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kdawg
Bone Stock
Posts:4
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| 01/13/2005 5:30 PM |
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| I have a 2002 chevy z71. I had leveled the truck about 6 months ago, and it looks great. I noticed the front end is very stiff. Would new shocks help soften the front end? Do I just have to take the good with the bad? Thanks for any assistance. |
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KP1500Z71
Bone Stock
Posts:16
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| 01/13/2005 9:57 PM |
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I have a 2000 Z71, and I just ordered a leveling kit today ( Suspension Maxx ), and I too would like to know if new shocks would help verse the stock ones?
Kdawg did you just level out your truck with the rear, or did you do some thing like adding blocks or new springs in the rear?
I'm thinking of adding blocks ( 1 or 2-inch ) in the rear of my truck to give it just a little lift. I was wondering if you might have done the same. I did read an older post where some one did replace their stock shocks with Rancho 5000's but nothing was said if it helped smooth out any problems due to stiffness.
If any one could anwser this question it seems it would be appreciated very much. Thanks. |
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kdawg
Bone Stock
Posts:4
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| 01/15/2005 7:24 PM |
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| KP,I used a 2" add-a-leaf in the rear, and the offset keys in the front. The extra leaf helps with the trailer I tow or else I guess you can use the blocks. I also added a set of bf goodrich 285x75's. |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 01/16/2005 12:24 AM |
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those offset keys are a pretty slick setup... While I'm not a big fan of lift blocks, they will provide you with a stock ride. Whereas the add-a-leafs will stiffen up the suspension quite a bit.
However, back to your original question... Will changing the shocks soften the front-end ride any? It really depends on the shocks that are currently on there. If they're under valved, they could be a bit too stiff, especially if you're running dual shocks. If you're not running dual shocks, then I would assume that you've cranked up the torsion bars to rasie the front end some possibly? If you have done this, then that would certainly lead to a stiffer front end.
Rick
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
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'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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sublmnl1990
Body Lift
Posts:195
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| 01/16/2005 9:56 AM |
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Kdawg
I help out around a 4x4 shop sometimes and these IFS front ends are a strange brew when it comes to any kind of lift or modification. We have installed these on a truck and no matter how u try to adjust them the truck rides like a go cart in the front. Then remove these from the truck put them an a shelf a customer sees them install them on their truck and it ride okay. Same with the full blown lifts, you can install lets say a 6" suspension on 5 trucks and 3 of them will fit 35's with no problem and the other 2 you have to trim and bend to get it right.
I would say it the keys causing the bad ride you would have to have a very stiff shock for it to be that. If you installed new tires at the time you did all this lifting stuff, try lowering the air presure in the front tires, of course I dont know where you got your stuff but sometimes if you get tires from a shop that doesn't usually deal with truck tires the put the air pressure up to the max.
hope this helps Nick |
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You know it's going to be a good day when you get the milk to cereal ratio correct on the first bowl. |
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kdawg
Bone Stock
Posts:4
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| 01/17/2005 4:20 PM |
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| Thank's for all the help! |
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KP1500Z71
Bone Stock
Posts:16
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| 01/27/2005 3:37 PM |
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Just had my truck leveled out adn purcased new wheels & tires as well, and I must say it looks really great. I have only one concern after picking it up I noticed or should I say I felt a rub when I had it in reverse. Is this some thing I'm just going to have to live with or can this be corrected? I had American Racing Wheels ( Victor/Chrome ) with 285/75/16 Yokahama All Terrain tires.
This level kit has impressed me big time, and they tell me I could possibly get yet another 2 inches if I desire. Well of couse I desire, but forgot to order a add-a-leaf for the rear. Oh well maybe this Summer I can do that, but if some one could let me know about this rub I just picked up I would appreciate it very much. Worse case senario I will have to live with but hopefully it can be fixed. Kevin |
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KP1500Z71
Bone Stock
Posts:16
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| 01/27/2005 9:32 PM |
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| Well i guess it would help if I mentioned where this rub was comnig from. It appears to be in the front, apparently the plastic trim on the front bumber was making contact when I turned the wheel. I have trimmed a little piece of the trim away from the inside trying to avoid altering any appearance what so ever of trim when actually looking at it. This has seemed to due the trick, but was wondering if others had any problems once they installed 285's on their truck? Kevin |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 01/28/2005 7:30 AM |
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yup, 285's will rub just a bit on those trucks. your trim job should do the trick... but I'd look to see if the inside of the tire is rubbing on the frame or any of the suspension parts when you're turned full lock, and compressing the suspension. You might find some shiney spots where the tire rubs slightly.
If you do find that, some people just leave it (if they don't go off roading much), but if you do, you can purchase some 1" wheel spacers. You can find them anywhere, but we've purchased our from Stage West at:
http://www.stagewest4x4.com/store2/
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
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'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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TEXANFEREVER
Bone Stock
Posts:9
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| 02/08/2005 7:30 PM |
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| I just bought a 2001 Chevy Z71 exteded cab. I saw that you can crank up the tortion bars which is a great idea, and I thought I would give it a shot. But then I looked at my truck and it already has 285's under it. I have been wheeling and I have not had a rub at all. My truck also has a heavy duty Ranch Hand Bumper/grille guard which adds all kinds of weight. I can only assume that the tortion bars have aready been cranked up, so can I still add a front end leveling kit to the front and a 1 or 2 inch block in the back?
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