Forgive the nomenclature here but I like to ask a question regarding what I saw while under the front end of my new '05 GMC 2500 HD D-Max today. While looking at the front shocks I noticed what looked like a piece of neopreme between what I called as a young man the "A-Frame" and where the piece of neopreme was attached. This was right near the bottom of the front shock. What concerned me was that the neopreme did not have any clearance on the bottom. This piece reminded me of a shock stop but there was no room to bottom out. What is this and is it normal?? I have noticed in the short while I've owned the truck that I get some extra bounce in the front end while on some of the choppy California freeways. Because of this I've ordered a set of Bilsteins from John Kennedy. Seems a bit ridiculas to order new shocks on a brand new truck but that's another subject.

thats just an absorber of types, it allows a bit of movement, they usually sit with in a 1/4" or so of the lower A arm. Normal as compared to other trucks. You will notice a huge improvement with the new shocks

Thank you D-Tech for the reassuring answer. Glad to hear this is normal. Looking forward to the new shocks. Apreciate your reply...

please let us know if there is a inprovement with the bilstiens. i have 50,000 on my rig and that was one of the next items on my list. i have herd about 50/50 on them making any diffrence. or you could just pm me with your new results if you like thanks!

rick777: You want to get the stock shocks off, much better ride with after market. Me I have Rancho9000's and really like the improvement.

I noticed a significant positive difference with the Rancho 9000's. Sadly the stock shocks are subpar the minute they are installed...They really should give the consumer an option.

Give the torsion bars a couple of turns, this will only raise front 1/2" maybe but it also gets some clearance between the cushion.


U should see some improvement on ride.

Does anyone know where to buy Bilstiens for a 2500HD in Canada (prefer western Canada). Bought Rancho 5000. Not much better than stock. Thanx G.K.

Kennedydiesel.com

If he won't ship to Canada, I'd be surprised.. .

Does anyone know where to buy Bilstiens for a 2500HD in Canada (prefer western Canada). Bought Rancho 5000. Not much better than stock. Thanx G.K.
):h Don't know where you can find Bilstiens there but Monroes best and Rancho 5000 are same shock. If you can't find Bilstiens, try the Rancho 9000 adjustables.

Does anyone know where to buy Bilstiens for a 2500HD in Canada (prefer western Canada). Bought Rancho 5000. Not much better than stock. Thanx G.K.
I would get Rancho's 9000's instead. I think you will be happier in the long run. Also they are adjustable and can be controlled from in the cab with the right equipement..

I thought that my 2005 rode nice until I got back into my 2002. So I now have front Bilsteins, and even amazed myself with the tremendous difference. I only have 1 pr of rears so I have to wait a bit.

Now, I've always had an extra leaf (essentially making it like a 3500) in the rear on my 2002, and find the rear of the 2005 to be more planted with less waddle. I'm thinking that the extra rebound of the 3500 shocks (too short for the 2500) is helping this, and I'll need to have a set built with this valving. I'm going to try the 3500 rears on my 2002 as I think they will function temporarily and see how they handle...

As for Canada shipment, no problem. It takes a bit longer, but I use US Mail so the receiver doesn't get the $30+ UPS customs brokerage fee after the fact.

You can get them from Performance Improvements in Toronto, for a $158.00 each. or Canadian Tire who now carry a special order cataloge.

Personally I would pick up a set in the states, it would be a lot cheaper.