BajaNomad

Tell me about shocks

JZ - 1-25-2013 at 01:32 PM

Thinking about getting a Chevy 2500. Will pull dirt bikes around in the bed and on a carrier. Will sometimes pull a very large boat.

Will use it off road 10% of the time.

What after market shocks, suspension should I consider. How much does it run?

TMW - 1-25-2013 at 01:44 PM

There are many good shocks out there. I prefer the Bilstein 5100 series. A bit more expensive than most. On line they go for about $75 each.

JZ - 1-25-2013 at 01:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
There are many good shocks out there. I prefer the Bilstein 5100 series. A bit more expensive than most. On line they go for about $75 each.


Sorry for the confusion, not just talking about shocks. But raising it up a bit and an upgraded suspension.

Paulclark - 1-25-2013 at 02:46 PM

For my trucks and race cars I use: www.downsouthmotorsports.com/
Their web site will give you an idea about the cost and what is available for your Chevy....

Bob and Susan - 1-25-2013 at 02:51 PM

if you are going to pull a very large boat i hope it's a diesel

Spearo - 1-25-2013 at 03:31 PM

I also suggest a diesel if you're going to do the towing.

A stock diesel with the Bilstein 5100's will be fine. You can add progressive leaf springs in the back if need be.

I run a Dodge 2500 diesel with a slide in camper and tow a boat, probably 4000 pounds total, with no problem. I averaged 18 mpg last year to Baja and back though my truck is a 2005 with in-line 6 cummins, best mileage diesel out there.

DavidE - 1-25-2013 at 03:31 PM

I've seen heavy duty shocks and springs transfer enough energy to the frame to crack it. Riveted shock mounts (rear) shear all the rivets. I sure would talk to and purchase a suspension kit from someone who knows what the hell they're talking about. A lot of kits are made to cruise shopping centers IMHO.

TMW - 1-25-2013 at 04:02 PM

It all depends on how much you want to spend. You can raise the truck 2 inches with new shocks for under $500. If you go more than that the price goes up. I did a leveling kit on my 04 GMC Z71 for $2100. It lifted it 2.5 inches. Usually anything over 3 inches requires replacing the upper control arms. The shocks for a lifted vehicle need to match the lift.

If you are really serious check with these guys.
http://www.dixonbrosracing.com/content/blogcategory/12/5/

David K - 1-25-2013 at 04:08 PM

Springs and shocks will be a start... are you sure about getting a Chevy?

Maybe a Ford Raptor will be already be set up for what you want to do, or a Tundra Off Road edition, or Dodge Power Wagon? Perhaps visit an off road fabrication shop such as Off Road Warehouse or 4 Wheel Parts for some ideas and costs?

Watch out for opinions! :D

JZ - 1-25-2013 at 04:25 PM

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much better can you make the ride over wash boards with a setup costing $3-4K or under.

comitan - 1-25-2013 at 05:11 PM

Just get a rear sway bar and air bags. Works for me and 3400# camper.

comaten

captkw - 1-25-2013 at 05:31 PM

I agree with the airbags....that way you have more adjustment beside tire pressure..Note:some shocks are also adjustable.......Its also easy to run Too much spring...and small tip: don't join the two air lines for air bags together...keep them separate...K&T:cool:

comitan - 1-25-2013 at 06:48 PM

Costs more but control from the cab.

liknbaja127 - 1-25-2013 at 08:18 PM

I agree with david k, just buy a Ford Raptor with camper shell, and off you go! Great truck. little pricey.

willardguy - 1-25-2013 at 08:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by liknbaja127
I agree with david k, just buy a Ford Raptor with camper shell, and off you go! Great truck. little pricey.
buy a raptor for towing? are you high on drugs?????:?::?::?::?:

Bajaahh - 1-25-2013 at 09:07 PM

Get some Riderite airbags($300) in the rear, easy to install(sometimes no drilling required) and you can adjust them as needed. Air em up if you have a heavy payload, or if your towing a very large boat. It will level out your ride and take a lot of the weight off your suspension. When you dont need em you can air them back down and return to your stock suspension. Ive had mine for 3 years with a 1000# camper, no problems at all.

Stronger leaf springs are nice 10% of the time(when you tow/heavy payload) but then you will have a really stiff ride the other 90% of the time...so I've heard.

Bilstein 5100's are good shocks, they can be adjusted and they have a lifetime warranty( I had mine replaced without question). I ended up finally replacing them with Fox shocks with reservoirs. They are pricey but you get what you pay for and they can be rebuilt/re-valved.
Spend a little more now and avoid spending a lot more later...

Also, try some other forums, I got lots of good advice from Wanderthewest.com, under the "4wheel campers" link. A lot of guys that have different trucks with some heavy payloads.

David K - 1-26-2013 at 10:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaahh
Get some Riderite airbags($300) in the rear, easy to install(sometimes no drilling required) and you can adjust them as needed. Air em up if you have a heavy payload, or if your towing a very large boat. It will level out your ride and take a lot of the weight off your suspension. When you dont need em you can air them back down and return to your stock suspension. Ive had mine for 3 years with a 1000# camper, no problems at all.

Stronger leaf springs are nice 10% of the time(when you tow/heavy payload) but then you will have a really stiff ride the other 90% of the time...so I've heard.

Bilstein 5100's are good shocks, they can be adjusted and they have a lifetime warranty( I had mine replaced without question). I ended up finally replacing them with Fox shocks with reservoirs. They are pricey but you get what you pay for and they can be rebuilt/re-valved.
Spend a little more now and avoid spending a lot more later...

Also, try some other forums, I got lots of good advice from Wanderthewest.com, under the "4wheel campers" link. A lot of guys that have different trucks with some heavy payloads.



Right!

Here is my 2005 Tacoma with Ride Rite air bags and Bilstein 5100 shocks... Installed by Off Road Warehouse in Escondido... Lots of Baja trips with no problems on this set up (installed because the '05 Tacoma springs were too soft and the truck bottomed with a load added. My 2010 has better springs so not needed.


David

captkw - 1-26-2013 at 11:33 AM

Huuhhh !! They should have used Grade 8 Bolt with a locking nut (2) and then trimed the end...I hope those are not carriage bolts..... Yes,, I'm Picky !! air bags are awesome unit!! K&T PS..and the bottom bar is upside down !!! notice how its slightly bent? if was turned over the nuts will be closer to the fulcum or stress point...............Big Sign out front dosnt mean great mechanics.......sorry ,,what ai'm writing is true...BTW,,,Nice Truck !!! K&T PS..if you look how Toyota mounted the axle to the springs,,you will see the proper/correct way it should be done..I have found that a good 90o percent of mech's don't know the bizz....Yikes !!
[Edited on 1-26-2013 by captkw]

[Edited on 1-26-2013 by captkw]

monoloco - 1-26-2013 at 11:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Just get a rear sway bar and air bags. Works for me and 3400# camper.
I have the airbags, they worked for about a year, now they don't hold air.

monoloco - 1-26-2013 at 11:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much better can you make the ride over wash boards with a setup costing $3-4K or under.
The best way to get a more supple ride on washboard roads is to replace your springs with a more progressive spring pack. A lift kit and shocks will do very little for your ride comfort, you do not want stiff for washboard roads. I would call Deaver and see what they recommend for what you are trying to accomplish.
http://www.deaverspring.com/products/leafsgm.html

monoloco is correct

captkw - 1-26-2013 at 11:50 AM

When this thread was started< I could not understand if he was looking for ride height and towing or for washboard roads,, as they not the same.....increasing spring rate will kill you on rough roads..you want to make the springs and shocks less stiff...not more,, as in what you would do for towing and ride height !!

J.P. - 1-26-2013 at 12:04 PM

The cheapest way to make it where it will still be drivable on regular roads is put a good set of air bags on the back and a quality set of shocks all around. There is no such thing as one size fits all off road conversion they all have limitations. A 2500 chevrolet doesn't need that much improvment.

David K - 1-26-2013 at 12:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
Huuhhh !! They should have used Grade 8 Bolt with a locking nut (2) and then trimed the end...I hope those are not carriage bolts..... Yes,, I'm Picky !! air bags are awesome unit!! K&T PS..and the bottom bar is upside down !!! notice how its slightly bent? if was turned over the nuts will be closer to the fulcum or stress point...............Big Sign out front dosnt mean great mechanics.......sorry ,,what ai'm writing is true...BTW,,,Nice Truck !!! K&T

[Edited on 1-26-2013 by captkw]


That was brought up when I posted that photo over 5 years ago. As I said there was no failure after two years of Baja trips before I traded trucks (and kept the Ride Rites in case the new Tacoma needed them).

Mexitron - 1-26-2013 at 12:17 PM

I don't take my 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500 down to Baja anymore, just use it for a work truck---can I get away with a cheaper shock than Bilstein (like Munroe) or are they a waste even on the streets?

And!!

captkw - 1-26-2013 at 12:18 PM

Also look at DK's pick...the upside down mount is not only weaker,, but will collect rocks,mud and collect water for the rust and weight factor.....Now look at the Toyota factory mount (axle to spring) see how its mounted..thats the proper way..Much stronger and Muy Duro......

J.P. - 1-26-2013 at 12:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Just get a rear sway bar and air bags. Works for me and 3400# camper.
I have the airbags, they worked for about a year, now they don't hold air.




Usually thats aeasy fix. Its probably the Fill tubeing easy and cheap fix.

Air bags

captkw - 1-26-2013 at 12:30 PM

Its not usally the bag,,,its almost aways at the connector..Guys like to Torque the hell out of the little nuts and then you get problems.....Always,,always read the Instructions,, if you understand Chinese....LOL..

TMW - 1-26-2013 at 12:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
I don't take my 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500 down to Baja anymore, just use it for a work truck---can I get away with a cheaper shock than Bilstein (like Munroe)


Of course you can.

comitan - 1-26-2013 at 01:01 PM

The air bags on my 2500 chevy. were installed in 1996 and they still work fine.

landyacht318 - 1-26-2013 at 02:05 PM

My Ride Rites are over 5 years old now and leak less than the "acceptable amount'. The first set I got leaked very slowly from the airbags themselves. Summitt sent me another.

They say 5 PSI must be kept in them at all times, though I've read that 10 PSI on others is the minimum.

Driving with 0 psi in them will damage them, though I have briefly done so inadvertently a few times and they still hold air as good as day one.

The Push to connect fittings can use a little persuading. Push the airline in, then pull back on it and the little trim ring of the fitting to form the best seal.

My kit claimed "no drill". I guess that providing self drilling 1/4 inch sheet metal bolts satisfies the lawyers. It would be really fun with just a socket set to get those self drilling screws into the frame. The drill was vital for pilot holes, and to drive the self drilling bolts.

My exhaust needed some modification for clearance, and I fabricated a larger heatshield from a Pizza tray for better protection.

Very slow leaks are difficult to find with the soapy water method. I had to remove, inflate to 10 psi and submerge on that first set I was sent after ruling out the airline and fittings.

On my Van the bags work great for improved handling Via less sway/ lean in turns, and no more bottoming out. The ride is significantly firmer over just the tired overloaded leafs, with just 15 psi in them. More than this is uncomfortable and just raises the rear end, upto 4.5 inches at 100 PSI.

KYB Gas a Justs have been good shocks for me, But some consider them too stiff. Guess it varies with application too.