Do Velvet Rides lower height?

[Posm]

I was wandering around the Duracrax web site and there were several posts that swore that the velvet ride shackles were reducing the rear height by 1 to 2 inches. I need to get the back end of my truck down to make my trailer ride level. Any first hand experice would be helpful. Also, are the worth the price and do they help the ride?

 

[pnwradar]

I dunno if they work, but their marketing did -- I bought a pair. When I had the bed removed for some work, I installed Rancho 9000 shocks, but didn't put on the shackles. The ride's smooth enough for me (except those damn expansion joints on I-405).



I doubt if I ever will install them, so if anyone wants them, make me an offer.



-jon-

 

[K_Arts]

What did you pay for them? I may be interested. .



I'm looking for a set of the velvet shackels. . plug I'm gonna get a set of Rancho 9000's for the wifes truck (being that we are going to be putting the 5ver hitch in her truck)



Kev

 

[RobG]

I seem to recall them lowering the rear of my '96 a bit when I installed 'em.



I bought a set for the new truck but never installed them, because I discovered that I'd have to remove my Torklift Superhitch in order to get the shackles off. Maybe one day...



Rob

 

[pnwradar]

According to the Velvet-ride FAQ, "It is normal for some vehicles to drop between 1/2" - 2". This is caused by the tension of the spring. If the vehicle height is a problem, you may want to consider a lift kit to increase the vehicle height. "



If you have a 4wd, it might level out the stance a bit. I recall that some folks have lifted the front end with a levelling kit. The FAQ says that the shackles should take an hour to install by a qualified mechanic -- since I ain't one, the job looked a little daunting.



I bought them directly from BF Goodrich, and their pricing shows $160 for the kit, plus $7. 50 for shipping. I probably paid exactly that, but I don't recall (too many BOMBs to remember them all -- if I did, I'd probably wince at the total cost).

 

[Cooker]

I was considering a set of these, but after doing a little research I decieded against it. I was told they may lower the rear a bit to begin, but over time they will wear and the rear of the truck will sag more. Plus most people I spoke with that had them installed said they probably wouldn't do it again. To much hassel for very little improvement in ride quality.



Personally, I decided to try a set of the Roadmaster Active Suspension. I don't have them installed yet, but will hopefully have them on soon.



My $. 02,

Ryan

 

[Posm]

I ordered a set of them. I really need to lower my back-end an inch or two to get my gooseneck to ride level. If i get a better ride that would be lagnape (a bonus). I have looked into spring de-arching and getting my blocks shaved an inch or so. The Velvet rides have a 30 day money back and the others are "try it you buy it".

 

[pcorssmit]

They will lower the rear some. Measure the ctr-ctr distance on the stock ones, then on the Velvet rides. The rear of the truck will be lowred by half the difference.



If you just want to lower the back end of the truck, the first thing I'd do is go to a shorter block. An added bonus would be reduces axle wrap, especially with a manual trans. I think the engineer that decided to put those huge blocks back there was formerly employed by Amtrack.



Pete

 

[redram]

Installed the Velvet Rides on my 96 3500 2WD with 120K or so on it. I did not notice any discernable dropping of the rear of the truck but I DID NOTICE a better ride unloaded.



I run Bilsteins and they helped a bunch in eliminating the front end bounce as found with the OE shocks or with the set of Monroe Gas Magnums.



Monroes are available cheap if someone needs a set.



I had also changed out the rear leafs from OE to a set of OE leafs from a 95 Cab and Chassis 4X4 to eliminate too SOFT a rear as compared to my 89 350 1-Ton. Both were supposed to be 8800 GVW but the 89 would tow level and the 96 drooped with the same trailer attached.



Anyone need lift blocks or u-bolts?



Buy the Velvet Rides to get a less harsh unloaded ride. They do exactly as advertised.

 

[GKR]

I just installed a set last weekend and noticed a drop of about 3/4 on an inch. Seems to be less kick over the railroad tracks unloaded. Took about 1. 5 hrs with handtools. I got a smokin deal because of a misquote on price. Paid $124 but I think list for $168. Personally, I'm kinda of "middle of the road" about them. I noticed a more dramatic improvement when I put them on my lifted Tahoe a few years ago. If a person was looking for a small improvement in ride and a small drop in height, then its not a bad way to go.