2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help me get rid of this harsh ride in rear

[JBlackwell]

First of all, I went and ran a search and read for about 30 minutes. I know the answer might have been further back, but I wanted to post a new thread about it since everyones truck is not the same. I will do more reading though.



OK, my truck is a 3/4 ton '00 Reg cab, long bed. I run 265/75

8 ply tires. The front tires I run 50psi. and the rear I run 30psi. (unloaded)



This thing has been beating me to death for so long, I am tired of it. This is also a truck that I don't spend money on, so the cheapest way out is the best for me. I do tow occasionally and it is no more then 6,500 lbs. (race truck)



Well, I was about to change the rear shocks out, but I was also wanting to lower the rear at the same time so shocks will come last. This dang truck has so much of a rake on it, the rear is 6 or 7 inches higher than the front. I hate that. I would like to get the rear down about 3 inches if possible.



In conclusion so far, I am thinking about pulling the 1" block between the axle and main spring pack and also pulling the next to the bottom leaf on the main spring pack. Reason I will try this is to let the rear springs have a lot more "give". It should let the shocks work more and that is where the new shocks come in. I found some 2" Belltech drop shackles for the 3/4 ton Cummins to. I may try that, but those things are nearly $100 to get to my door.



While on the subject, which shock will work best?



Hopefully this should drop it at least a couple of inches.

I know it may change the gap that is fromt the overload spring pack to their perches. It seems they are about 3 or so inches away, BUT I will have to worry about that if/when that happens.



So what do you guys think? Anything helpful to say on this matter?



Thanks,.

JD

 

[C. Harlan]

I know you may not want to hear it, but you may want to throw some extra weight in the bed... I did with my old 91 250 CTD... I had Concrete pegs, about 15 of them @ 50 lbs each... talk about a difference between night and day in terms of a ride! It finally rode smooth. I dont know, as my 98 rides quite well, but it does weigh in at 8100 lbs. . Like I said though, keep the idea of a little extra weight in mind... remember- these trucks are made to ride better under a load, not bobtailing! Just a thought, and my $. 02 worth!



-Chris-

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I once had 5500 pounds of gravel in the back of my 93, that took the edge off it nicely. If you are pointing that much nose down I would seriously consider some new 2. 5 inch longer skyjacker front springs and then Bilstien shocks. Getting the truck a little more level will definantley help the ride. Also something that helped on my 93 was going to a load range D tire, much softer. On my 93 the ride was terrible but after I lifted the front and switched the tires it was much better, same goes for my 2001.

 

[gitchesum]

You might give Velvet rides a shot. They smoothed out the back of my 94 pretty good.





http://www.lordmpd.com/velvet-ride/default.asp

 

[CRSmith]

I think you have a good idea about removing leaves. If I were you, I would leave the overload leaf in for when I tow race trailers. Then (going from bottom to top) there should be the short leaf of the pack. This will have spring clamps on it that hold the rest of the pack together. Then there will be 2-3 more leaves that make up the rest of the pack. I would take out the leaf above the leaf with the spring clamps and see how that affects your ride. If it was too tall still, I would take out the block.

 

[abledog]

Remove the frame mounted overload stops. There bolted on so they can be replaced if necessary.

The rear will sag with a heavy load, but the ride improvement is worth it.

Terry

 

[JBlackwell]

Originally posted by Turbo Tim 1

If you are pointing that much nose down I would seriously consider some new 2. 5 inch longer skyjacker front springs and then Bilstien shocks.

Skyjacker makes lift springs for the 2wd 3/4 ton? What is the part #?

 

[pnwradar]

I think the Skyjacker springs are just for the 4wd trucks. But they level the front end nicely in that application.



I have a set of those velvet-ride shackles I never put on, you could probably talk me out of them. Just collecting dust on the shelf, right now.



-jon-

 

[mberry]

Best thing I ever did (so far) was to put Bilstein's at all 4 corners. Improved the ride 100% in my opinion.

 

[Dr.Kayak]

I have tried Rancho 9000 and Bilstein shocks. IMO they are not much, if any, better than stock. The only easy answer is to add weight to the rear. My truck rides great with my camper loaded. Empty I hate the ride.



In fact, if not for the Cummins power I would sell it and buy something that rides decent.

 

[bmoeller]

If money is not an issue, AIR RIDE. Someday I hope.



www.keldermanmfg.com

 

[Dane]

1) Get rid of the camper overloads (if you have them)



2) Use C clamps to hold the spring pack together and flip the thick bottom overload in the spring pack (Thick leaf with the round rubber bumpers)



3) Install Velvet Ride shackles



4) Install Bilstein or Rancho adjustable shocks



Click here



and here

 

[tjm]

Get rid of the in-laws.

 

[geusterman]

If you still want load ability and ride then the cheapest is weight added. I use Kelderman on my 02. Lovely. I am selling the truck for an 04 and building a steel flatbed and toolboxes for it. If it still rides rough with that load I will Kelderman it. And that's just the way it is..... geusterman