New owner with Questions

The Wheeler's replacement 5-pack (1.5 lift), which Alcan makes to spec for them. They are sitting on my bench until a get a couple more tools and some free time to do it myself. I am putting OME 881 springs up front (just decided). These give 1.75 to 2" lift. This should get my truck close to level. Bilstein 5100s all corners. Setting to zero for front (OMEs provide the lift). I also hear that over time, I should expect it to all settle down about .5 inch.

My alignment shop just quoted me $85 labor per side to R&R the coils/struts, and $65 for alignment.

I also got the steering rack bushing kit and sway bar bushing kit. This truck just feels sloppier overall than my 93 pickup did with 200K miles (also 4WD Xtra cab, but 4-banger).

 

well idk about yours but at 138k mine where toast and the truck only saw hwy when i bought it so mine where worthless.

 

So you expect to get more than 138K out of shocks? You surely must be joking with me

 

i hoped they would have helled up a bit better but it doesn't matter any more because ive upgraded to a new better set of shocks.

 

So I decided to go with the Bilsteins 5100. They just came in today and I ordered it from Wheelers. Thanks to you guys. I will probably have it install next week. After the install I'll chime in with the result of the ride quality.

 

Any update yet?

 

Finally installed, the ride is totally different now. It is way better than factory shocks. However the nudge or knock when coming to a stop is still there. I would say that the bilstein is worth every penny in regards to the handling and ride quality. The only problem now is the rear leaf springs. The back of the truck is slightly lower than the front. I think I might have to replace them with the 5 leaf pack. It will give me the 1.5 inch height increase which will probably level the truck out.

 

I am thinking of the OME setup with their nitrocharged shocks front and rear, and doing the 5 leaf wheeler's pack - 194k and all stock suspension. If I'm close to level, I'll be happy.

I am not surprised you sit a little lower in the rear, the rake isn't that bad on the 1st gens so going up 2" in the front and none in the rear probably gives you that 1" negative rake. Could you do an AAL for the rear?

 

Finally satisfied, here are some pics. I ordered the five leaf pack from Wheelers. The nudge when coming to a stop is still there but not as bad.

 

Not to rain on your parade but the vehicle looks stock is it any higher than before the shocks? I would have a hard time seeing 1.5 inches difference,from front to back,and stiffing up the rear suspension is going to kill the ride, my$0.02.