Got the new ED Today!

[Salmonslayer]

what a solid truck! 200 miles from the dealer to my house, such a pleasure to drive! Too early to talk about fuel economy, Ill post that later. My only concern is being a farmer and out in the field daily the clearance up front is rather low. Quite a bit lower than my 2011 Silverado 1500 4x4. I notice that the lowest portion of the front end is plastic. Can I remove that? I am sure that it's going to get torn off going around and through the farm. I guess my other option would be to lift it. Any body have an estimate what a 4 inch lift would cost. Or any other ideas to solve the clearance concern? Thank you in Advance! I should mention that it is 4x4 crew cab tradesman model

 

[BoostN]

Welcome! Keep in mind a lift will hurt your MPG, I know most people don't like the idea of losing MPG when the #1 selling point of the EcoDiesel is fuel mileage in a full size truck.

 

[Brady]

You can go with Bilstein 5100 adjustable height front shocks to raise the front end level with the rear. This will give you better clearance, retain factory(ish) ride, and not hurt your MPGs all for <$300 with an alignment and keeping OEM tires. With drop suspension lifts and 35" tires you're talking about a few thousand dollars....

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[Salmonslayer]

Thanks for your help Boost. I'll be ordering the shocks tonight! Love this forum.

 

[Salmonslayer]

You can go with Bilstein 5100 adjustable height front shocks to raise the front end level with the rear. This will give you better clearance, retain factory(ish) ride, and not hurt your MPGs all for <$300 with an alignment and keeping OEM tires. With drop suspension lifts and 35" tires you're talking about a few thousand dollars....

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Hi Boost. Looked at two different retailers that carry Bilstein 5100 shocks and the sites say that this particular shock will not fit our trucks. Any ideas?

 

[Salmonslayer]

Hi Boost. Looked at two different retailers that carry Bilstein 5100 shocks and the sites say that this particular shock will not fit our trucks. Any ideas?

They do have shocks for a 2015, will those be ok? Sure seems like they should be! Just filled up my truck for the first time. Did not baby it and got a little over 26 MPG

 

[Brady]

They do have shocks for a 2015, will those be ok? Sure seems like they should be! Just filled up my truck for the first time. Did not baby it and got a little over 26 MPG

Yes should work fine. But I'd give a call to Bilstein directly to confirm part # and compatibility.

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[Salmonslayer]

Yes should work fine. But I'd give a call to Bilstein directly to confirm part # and compatibility.

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Thanks Brady. Drove form middle of Washington state to Astoria Oregon with over 1000 lbs in the truck and averaged 24.8 MPG. Truck has less than 750 miles on her. Pretty dang cool!

 

[BoostN]

Thanks Brady. Drove form middle of Washington state to Astoria Oregon with over 1000 lbs in the truck and averaged 24.8 MPG. Truck has less than 750 miles on her. Pretty dang cool!

Good numbers. Enjoy!

 

[flying7]

I think many have posted the bilstien shocks fitting the ecodiesels. did you call?

 

[jdn112011]

Thanks Brady. Drove form middle of Washington state to Astoria Oregon with over 1000 lbs in the truck and averaged 24.8 MPG. Truck has less than 750 miles on her. Pretty dang cool!

There was no real change to the 2016's so the suspension compatibility has not been updated for many websites. Just order for the 2015 and you will be golden. Make sure to get your alignment done.

To answer your near original question yes you can just remove that lower valance and it will be perfectly fine. If you have fog lamps it will expose them to some more water and splashing than with it but that is all. And probably 1/3 of an MPG. How can you tell? I had mine off for quite a long time. But I have the protection package (skid plates) and they hang notably below the bottom of the bumper. If you're a person to look that low and care.

Both sound like good options for you (bumper valance removal and blisten leveling shocks). I hope that you thoroughly enjoy the truck.

Also I cannot attest to the coil suspension that I think you have but my air suspension handles payload great. I've put thousands of miles on with having well over 2000# of freight spread across the bed and rear cab and it hardly sacrifices MPG unless you're on very hilly terrain.

 

[Salmonslayer]

Thanks a million for your feedback. I am grateful! Very impressed with my new truck! Thanks again!

 

[Salmonslayer]

I think many have posted the bilstien shocks fitting the ecodiesels. did you call?

Not yet. Will today! I'll keep you posted.