Need a smoother ride on my 2500

[LaxCummins]

Ok, I realize this thing will never have a super smooth ride... But it's gotta get better than this - 2004 2500 QC SB. I've ridden in an IFS chevy and envy the smooth ride that IFS provides. Mine seems to be a bone shaker in comparison.



My truck is used mostly as a daily driver but I also pull a 4 horse LQ trailer (13000 lbs max).



It's pretty much stock, has the snow plow prep. I've added Timbrens to deal with sag when the gooseneck is hooked up.



Thinking about starting with shocks. Edelbrock IAS probably.



Thought about swapping spacers in the back, but with the snow plow prep group, I think that I'd be lower in the back than the front (and therefore dealing with people flashing brights like they did before the Timbrens).



Thoughts?

 

[Elite1]

My truck rides so much better with some weight in the back... I have 3 tool boxes full of tools, but that still isn't enough. The solution I have found is a big duffle bag I keep all the way back in the bed, it has 3, 50 lb. bags of gravel and 4 big long chains and 4 binders I use for tying down tractors... with this extra weight in the back it really helps to smooth out the ride.

 

[steved]

Velvet rides?? Does BFG even make these anymore???



steved

 

[BHolm]

I've had a couple of Chevy's and find them to be too soft for any kind of real hauling. As a daily driver though, the sissy trucks from GM do have the smoothest ride.



I would second the thought about adding some wieght in back. I run ~450 lbs of sand bags against the tailgate and it helps a lot. I would also suggest adjusting tire pressures to the load. I run about 40 psi in back and 45 psi in front not hauling something big. Personally I think they ride great, I am on my fourth one.



I would also say that I think the IFS has less to do with the ride than what happens in the back. The sheer wieght of the engine will control the ride in front. In back you have a BUNCH of spring and no wieght, that is where I would concentrate on trying to improve the ride.



If you are willing to spend some $$ there is the air ride set-up from Kelderman. It is pretty tough to get a Caddilac ride with Peterbuilt load capacity.

 

[EEdmondson]

Do Bilsteins help ride comfort??

 

[JCrockett]

Depending on how much you want to spend, check out the NEW KORE CHASE system. It is reasonably priced and has great performance and the ride is like nothing you have seen. Handling on the dirt roads and trails is unmatched, even when hauling a load. You spent a good amount of money on your truck and if you plan on keeping it and want it to last, KORE would be the way to go.

Just my . 02, not trying to start a suspension thread or nothing. I am just very happy with my KORE product.

Check it out here http://koreperformance.com/performance_suspension.htm

 

[KCJackson]

Ok, I realize this thing will never have a super smooth ride... But it's gotta get better than this - 2004 2500 QC SB. I've ridden in an IFS chevy and envy the smooth ride that IFS provides. Mine seems to be a bone shaker in comparison.

...

Thoughts?

First/easiest/cheapest thing to do is drop your air pressure in your tires to the amount that matches the actual load. If you're running at or near the 80psi maximum, that will kill your ride no matter what you do to the suspension. If you have the LT265/70R17E tires, you may only need about 60-65 psi up front, and about 50 in the rear if the bed is empty. Only air up your tires when you actually have the load on them. This will soften the ride and improve handling, spending no more $ than on a quality air pressure gauge.

 

[JCleary]

I would suggest any KORE system that includes the rear mini-pack.



It really softens up the rear-end bounce. You don't need to buy the expensive system if you don't want to.



They have a new system coming out that will work with the stock front shock towers(and Fox shocks). It should be pretty cool, and less expensive than the Chase system.



On edit:



Oops. New Chase has the new shocks, no billet towers...



Go for the Recon, it will serve you well.

 

[JCrockett]

New Chase has the new shocks, no billet towers...



Go for the Recon, it will serve you well.

That is correct, but the new Chase System is less than $500 more than a Recon system and the 2. 0 Fox shocks have 80% the capability of the 2. 5 Fox racing shocks. For $1935 I think it is one Heck of a deal, it will do what ever you throw at it loaded or empty.

If I didn't already have my DRC race system I would be all over it.

 

[BStoecker]

I spent about $220 for a set of the Firestone Ride-Rite airbags for the rear of the truck. The improvement in the ride was great. Add a little weight, add some air to the bags, set your tire pressure, and it is fine for me. My wife even says it rides like a Cadillac in her opinion. Of course she drives a Rubicon on 33's, so her perception may be skewed...

 

[nickleinonen]

drop the tire pressures when empty. makes for a much smoother ride [although uses a little more fuel as rolling resistance increases]



in the summer, i was running 40-42psi front/35-38psi rear with my 315 bfg's

 

[Chief6201]

smoother ride

I put Bilsteins on my 03 and it made a big difference. Air pressure does help also. I also have timbrens, but they don't affect the ride unless I'm loaded. Are you sure you have the correct ones installed. You should have about 1" of clearance.

 

[BRobertson]

I highly recommend the KORE chase system with the rear spring pack, and then add the Firestone airbags for heavy loads or towing.

I just did 8000 miles with mine, over half of that with a trailer(14000lbs gvw flatdeck).

The suspension made a terrible road(frost heaves) very do-able.

Bob

 

[rjohnson916]

You might try adding some weight to the frontend? I added a Ranchhand, and I swear my front doesn't bounce or wonder about like it used to. Also I think the best shocks on the market are Bilsteins. I added a set when I used to own a '98 Toyota Tacoma 4WD and they deffinately improved the ride.



Like I said though the best thing you can do is try and add some weight...





-Ryan

 

[tron1959]

I just purchased an '06 6 spd and was thinking of using edelbrock IAS on this truck. I previously put them on my 2001. 5 at 40,000. OEM shocks were not good new and at 40,000 were probably all used up when I installed the set of Edelbrocks. They were awesome. The truck had 107,000 on it when I let it go. Stock Michelins lasted 102,000. I don't think the tire dealer believed me when I told him these were the original tires and I had rotated them only once.



I just looked on Edelbrocks site and could not find a listing for the CTD Ram. Does anyone know if they are available for our trucks.

 

[JoshWelsh]

I put the Kelderman hitch reciever air ride mount. Not to be confused with there expensive four link air ride. This basically eliminates your rear shackle that connects to your leaf springs and the frame, so that your leaf springs are riding on air. It has been the best non performance mod I have done and it cost me a little over $1000 installed.

 

[testraub]

Okay Yes I have a KORE system on my truck, but rather then tell you it's great, Do yourself a favor. call KORE or DRC. Talk to them find out if they have for what you want, and if it's something you want put down the dimes. Is a KORE system for everyone? Well I'm baised. Is the KORE system good? My Wife wondered why I bought it, but she would never let me put it back to the stock setup. Tires not included Love the Toyo's, but I think they will be "winter Tires" for other then showing off

 

[GaryCarter]

K-O-R-E.



That's all I've got to say about that.



Gary

 

[DGerth]

Air Ride

You might want to try Kelderman Industries in Iowa. They have a true air ride suspension. They work swell on my rig. from empty to 14K smooooth.

dg

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

My . 02

Is that KORE wasn't developed for a smooth ride. It was developed for off road racing. The gent is looking for a ride similar to a IFS Chevy. A rear mini-pac probably would help but I wouldn't put the money into the racing shocks when a stock set (Bilstiens) may suffice. Tire make and pressure has a lot to do with your ride.



Geese, my 04 with the longer springs was night and day compared to the 2Gens I've owned.

You might try adding some weight to the frontend

Wouldn't recommend it. The CTD alone is very heavy and probably has a lot to do with premature wear on steering and suspension parts. If going aftermarket bumper, I'd definately recommend looking at an aluminum one.



PS: Dodge, if you are listening in, please don't turn my TRUCK into a CAR -- like the chevy IFS. Please, please, please. In fact, if you do I'll look else where.