My truck rides like a truck! Anyone using "fast compression" rear shocks?

[WalterJ]

I 'think' we need rear shocks with adjustable "compression" to alleviate the impact forces transmitted to our frame. Loaded with RV is ever so slightly better, but not comfy on our journies.

The 1st tier suppliers avoid using any marketing lingo that might resemble a technical term for fear of scaring off the informed user. I'm using Air Lift bags for level control. Their diameter is not large enough to offer a lower "spring rate", so they're no help with ride quality. Thanks for watching.

 

[petersonj]

I 'think' we need rear shocks with adjustable "compression" to alleviate the impact forces transmitted to our frame.

What is the RV axle weight and hitch weight of the RV when towing? Adjustable shock absorbers usually affect the rate of extension - not compression.

Loaded with RV is ever so slightly better,

Are you saying that your truck rides rough when it is empty? If this is the case, over-inflation of front and rear tires may be the cause.

- John

 

[AEdelheit]

I 'think' we need rear shocks with adjustable "compression" to alleviate the impact forces transmitted to our frame. Loaded with RV is ever so slightly better, but not comfy on our journies.

The 1st tier suppliers avoid using any marketing lingo that might resemble a technical term for fear of scaring off the informed user. I'm using Air Lift bags for level control. Their diameter is not large enough to offer a lower "spring rate", so they're no help with ride quality. Thanks for watching.

Chances are you actually need a shock with heavy rebound control as with stiff springs and air bags that is where the issue is, the air bags you have do increase spring rate and rebound forces alot reducing ride quality.

Tire pressure could be a factor too but cheap "adjustable" shocks dont work that great compared to a properly tuned 2.0 or better yet 2.5" shock. I would call a company that specializes in suspension on these trucks and find the best shock for your use, they are a bit more money but well worth it.

 

[WalterJ]

What is the RV axle weight and hitch weight of the RV when towing? Adjustable shock absorbers usually affect the rate of extension - not compression.



Are you saying that your truck rides rough when it is empty? If this is the case, over-inflation of front and rear tires may be the cause.

- John

Hitch wgt is about 2100#. Currently running Michelin LT265/70R17 E on my OEM Forged Aluminum wheels. Frt tires always @ 65psig; rears @ 55psig empty & 90psig hauling. Even 55psig 'round town ain't zactly smooth. When traveling & get un-hitched, even 90psig is just fine on good Florida roads, so I don't deflate the rears to 55psig for bumming around.

Yes, I know the max inflation is stated @ 80psig, but these tires can't wear flat @ stated pressure w/2100# hitch wgt. Experiment has shown me 85-90psig loaded @ 60mph & 80deg ambient yields about 95psig. I've been successful with this procedure for 15 years, and have sold my used sets after 45K miles for $150-$200. So far, so good, except for trying Nitto.

Exception: Jan. 2014 gambled on Nitto for their higher load rating at more nominal pressures. Nitto Dura Grappler, Highway Terrain, Qty 5, Size: LT285/70R17 126R, 33x11.50 R17 10PR, Black Wall, Load/Speed Rating: 126R, O.D. 32.79", Max. Press. 80psig, Max. Load 3,750#, Tread Depth 16/32

These rode well, until 3 of them had "core breakage" which led to returns for warranty claim to Tire Rack; still unresolved.

Truck is too old for a multi thousand $ experiment with Keldermann's, etc., so looking for one of "your" noble attempts at a similar problem, when a 400# rear axle gets launched toward the frame. Thanks John.

 

[WalterJ]

Chances are you actually need a shock with heavy rebound control as with stiff springs and air bags that is where the issue is, the air bags you have do increase spring rate and rebound forces alot reducing ride quality.

Tire pressure could be a factor too but cheap "adjustable" shocks dont work that great compared to a properly tuned 2.0 or better yet 2.5" shock. I would call a company that specializes in suspension on these trucks and find the best shock for your use, they are a bit more money but well worth it.

You're probably right, but I visualize permitting the 400# rear axle to travel up, less impeded, thus reducing the energy at the frame, thusly at my 'behind'.

 

[cerberusiam]

First thing I would do is swap the over load spring for a Carli mini-pack and see if that helps unloaded ride.

2nd thing would be taller tire with more sidewall but that will necessitate a wheel change to meet the rating needs for towing unless oyu keep 1 set for towing then swap to the others when running empty.

In the front a set of soft ride springs will make a big difference in ride quality.

 

[WalterJ]

First thing I would do is swap the over load spring for a Carli mini-pack and see if that helps unloaded ride.

2nd thing would be taller tire with more sidewall but that will necessitate a wheel change to meet the rating needs for towing unless oyu keep 1 set for towing then swap to the others when running empty.

In the front a set of soft ride springs will make a big difference in ride quality.

Understand the "taller tire" concept, but impractical for us. I'll chk on that Carli spring pack.

I tried helping the front in 2010: KORE HP Leveling Kit (frt) 1998-2010 Diesel, P/N 1A-6010-00 & Variable rate front coil springs & Bilstein #51860-63856 F4-BE5-6681-H8 Gas Pressure Monotube shocks. $399 kit, $105 ship, $486 labor. Swapping out the coil springs was a major time/labor i$$ue.
The variable rate is nearly collapsed by now.

I'm getting nowhere fast with: Eibach, Carli, Koni or Bilstein, Monroe reps yet. Basically looking for adjustable compression shocks to experiment with. Don't know how I had time to get anything done prior to retirement! Somehow we did; working OT, raising 4 boys, fixing cars & helping neighbors. Sometimes I agree "...youth is being wasted on the young..." Hmmm, looks like a small proj this week for the grandson, replacing those sway bar bushings.

 

[cerberusiam]

That is the problem with variable rate springs is they go to coil bind at some point in compression. I would replace them with the Thuren Soft ride springs and a Carli mini-pack for the rear. Air ride eats would be another great addition for ride quality.

 

[WalterJ]

Carli Progressive Leaf Springs, $1150.
- Reduces payload to "light" 3/4-ton capacity
- Capable of 15" of suspension travel with factory shackle
- Fitment: Ram 2013+ 3500 4x4, Diesel with 4" Axle Tube
- Will NOT fit trucks that have factory air-assist
I guess this is NOT for me. Still poking around.

 

[cerberusiam]

This is what you want for the 04.5 if that is the truck you are using.

https://carlisuspension.com/product...omponents/03-09-components/dodge-add-a-packs/

 

[Wiredawg]

Just a thought in a different direction: The ride on these trucks has to accommodate high weights loaded and maintain a tolerable ride unloaded. I've owned every Gen HD Ram except the 5th or 4.5 or whatever is politically correct and ALL of them rode/ride like trucks because they ARE trucks. My wife's 1500 rides like a car and has 1800 lbs carrying capacity, but that's the only one I've ridden in/drove that has a carlike ride.

So, you can spend thousands of $$$ and still not be happy. Not trying to agitate or argue, but sometimes it IS what it IS.

Any hoo, let us know what you figure out AND how happy you are with it.

Cheers, Ron

 

[AEdelheit]

Just a thought in a different direction: The ride on these trucks has to accommodate high weights loaded and maintain a tolerable ride unloaded. I've owned every Gen HD Ram except the 5th or 4.5 or whatever is politically correct and ALL of them rode/ride like trucks because they ARE trucks. My wife's 1500 rides like a car and has 1800 lbs carrying capacity, but that's the only one I've ridden in/drove that has a carlike ride.

So, you can spend thousands of $$$ and still not be happy. Not trying to agitate or argue, but sometimes it IS what it IS.

Any hoo, let us know what you figure out AND how happy you are with it.

Cheers, Ron

They are trucks for sure but the reality is most the the shocks are not valved well enough and there is a lot of improvement to be made while maintaining weight capacity should people choose to spend the money.

 

[Wiredawg]

They are trucks for sure but the reality is most the the shocks are not valved well enough and there is a lot of improvement to be made while maintaining weight capacity should people choose to spend the money.

Exactly right. After wearing out factory shocks, which have gotten better IMHO, I've replaced with Bilsteins and Ranchos with great success, but still with a truck ride. I would have to say my current 5500 has the most "Truck like" ride than any other I've owned, my former 1st Gen was next. A friend had an Sport Chassis Freightliner with air suspension AND air seats and still road like a truck...He had served in the Navy, so he didn't get seasick with the air ride seats.

Cheers, Ron

 

[AEdelheit]

Exactly right. After wearing out factory shocks, which have gotten better IMHO, I've replaced with Bilsteins and Ranchos with great success, but still with a truck ride. I would have to say my current 5500 has the most "Truck like" ride than any other I've owned, my former 1st Gen was next. A friend had an Sport Chassis Freightliner with air suspension AND air seats and still road like a truck...He had served in the Navy, so he didn't get seasick with the air ride seats.

Cheers, Ron

If you have never ridden in a truck with shocks in the 2.5 - 3.0" diameter range and custom tuning, which most have not, then its hard to describe how much more controlled the chassis is, pretty impressive what can be done just in tuning.

 

[Wiredawg]

Chances are you actually need a shock with heavy rebound control as with stiff springs and air bags that is where the issue is, the air bags you have do increase spring rate and rebound forces alot reducing ride quality.

Tire pressure could be a factor too but cheap "adjustable" shocks dont work that great compared to a properly tuned 2.0 or better yet 2.5" shock. I would call a company that specializes in suspension on these trucks and find the best shock for your use, they are a bit more money but well worth it.

If you have never ridden in a truck with shocks in the 2.5 - 3.0" diameter range and custom tuning, which most have not, then its hard to describe how much more controlled the chassis is, pretty impressive what can be done just in tuning.

I guess so, I just have never been unhappy with the ride on my trucks, loaded or unloaded nor have any of my friends who have these trucks. In fact, you don't see many folks on the TDR complain about the ride of thier trucks either. I'm interested to see how this turns out and what is used to fix it. Do you have any special aftermarket suspension components or specifically shocks on your truck?

I'm never too old or too smart to learn something new.

Thanks and cheers,

Ron

 

[Mark31]

Wonder if a ping tank on the air bags would help?

 

[AEdelheit]

I guess so, I just have never been unhappy with the ride on my trucks, loaded or unloaded nor have any of my friends who have these trucks. In fact, you don't see many folks on the TDR complain about the ride of thier trucks either. I'm interested to see how this turns out and what is used to fix it. Do you have any special aftermarket suspension components or specifically shocks on your truck?

I'm never too old or too smart to learn something new.

Thanks and cheers,

Ron

There is not a single stock suspension piece on my truck, have had 2.5" shocks for the last 10 years in various forums and have dealt with setting up custom shocks for heavier duty trucks as well, my truck is setup for pretty heavy off road use though works great daily driving and still tow 10-12k lbs.

Many people like yourself are happy with the stock ride and that is not a bad thing, its much cheaper then running larger shocks!

Exactly right. After wearing out factory shocks, which have gotten better IMHO, I've replaced with Bilsteins and Ranchos with great success, but still with a truck ride. I would have to say my current 5500 has the most "Truck like" ride than any other I've owned, my former 1st Gen was next. A friend had an Sport Chassis Freightliner with air suspension AND air seats and still road like a truck...He had served in the Navy, so he didn't get seasick with the air ride seats.

Cheers, Ron

Wonder if a ping tank on the air bags would help?

It could if you also increased the size of the hose between the bag and ping tank otherwise the air cant move out the of bag fast enough on compression to help much.

 

[Wiredawg]

There is not a single stock suspension piece on my truck, have had 2.5" shocks for the last 10 years in various forums and have dealt with setting up custom shocks for heavier duty trucks as well, my truck is setup for pretty heavy off road use though works great daily driving and still tow 10-12k lbs.

Many people like yourself are happy with the stock ride and that is not a bad thing, its much cheaper then running larger shocks!





It could if you also increased the size of the hose between the bag and ping tank otherwise the air cant move out the of bag fast enough on compression to help much.

Can you reference manufacturer(s) and product(s)? I could be unhappy and not know it.

EDIT: Like these:
Product Information
MONROE – GAS-MAGNUM 65 SHOCK ABSORBER SET
Includes:
2 Shock Absorbers
Revamp your truck’s suspension with the heavy-duty build and super-solid handling offered by Monroe’s Gas-Magnum 65 shock absorbers. Founded in 1916, Monroe manufactures top-quality OE replacement shock absorbers, struts and mounts for the automotive aftermarket.

• 10-stage full displaced valving maintains optimum handling and comfort
• First gas-charged, big-bore shock absorber for taper leaf and air spring suspensions
• Nitrogen gas charging facilitates ideal tire-to-road contact by diminishing aeration
• 23/32-inch chrome piston rod engineered to provide extended lifespan
• Reserve tube’s size increased to 2 3/8 inches for heavy-duty trucks
• 1 3/4-inch bore engineered to high demands of truck suspensions
• 15,000 pounds of tensile strength provided by arc-welded mounts
• Friction lessened and service extended by single-lip oil seal

Thanks for educating me.

Cheers, Ron

 

[TFucili]

Here's the thing with high end, properly tuned suspension, it pretty much does the impossible in that you can have a plush(a relative term on trucks)ride, but great control without being harsh. I have experienced this with roadracing motorcycles with Ohlins forks and shock, and on my current Can Am SXS, which has enormous 24" of suspension travel. It came with IBP(Internal Bypass)Fox shocks, but still rode like garbage. I sent the shocks to an expert tuner with decades of experience tuning offroad trucks and buggies, and now it literally works like a trophy truck. Not inexpensive, but worth it. Off the shelf typical Rancho, Rough Country, etc. etc. etc, are not much different than Gabriel Red Riders. You have to experience properly tuned suspension to understand it.

I have suffered along with OEM shocks on my trucks, just because I don't want to let that monetary genie out of the bottle, but I want to...


ON EDIT: With the ferocious spring packs on the C&C trucks, I suspect Kelderman is the only solution for a more compliant ride.

 

[AEdelheit]

Can you reference manufacturer(s) and product(s)? I could be unhsppysnd not know it.

EDIT: Like these:
Product Information
MONROE – GAS-MAGNUM 65 SHOCK ABSORBER SET
Includes:
2 Shock Absorbers
Revamp your truck’s suspension with the heavy-duty build and super-solid handling offered by Monroe’s Gas-Magnum 65 shock absorbers. Founded in 1916, Monroe manufactures top-quality OE replacement shock absorbers, struts and mounts for the automotive aftermarket.

• 10-stage full displaced valving maintains optimum handling and comfort
• First gas-charged, big-bore shock absorber for taper leaf and air spring suspensions
• Nitrogen gas charging facilitates ideal tire-to-road contact by diminishing aeration
• 23/32-inch chrome piston rod engineered to provide extended lifespan
• Reserve tube’s size increased to 2 3/8 inches for heavy-duty trucks
• 1 3/4-inch bore engineered to high demands of truck suspensions
• 15,000 pounds of tensile strength provided by arc-welded mounts
• Friction lessened and service extended by single-lip oil seal

Thanks for educating me.

Cheers, Ron

I dont necessarily have a write up like that but personally run Thuren tuned shocks , https://www.thurenfabrication.com/p...onents/shocks/thuren-king-shock-packages.html , 5500s are not listed but can be custom made. Carli suspension also is known for shock tuning along with a few others. While shock brand like King or Fox is all good the tuning inside is what really matters.