Suspension question

[MI0706]

I have a 1992 Chevy Blazer. I'm looking at replacing the shocks. All of the different manufacturers want to know if I have the Z71 suspension or not. I do not know the answer to this question.

What would someone look at on one of these vehicles to tell if they have the Z71 suspension or just a regular suspension that came with Blazers back then?

I'm thinking about replacing the shocks (original stock) with either Monroe Sensa-tracs or Rancho RS-5000 series. Are these shocks good or should I look at a different brand?

Thanks for the help.

[stumpuller454]

the only difference i can see is that the z71 package probly had gas charged shocks instead of regular shocks, it would be pretty silly if z71 had completley different size shocks, so go with the best you can afford, i`ve had good experinces using rs-5000`s on a lifted 3/4 ton, never been happy with monroe really, depends how hard you are one them, its up to you!

[greasemonkey]

The z71 sat three inches higher than a standard truck.

[75K30]

Who is asking you whether or not your ride has a fluffy package or not?
The mounting points are the same regardless of frilly packages.
Your part numbers from Rancho are RS5152, and RS5124. They are not specific to a Z71, or not. Z-options had bilstein shocks FYI.
I am not even 100% confident that the first body style of this Blazer even had this as an option, but it should not matter when fitting shocks. The mounting points are the same.

[MI0706]

I've been checking out some websites looking at shocks... Performed a search for shocks based upon my Blazer... The shocks that are found always have something to the tune of "With Z71 off-road option", "Without Z71 off-road option", etc...

I was just curious... Thanks for the help...

[75K30]

Originally Posted by greasemonkey

The z71 sat three inches higher than a standard truck.

Do you have any data on this? I see nothing from the factory that can support this. I see early packages that have different shock valving, and a different skid plate package. Some trim options were different, but nothig that would indicate any suspension changes that would increase the ride heigth.
Control arms for the first generation fullsize with and without the Z-71 package has the same part number for control arms, and torsion bars. Appears to me that they are identical.
Most aftermarket companies sell shocks for this application that are 0 to 1.5 inches and I see nothing that would indicate a difference.
I could be wrong, and if so, I would like some data to compare.
The above part numbers are directly from the Rancho manufacturer.
Now if a customer calls up a place and a pimply kid on the other end is answering an application question based upon limited first hand knowledge, your search might be the problem with the person trying to help, or the interpretation of the catalog.
How many times have we been to our local parts place, and the kid behind the counter has to look up a a part number based on year, make model, and engine displacement when we are simply looking for a set of valve cover gaskets? I crack up when I need something like valve cover gaskets for a gen one SBC, and the kid askes "what size engine", or even better yet, "2, or 4 wheel drive"? "Standard, or auto", is another good one.

as far as finding a repacement shock, you could remove one, and measure the compressed length and the extended length. All manufacturers have these dimensions, and you can duplicate these dimensions to make sure you get the right sized replacement.

[greasemonkey]

It is written in the S-series truck introduction in the first couple of pages in the LMC truck catalog. And I just pulled the suspension out from under one for my own Blazer.

[75K30]

Are you, or maybe, I am confusing the Blazer, and the S series? This was kinda of the transition when the Blazer was still a full size before it became the tahoe. The Z-71 package was not available in the "S" series. The higher ground clearance was available as a Z-R2 which would have had a greater amount of clearance. This package was also called a high rider package for GMC vehicles equiped with this ZR2 package.
This package was an S-series package only, and was completely different than the a full size with a Z-71 package.
I also do not see any availability for a ZR2 "highrider" package until 95.

[greasemonkey]

Oh, theres my mistake. I get those confused alot. Im talking about the ZR2.

[75K30]

You know, we might have to wait for the OP to come back. The OP might have done the same thing. I have actually been a little quick on these years, and have done the same thing. It is possible that the same little bit of confusion is playing a part in the OP's quest for shocks.
Well maybe it wil all work out, now that the differences are on the board, lol.