genros

I will explain my troubles then my goals.
Troubles: 1.Not disapointed (because i dont know better) with stock ride, but not happy either.
2. I installed two inch spacers to level the truck and I have a metal to metal clunk noise when dropping into a pot hole.

My driving conditions are 98% road 2% towing and offroad.

I do love to drive fast and would like to have some more confidence in the handling of the truck at 95 miles and hour around abend on the highway. I dont have the death wobble (yet) But i think i am going to install a dss to stiffen things up. I currently have bfg's 315's on the truck however i just ordered a new set of nitto dune grapplers (315) I run hummer rims.

My thoughts are to do the following:
DSS
Remove spacers
Remove and replace springs. (what should I replace them with)
Remove shocks and go in with the bilsteins (suggestions?)
Remove the spacers in the bottom of the leaf springs to bring the back end of the truck down to level it out.
1. Should I replace the factory coil springs
2. should I replace the factory leaf springs
3. Should i go with the bilsteins
4. shoudl i go witht the dss
I am hoping cowhand and other guys with good knowlege write in to help. I dont want this to turn into a suspension fabricator war crap I just want to improve my truck

rustyshakelford

how much are you wanting to spend is the question. i would look into kore, thuren and lorenz suspension (in no particular order)

one thing about thuren is he is on dtr and answers questions and shows his products. seems like a down to earth guy with a great product. i hear nothing but good things about kore. and have bought stuff from lorenz and was impressed with the company and product. with the 3, i dont think you could go wrong.

member ptgarcia has some thuren stuff i think and he loves it. maybe he will join in on this one.

brett

genros

I am under the assumption (maybe incorrect) that one of there "systems" may be a bit overbuilt for my road use. I appreciate the response but from the research I have read about on here from pt garcia, cowhand and people alike It seems that a decent ride can be had with a mixture of a few key components from various people. At times I considered the purchase of Kore system then jumped to Lorenz talked to carli havent talked to thuren yet. but all have strong name s in the industry. they all offer there individual ideas Im here to see what works. Money, I dont mind spending the money i just dont like to waste money. Im guessing I dont need a full chase or race system to do the road driving im doing please somebody correct me if imi wrong

CDoskocil9

If your not off road racing I would look at carlis starter system 3" lift coils rear leak pack and Bilstein shocks....... Overall a great kit...... Or give don a call for a custom setup tailored directly to your needs

ptgarcia

I agree. That looks like a really nice kit for the majority of the people out there. And I think this kit is upgradeable. If you want King shocks down the road you don't have to start over. The coils, leafs and end links can all be reused.

genros

I spoke with the guys over at Carli today. Cool bunch, quick question though. should i upgrade to a beter shock (king, fox) now? I dont like to waste the money on a shock now and then replace it later. Will i notice a ride difference on road use?

ptgarcia

We're a lucky group. We have Don, Sage, Mike and Paul on our "team". These guys are some of the best at their craft and are cool cats and class acts.

As far as shocks go, if you can get the best now then do it. When the road gets rough you will feel the difference.

Cowhand

I concur with Pauly.....

I hate to see someone spend their hard earned money twice. Most guys just want to go the cheapest route possible to stuff 315's or 37's under the truck, then complain about the ride and handling and end up spending the money anyhow.

I'd suggest you'd be better off spending the money for bigger shocks on the air bags instead, especially if you tow.

For your intended use, I'd say you'll never get your money's worth out of a 2.5 or bigger shock. Stepping up from the Billies requires a substantial investment in shocks and towers, and unless you plan to seriously flog the truck it's not worth it. The Bilstiens will ride well on the street and work well for occasional off road excursions.

genros

With input from you guys and the input from carli's guy
We have put together this list:

Add-apack (carli) out back
and simply the billsteins all around with "Carli" valving
I dont need the truck to be tall to clear the 315 (it cleared them when it was stock) therefore i intend to remove the two inch spacers up front and remove the stock 1 1/4 spacers under the stock leaf springs out back. (trying to level it)
Now a quick question
Bilstiens! to upgrade or not
they are about 350 from carli
i dont mind going another step up if they will last longer and be better riding shock, but how much are we talking?

ptgarcia

The Kings will be about $350 each, maybe more now. But if you're lowering the truck back down I don't think they will work, they'll be too long. For your intended use I think the Bilsteins would be sufficient.

genros

i think i will stay at the bilstiens

tcr

What is the part # for Bilsteins w/ 2" lift? Do they really make these trucks ride that much better?