Forum Discussion

PaulCW's avatar
PaulCW
Explorer
Mar 02, 2015

Bilsteins or Not

I have a 2005 GMC 2500 duramax and I tow a new 303RLS reflection (just got it)

You can see the pic in my profile (excuse the salt on the truck) and it is with my winter tires 245/16's on the truck. You will notice the rig sits quite level. I will be towing with 18 inch wheels which puts the truck up about 1 inch. No lift on the truck.

My question is if I put new Bilsteins on the truck will it cause the truck to stay higher when loaded with the trailer (pin weight is 1600lb) than it is with the stock shocks which are ten years old. If so that puts me out of level and I have to adjust the pin on the trailer.

And which model of shock do I want to smooth out the ride.

Thanks
Paul
  • RustyJC's avatar
    RustyJC
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2015
    Shock absorbers have nothing to do with ride height as they do not support the static weight of the vehicle but merely control dynamic suspension motions.

    Rusty
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 02, 2015
    Rusty is correct about ride height.
    BUt your ride and handling will be much better with a set of Bils. They really soak up things like expansion joints better than the others. They also have better rebound dampening than any other shock and that effects chucking and porpoising.
  • Poppy_s_5th_Whe's avatar
    Poppy_s_5th_Whe
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2015
    Yeah, they won't change the ride height but are really helpful with ride comfort. Get the 5100's. You will be very happy especially if you're still on the OEM shocks. Check online for best pricing and make sure you get the correct shocks for you exact truck including any wheel changes over OEM. I put them on my 2007 classic Duramax. I also added air bags so I can adjust ride height if needed.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Mar 02, 2015
    ScottG wrote:
    Rusty is correct about ride height.
    BUt your ride and handling will be much better with a set of Bils. They really soak up things like expansion joints better than the others. They also have better rebound dampening than any other shock and that effects chucking and porpoising.


    X3!

    Don't change ride height, but make a BIG improvement in the ride!!!!!
  • 74vette's avatar
    74vette
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2015
    Best improvement I have made to my 2500HD was the new Bilstiens.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2015
    Wheels also do not determine changes in ride height. Tire diameter yes, but wheels no.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2015
    smkettner wrote:
    I will take Monomax over Bills next time.


    Why would you want to downgrade?
  • rattleNsmoke's avatar
    rattleNsmoke
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2015
    Bilstiens were one of the best upgrades done on my F350 FX4 Lariat! Didn't affect ride height at all.

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