaks. I've had to use the warranty and there were no issues at all.
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I think im gonna go with the Bilstein 5100's or 5125's, but how do i know which is the right one or what will fit my truck?
I'm not even 100% sure how big the lift is but im fairly certain it's 4". how do i tell for sure? (it is a susp. lift not a body lift)
I just know that all these websites suggest the yellow & blue Bilstein 4600's & i dont want those.
I want to make sure the 5100's or 5125's will fit before i order em since i dnt want to pay to ship em back & forth.
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i know when i worked at autozone. the computers would ask if it has a lift, wouldnt matter what size but as long as your under 6" i dont see a difference in the shocks.
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Really!? That helps alot since that was my main concern cuz there were several websites that asked if the truck has a 3",4" or 6" lift.
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Best way is like I said earlier. Disconnect your current shocks and lift the truck letting the suspension droop. Measure the distance between shock mounts. That is about your fully extended dimension. Then set it back down and measure again. That is very near your mid-stroke. You can estimate the amount of compression to get the compressed length. Then look at the charts and pick the best fit. You don't want to bottom-out a shock. Typically a good shock is designed to survive being fully extended, but you don't want to limit your travel if you can avoid it.
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I'm not even 100% sure how big the lift is but im fairly certain it's 4". how do i tell for sure? (it is a susp. lift not a body lift)
if you have blocks under the rear for the lift and not a spring lift, you can measure the blocks and that will tell you exactly what you have.
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yeah i wouldnt listen to me on the computer part, it was a autozone computer so they weren't 100% right i would guess 75% lol. i would take yours off and take it to napa they will set you up they can use a paper catalog and it should be able to tell them what shock you need based off your old one