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05 Base - Shock / Suspension replacement options

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Old May 14, 2017 | 10:04 PM
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Default 05 Base - Shock / Suspension replacement options

I'm looking at replacing my F55 suspension on my base 05 (123K kms). The reason is it seems to me that the ride is not as smooth as it should be in tour mode. For example every bump I hit feels like the car is bottoming out. I'm not looking for aggressive shocks for cornering or track, what I'm looking for is a decent shock for touring with a little performance (if there is such a thing). Anyhow I realize there are numerous threads with many different options / opinion, however I'm interested in getting advice from someone who has replaced their F55 shocks with non F55.

I have read that swapping out shocks with Z06 shocks and swapping out stock sway bar with Z51 makes a big difference. If anyone has done this I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for your time and Look forward to any suggestions.
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Old May 16, 2017 | 09:34 PM
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dollar for dollar your best bet is Z51 sways around $250 Bilstein sport shocks around $300 you WILL NOT believe it is the same car PERIOD! do your end links while your at it.

Last edited by CMY SIX; May 16, 2017 at 09:36 PM.
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Old May 16, 2017 | 10:24 PM
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Personally I would go with an aftermarket brand shock if your in the market. I've owned Z51 and Z06 shocks and to me they don't compare to my current shock in ride quality and corner rebounding (not the most specific term), Johnny O'Connell shocks. I have ran the Bilstein Sport ones with great success

JOC shock with LG Sway bars
JOC shock verse OEM Z51 shock

Last edited by Brandon619; May 17, 2017 at 08:17 AM.
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Old May 16, 2017 | 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by CMY SIX
dollar for dollar your best bet is Z51 sways around $250 Bilstein sport shocks around $300 you WILL NOT believe it is the same car PERIOD! do your end links while your at it.
Thanks appreciate, leaning that way.
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Old May 17, 2017 | 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by ramaccc
Thanks appreciate, leaning that way.
And just a note, you can probably find the sways for cheap here on the forum.
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Old May 17, 2017 | 09:44 PM
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you have to get your mag ride shut off or use the "foolers"
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Old May 19, 2017 | 11:38 PM
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I am new to forum, and I have 2008 Z51 that I just put Bilsteins on front. HOW do I get mag ride shut off or "Foolers"? I need help guys. GM dealer wants $2700 to replace original shocks....NFW! Suggestions?
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Old May 20, 2017 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by crkshot
I am new to forum, and I have 2008 Z51 that I just put Bilsteins on front. HOW do I get mag ride shut off or "Foolers"? I need help guys. GM dealer wants $2700 to replace original shocks....NFW! Suggestions?
If you have a Z51 optioned car you don't need the "foolers". This is only needed for F55 shocks that go to traditional shocks.
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Old May 20, 2017 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by jaredtxrx
If you have a Z51 optioned car you don't need the "foolers". This is only needed for F55 shocks that go to traditional shocks.
Thanks for ino! From what I have learned on the forum, Tech2 has to be used to reprogram the BCD to de-option the car. Now I have to find a dealer here in N. CA that will do it. The two near me said no. I think they are lawsuit happy or are being told by GM to pass
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Old May 31, 2017 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by crkshot
Thanks for ino! From what I have learned on the forum, Tech2 has to be used to reprogram the BCD to de-option the car. Now I have to find a dealer here in N. CA that will do it. The two near me said no. I think they are lawsuit happy or are being told by GM to pass
I went to a dealer here to have mine programed out, at first they told me they couldn't do it and that I had to get a tuner from a speed shop to do it. So I went to the speed shop and they told me the dealer had to do it. I explained to them that the dealer said they couldn't do it and sent me to them, they made a phone call then sent me back to the dealer. when I got back to the dealer a tech2 came out hooked up his lil hand held computer and turned it off in less then a min free of charge.
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