BDS Shock question

[MrSmithsTB]

How many of you are running the BDS shocks without the Z71 springs? I just took mine out and put the stock springs back in. It's finally time for the shock upgrade, and I want to make sure I go with the best option for my setup. I've read on the OS about some instances with the BDS shock being a little too loose with stock springs. I assume these guys are just being babies, but I'd hate to make the investment just to be disappointed. I'd also hate to buy something that I don't really need. I.E. if the Bilstein or Monroe alternatives would provide enough length.

[janesy86]

Good question...

I know its not what your asking, but I ran them with just the Z71's and have loved them, now I also added in the rear spacer from Marks kit and still loveing them.

I'd say I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to just go with them as they are the same price as Bilsteins and if you ever pust more lift in back they will be a better fit.

But I also have not run the Bilsteins in the rear so I can't compare. Just had the shitty Z71 which blew out after a couple months.

[The Roadie]

... the OS... guys are just being babies...

You broke the code.

[TangoBravo]

Well the easy answer to you questions it look at ANY lifted TB on THIS site, and tell me what shocks they run on the back of there rigs. Bottom line is if bilstiens and monroe's worked well with lifted Tb's then you would see us using those. I would gamble and say that 90% of lifted TB's here run BDS(this should tell you something) and 5% are saving to switch to them and the other 5% haven't figured out what is wrong with there truck after they lifted it and don't realize they need to run them. And it is not really BDS that we need as much as the added length that BDS gives you see BDS shocks are longer the bilstiens and other stock replacement shocks. Not to mention BDS 5500 series shocks work well and are priced well. The final choice is yours but it would be wise to learn from those with more experiance,from people who have tried other products and stick with a certain one is a good example. Just my .02

[Rob93]

If you still have marks spacer in the rear, I say go for BDS

[MrSmithsTB]

Ouch, Tango. That is borderline noob bashing talk right there. But thank you for your seemingly sage advice.


Just to clarify, I am aware of all of the differences between different shocks. I'm just looking for an experienced POV based on how they react with stock springs. As always, if nobody throws up a caution flag I'm going to proceed with the purchase.

[Gordinho80]

Silly Bot...

Honestly... I don't know anyone running BDS shocks with TB springs... but would it hurt? Hell, if you want to know for sure... come up to Jackson one day, we'll take my shocks off and throw them on your truck, head around the corner to my testing grounds, and you'll see first hand how they would work for you.

[The Roadie]

I used to run BDS shocks with stock springs PLUS BDS spacers PLUS SuspensionMAXX spacers PLUS Airlift1000 bags. Then I discovered the Tahoe/Avalanche Z71 springs and never looked back.

[fishsticks]

I MAY be looking to sell my 5500s in the next month or so if you're interested. I'm thinking I may need something even longer for what I want to try... so I may grab a set of their 6" lift Tahoe shocks.


...and maybe a new set of bump stops...

[janesy86]

Dang fish, your always cooking up somethin exciting!!

But Bot I just have to say again, might as well go with BDS 5500's. And Mario's idea to swap em onto your rig sounds like a good way to get the feel for em.

[TangoBravo]

Ouch, Tango. That is borderline noob bashing talk right there. But thank you for your seemingly sage advice.


Just to clarify, I am aware of all of the differences between different shocks. I'm just looking for an experienced POV based on how they react with stock springs. As always, if nobody throws up a caution flag I'm going to proceed with the purchase.

Well I don't aim to offend but a noob questions gets a noob answer, should a shock that is for a lifted vehicle be used for a stock hight vehicle? well we don't suggest stock hight shocks for raised vehicles do we? But like I said just my .02 or IMO

[Mooseknuckle]

Bob,

I have the Z71 springs with the BDS suspension and the BDs 9500 Series shocks and I love them. I believe that Brendan has the same shocks just has Marks suspension and he loves them as well. I would say wether you have the springs or not go with the 9500 series. Are you staying with the stock springs or something else?

[MrSmithsTB]

I don't consider it a noob question, but I can see why you guys might think that. My mistake with throwing in the length comment in the first post. It was meant to be more directed towards the handling aspect. Nobody had a problem running stock shocks before the BDSs came out, and I've yet to see reviews of anyone running on a lifted TB with an unassisted stock spring with them since they did. Just trying to do my homework.

Mario, I may want to take you up on that. Probably not necessary, but it might be fun anyway.

Fish, I have no problem with holding off for a month or so if you're going to ditch yours. Plenty of other things I could spend my money on.

Roadie, thanks for the closest thing to a recommendation based on experience that I have seen.

Moose, nice to see you are still alive. When we wheeling again?

[TangoBravo]

Well I think the fault is mostly mine I apologise for giving an opinion on a fact needing post.

[MrSmithsTB]

Thanks, but I was asking for it with a question like that.