2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 1996 1 ton 4x4 rough ride....

[PWeber]

Any input on solutions to make the ride smoother? I cant even talk on my cell phone without people thinking I am crying. Do the Rancho shocks I read about help this issue on the 1 tons? My buddies 3/4 ton ride way smoother.

 

[Extreme1]

Tire pressure is the biggest adjustment you can make. Running unloaded or loaded lightly the rear tires should be at 40 psi (read your manual, it's there!). If you are running wider than stock tires, you won't be able to do that because the tires will rub and that will cause failure.



The next step is a lightly damped shock. I run Rancho 9000's set on 0 or 1 and they are OK. Turning them up higher makes the rear very stiff. The Bilstiens might be better.

 

[JoshPeters]

Put about 2500lbs in the bed... they ride WAY smoother then. Maybe I'm just used to trucks... but my 96 1-ton rides great! Not far off my buddys 2002 3/4 ton.

 

[PWeber]

JoshPeters,



Is your 1 ton a 4x4 though? I think the rough/ bouncy ride comes from the 4x4 front end...

 

[JoshPeters]

In Minnesota it's kinda silly not to have 4X4 on a 1-ton truck!

 

[PWeber]

you have not had much snow the past 2 winters have you!

 

[JoshPeters]

Very true... . you've probably had more snow than we have! (don't remind me 2 years and I've ridden my sled 130 miles!)

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Josh Peters, you said that you didn't mind the ride in your truck because you are used to trucks. I bet your four-banger S-10 rode just like your Dodge, huh? How 'bout that Eclipse, or Cadillac, or Grand Am? All rode just like a 1-ton?



I think my 02 3/4 HD rides a tiny bit better only because I have the longer rear springs. Rides a whole lot better than my 1968 Chev 1-ton dually. Can't compare to the two 1-ton Fords my folks' have had since they were 2wd rigs.



Anyway, I like the firm ride, but my wife who is 6 months pregnant begs to differ. She gets bounced around too much, so I'm usually forced to drive her around in our 2001 Taurus Wagon. Quit laughing, I know, it makes me feel neutered... :{

 

[Sticks]

Originally posted by JoshPeters

Put about 2500lbs in the bed... they ride WAY smoother then. Maybe I'm just used to trucks... but my 96 1-ton rides great! Not far off my buddys 2002 3/4 ton.

Same with mine. A ton of weight, and you don't even feel railroad tracks. Running empty on a cement highway, and you feel like you are on a $. 25 vibrating bed. I'ts a 4x4, i'ts a big truck, I just accept the fact that some fillings in my teeth may get bounced loose from time to time.



I do need to replace my OEM shocks, as the front passenger side gets one extra bounce on a large hump (speed bumps).