2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission can anything be done to make it ride better??

[JCyrbok]

For the last week I have been driving around with a bunch of cut up sod that I needed to drop off at the compost center. My guess is it was btw 500-900lbs and man did it make my truck ride alot better.



Short of keeping that kind of weight loaded in the bed all the time is there any fairly easy way to soften up the ride and still maintain the load capacity.



I have messed with tire psi over the years and have gotten it dialed in for the best ride and tire wear at this point, but wouldnt mind alittle less harsh of a ride.



This is for the truck in my sig line and it has the slid in camper option (was on the truck I wanted but have never used a slide in) which I think was heavier springs and/or a helper spring.



Anyone suggestions would be appreciated,



Thanks

J-

 

[MHalloran]

remember... . it's a truck, not a cadillac... :-laf

 

[JCyrbok]

remember... . it's a truck, not a cadillac... :-laf

yep totally understand that and have for the entire time I have had my truck (drove it off the lot brand new with 13 miles on) but now that I am 11 years older than when I bought the truck I wouldnt mind a little better ride. Heck I have driven fords, chevy's and toyota's that all drive like caddy's, figured there may be something that can be done to help my truck not drive like a garbage truck, lol



J-

 

[Road Dog]

Bilstein shocks improved the ride of my 1T. Toyotas have soft springs and will ride on the bump stops if you actually load them to capacity.

 

[Bob4x4]

Custom springs can be made that will be better than the stockers,but to get the best ride and still be able to safely carry an over head camper will take an adjustable suspension ie airbags over the custom pack

 

[AEdelheit]

Shackle flips can be done for $5 and help a lot

 

[JKosten]

Main question: What do you use your truck for and what type of loads do you put in it?



If you are using it for a camper and heavy trailer loads then you are somewhat limited on major suspension upgrades.

remember... . it's a truck, not a cadillac... :-laf

My truck rides like a Caddy... (but I have over 4k+ into suspension) It is all about suspension parts and tuning.



For example try softer front coils and a shackle flip to start.



5100 Bilsteins are good setp up from stock for the road, but if you want more then look at a custom valvable shock like King, Fox or Bilstein.

Shackle flips can be done for $5 and help a lot

More like $10-15 with bolts prices going up.



All you need is 8 - 1/2x1" grade 8 fine and 16 washers and 8 metal lock nuts.



Cut out the rivots holding your rear shackle perches on and then flip bracket over. Drill 2 holes on the bracket and bolt in. Instant better ride and about 1" lift.



See this link: 94-02 shackle flip using the OEM bracket

 

[wcjp]

Rancho 9000 shocks set to 3when empty. When loaded, 7 front/9 rear.

 

[Extreme1]

Rancho 9000 shocks set to 3when empty. When loaded, 7 front/9 rear.

That was my first step (set to 1 back in the olden days when they only went to 5). The next step was a 2" front spacer because the front axle only had a couple inches of travel before the bump stop got into it. It rode a lot better but still struggled on rough roads.



Then I put a Kore Pace kit in and it is WAY better.

 

[JCyrbok]

cool thanks for the suggestions guys. I will look into them and see what I think will work for me.



J-

 

[leaky gasket]

I use three bags of sand across the back of the bed to help smooth out the ride.

 

[JKosten]

On the note of Rancho's I saw this set of videos:



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L_oe5xblpdw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0Kzdt9V-_Ec" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VlufV4rOB50" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>