After reading a lot of reviews, im looking at getting a set of bridegtone revos' to replace my Firestone Steeltex A/T's on my 2000 Silverado Z71 ext cab w/ 5.3l and 4.10. When looking at tires, is there much of a difference (other than price) from the "standard load" vs 6 ply and 10 ply tires?

After I get the tires, i want to put a set of bilstein shocks on too.

correct me if i am wrong but the thick the ply the harder the rubber and the ride. most of the 6 ply 10 ply are used for farm use on heavy duty trucks that haul alot of weight.

If you're gonna be working the truck, or towing heavy trailers I'd definitly go with the 6 or even 10 ply tires, they'll just hold up to all the added weight better, but for a daily driver a standard load tire is the way to go, they ride better and much more quietly.

Look at the side wall material. Most 6 ply have the same sidewall poly cords size as a 4 ply. That keeps the ride soft. Most 8 and 10 ply need the side wall stiffened to get hte load rating. Don't stop looking just at the tread ply, look at all the components of the tire, sidewall ply, material of the ply's, shoulder angle(round/straight), etc. All these factors make up the comfort factor and the load rating.

Good Luck

Keep in mind that heavy duty tires mean a heavy duty ride. I went from the stock General P rated tires on my '01 4x4 to Michelin LTX - great tires but the ride worsened appreciably. Every break in the asphalt is felt.