Upgrading Shocks

[tamimi]

I have 2010 GMC sierra with a 6" BDS lift.

I'm really happy with my truck and the lift kit. However, not as happy with my shocks.

the Truck doesn't handle that good on nor off the road. Furthermore, I can feel every impurity, and every stone on the road!

I have seen many Ford Raptors and how do they handle and I'm convinced with the performance of Fox Racing products. The only thing holding me from buying them is the lack of info about them !

I have Zero experience in shocks upgrades; I have tried to google people who have fox on their BDS lifted Sierras but to no avail.

Moreover, Fox website doesn't give any info that I can understand. They just listed a dozens of different kinds of shocks without explaining the differences nor the applications.

I understand that the Raptors uses "external bypass shocks" but what size? will that just bolt into my truck ? are there any "tuning" needed ?

[tamimi]

80 views but no comments ?! Should I assume everybody are suffering what I'm suffering ?

[levigarrett]

Fox shocks are high end and most guys in this forum will not spend that kind of money. Bistein 5100 and Ranch 9000s are the shock of choice around here. Dont know about fox, but I do know that alot of their shocks are bought a la carte, kits that can be put together to achieve different settings. A little too mechanical for me. Sorry I dont have a better answer.

[tamimi]

Thanks for your response.....

Could you give me a general information about suspensions to at least guid me to make a choice?

When you go to buy a set of tires, you look for that terrain you want then the size, on/off road performance and so on...

What are the criteria you consider when buying suspensions?

Does the size matter ( I mean do they all physically fit? ) what travel length is most suitable for my case ? Difference between coilovers, external res, bypass? Is the installation direct replacement ( unbolt and bolt )

 

I dont expect you to answer all the questions, but at least an easy guid will be really beneficial

[levigarrett]

Before you overwhelm yourself with all that info I would just find a setup you like and want to achieve.

Figure out what setup it is and research that and the options that come with the setup you are interested in. There are many variations and options to achieve similar lift height and ride.

 

For instance I did a 1.5" leveling kit because research has shown that any leveling kit less then 2" keeps the angles of your suspension straighter resulting in less wear. I then thought about adding a Body lift, and after discussing my options with some members I decided to just replace my front spindles with lift spindles to achieve front lift. I am now adding 4" rear blocks to get the back higher. That has lead me to tire size options. I have not installed all the parts because I want to do it at once but buy when I have some cash and I am putting a my idea of a perfect setup together.

 

Still paying down my leather install.....

 

Good luck and these guys know a lot so dont be afraid to ask but remember to use the search function prior to asking a question.

 

Garrett

[tamimi]

After doing a lot of reading... I learned that there is a Shock Absorber and then there is a Strut..... although I couldn't find a good article that explains the difference, I figured that Struts = Shock + Spring in one setup.... ( correct me if I'm wrong ) a strut dampens in both directions ( horizontal + Vertical ) while shocks+springs only horizontal.....( again correct me if I'm wrong!)....

 

you may ask yourself what does he want!

My problem is with my front side of the truck ... it doesn't drive well ... and I can feel that the articulation is kind of restricted; I need more articulation.

While off roading, the truck keeps shaking way more than it should and it doesn't dampen they way it should ... even my 2001 Avalanche drives better ! So is it my front struts? do you suggest them to be replaced ? what brand do you guys recommend? other recommendation?

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For those who doesn't know anything about shocks, the following link will help you so much!:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/coilovers/Part_1/