2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Suspension Options

[SlyBones]

The long and boring...

The rear tailgate and bed make lots of banging and rattles noises going over bumps. Lots of experimenting has shown that the tailgate is 90% of it. I have adjusted the tailgate and played and played with it.



Come to find out...

I seems the the rear springs have settled a lot. There is only 1/2-1" clearance between the top of the overload spring and the rubber bumper that would touch it. I have checked several other 2500's lately and they all have about 2-3" or so.



So I believe...

that when I go over bumps the back end is slapping on those overloads. And the 1/2 to 1" of travel is too short for the shocks and suspension to soak up. IE I believe the suspension is designed to allow for a little more travel in soaking up the bumps. So it makes lots of noise and has gotten worse over time.



Solutions...

New or re-spring the existing rear springs. Keeping the facory setup and fixing it so it works correctly.



Since I dont have a camper, I thought about removing the overloads. Then get air bags to firm up the rear and adjust for when I tow the trailer.



Opinions...

 

[Cooker]

If I were in your situation I would have a new spring pack made. They are a little pricey (~$700 for the pair), but you will get your height back, improve your ride/handling, and still have a good payload. This is by no means the most afforadble option, but IMO it will yield the most positive results.



-Ryan

 

[nevinst]

I have the same problem.

I have long suspected that my suspension was not quite right. It has always (I bought it used) "banged" loudly over some of the smallest bumps. It has driven me crazy since day one! I don't think my truck has ever hauled heavy loads so I couldn't imagine the suspension weakening so much. Would it take heavy hauling to do this or could something else be the cause? Any others with similar problems?



Troy



P. S. I also seem to have a lot of rear end "hop" over rough surfaces. Is this maybe related?

 

[ramfan2]

Here is what I did

Slybones



This is not an uncommon problem with the 2500. Mine did it from day 1. It was very annoying. If would even slap going over a man hole cover. The local dealer said it was the overloads, and that some did it worse than others. Mine was really bad. They fixed it by putting in 1 ton springs. (under warranty) The ride is a little more stiff, but it solved the problem. I have started to notice they are now starting to squeak a bit. Wish I knew how to solve that.







Chris

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by Cooker

If I were in your situation I would have a new spring pack made. They are a little pricey (~$700 for the pair), but you will get your height back, improve your ride/handling, and still have a good payload.

If you need new springs, it's now a perfect time to get a 4 or 6 inch lift kit with new leaves. It won't cost you a lot more than just replacing the springs.



Blake

 

[monkfarm]

Mayb new springs at this point would b best. However i love my firestone airbags, and with the 4 bilsteins I have a superior suspension. Still room for improvment on really bad roads however. . .

 

[M Barnett]

My truck was saging big time, but I didn't even think about it much, it came on so gradual. When I put on four Rancho 9000 shocks, it looked like I had put on a lift kit. I know shocks aren't supposed to have any effect on ride height, but it sure did with mine!

Michael

 

[SmokinJoe]

Re: Here is what I did

Originally posted by ramfan2

The ride is a little more stiff, but it solved the problem. I have started to notice they are now starting to squeak a bit. Wish I knew how to solve that.

Chris,



Me too. I have had the squeak also since before I have added my shocks or velvet ride shackels...