Need soft ride shocks/back hurts

[mtrippi]

My 2001 4x4 dodge(diesel)has the heavy duty springs with the camper package. I drive On the highway all the time and could use new shocks. Do the soft ride shocks work good? I think the ad I saw was rancho. My back tells me to get a caddy with soft leather seats.

 

[RHamner]

I tow a 10000# fifth 40% of the time, but really prefer the ride with Rancho 9000s in the rear set to1 empty. We have 40000 mi on the truck and I adjust in one min from 1 (empty) to 4 with (1900# pin) weight. Air bags were great for the loaded rig but too harsh (even with wll the air out) loaded.

 

[LSMITH]

The Rancho 9000's set on level one in the rear and level 3 in the front is about as soft a ride as you can expect with a secure ride and drive. I love mine. I too spend a lot of time in the truck and the ride improvement was a key goal. I really miss the ride of my last Park Avenue until I hit the go pedal at 70 and get set back in the seat .

 

[kiwi bird]

I too have the camper package and am getting beaten by the freeway bumps when empty (99% of the time).



I went to Bilsteins and got an improvement but not as much as I wanted.



Talking to an offroad truck racer buddy of mine he suggested losing the overloads and the middle leaf and getting airbags for the few times I do tow or carry a load. Also suggested softer springs for the front too.



Others have said that a trailling arm/link helps too.



Any thoughts?

 

[dan_gilson]

I run lightly loaded most of the time and found that Bilsteins to be good. His comment was that they are the softest shocks that get the job done. I have found this to be the case.



Oh, reducing the rear tire pressure also helps. I typically run around 40psi. Lately have been trying 30psi. I have a dually. This is a little software and I get some rear end squirm. Some where between 30 and 40 should be about optimal.

 

[Deezul1]

You can have my old stockers I just took off for just paying the shipping, believe me they are soft.

Good luck on a better ride, backaches are a bi***.

 

[mtrippi]

I think i'm going with the ranchos. Thanks. I just put 5 sand bags in and they are going to stay there.