Additionally I'm trying to decide what to do for the suspension itself. Per @swathdiver (see his response above) I already have the OEM Z71 springs due to my vehicle being equipped with the ZW7 "Premium Smooth Ride Suspension" setup. It doesn't sound as though I need to get into the Moog spring options discussed elsewhere in this thread.
As I see it I have 2, possibly 3, options if I've interpreted everyone's responses correctly:
Front suspension:
1.) Bilstein 5100 front struts on the highest setting to get the front end up 2.25-2.5". I've seen some posts referencing a significantly harsher ride vs stock with the Bilsteins? Would really be appreciative if folks could weigh-in on their experiences with the Bilsteins and their impact on the ride quality.
2.) ReadyLift 2.25" front leveling kit (p/n: 66-3085) with the stock ZW7 struts (mine are original with approx 93k miles).
3.) Combining both 1 & 2 above. Not sure if that is going to give too much lift and require the use of an aftermarket upper control arm due to suspension geometry. If that is the case this is not something I probably want to get into.
What do you think folks? I'm really at a loss on this one.
Rear suspension:
Note: It does appear that the ZW7 (aka rear Nivomat equipped) suspension IS compatible with the rear components of the ReadyLift kit after all. I stopped at a well regarded local 4WD customizer's shop earlier today that I've come across and he confirmed it.
1.) Keep the OEM self-leveling Nivomat shocks out back for a level look.
2.) Keep the OEM self-leveling Nivomat shocks out back but use the Ready Lift Rear Coil Spring Spacer in the 1.5" (p/n: 66-3015) or 1.0" (p/n: 66-3010) variant combined with the ReadyLift Rear Shock Extensions - GM Full-Size Truck / SUV 1500 1999-2023. Not sure how the Nivomats will respond to this?
3.) Lose the OEM self-leveling Nivomat shocks out back in favor of the Bilstein B8 5100's and the ReadyLift Rear Coil Spring Spacer in the 1.5" (p/n: 66-3015) or 1.0" (p/n: 66-3010) variant combined with the ReadyLift Rear Shock Extensions - GM Full-Size Truck / SUV 1500 1999-2023.
Overall:
Can you mix/match the Bilstein 5100 struts up front with the OEM Nivomats in the rear without upsetting the handling/ride quality balance of the vehicle? Even if you can, should I? Should I give the OEM shocks/struts a chance with the ReadyLift and just see how it goes? That seems like the most cost effective solution in the short term. While I am keeping an eye on cost my goal is to make the smart move here, even if smart might cost a bit more in the beginning.
As I see it I have 2, possibly 3, options if I've interpreted everyone's responses correctly:
Front suspension:
1.) Bilstein 5100 front struts on the highest setting to get the front end up 2.25-2.5". I've seen some posts referencing a significantly harsher ride vs stock with the Bilsteins? Would really be appreciative if folks could weigh-in on their experiences with the Bilsteins and their impact on the ride quality.
2.) ReadyLift 2.25" front leveling kit (p/n: 66-3085) with the stock ZW7 struts (mine are original with approx 93k miles).
3.) Combining both 1 & 2 above. Not sure if that is going to give too much lift and require the use of an aftermarket upper control arm due to suspension geometry. If that is the case this is not something I probably want to get into.
What do you think folks? I'm really at a loss on this one.
Rear suspension:
Note: It does appear that the ZW7 (aka rear Nivomat equipped) suspension IS compatible with the rear components of the ReadyLift kit after all. I stopped at a well regarded local 4WD customizer's shop earlier today that I've come across and he confirmed it.
1.) Keep the OEM self-leveling Nivomat shocks out back for a level look.
2.) Keep the OEM self-leveling Nivomat shocks out back but use the Ready Lift Rear Coil Spring Spacer in the 1.5" (p/n: 66-3015) or 1.0" (p/n: 66-3010) variant combined with the ReadyLift Rear Shock Extensions - GM Full-Size Truck / SUV 1500 1999-2023. Not sure how the Nivomats will respond to this?
3.) Lose the OEM self-leveling Nivomat shocks out back in favor of the Bilstein B8 5100's and the ReadyLift Rear Coil Spring Spacer in the 1.5" (p/n: 66-3015) or 1.0" (p/n: 66-3010) variant combined with the ReadyLift Rear Shock Extensions - GM Full-Size Truck / SUV 1500 1999-2023.
Overall:
Can you mix/match the Bilstein 5100 struts up front with the OEM Nivomats in the rear without upsetting the handling/ride quality balance of the vehicle? Even if you can, should I? Should I give the OEM shocks/struts a chance with the ReadyLift and just see how it goes? That seems like the most cost effective solution in the short term. While I am keeping an eye on cost my goal is to make the smart move here, even if smart might cost a bit more in the beginning.
