2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rough Ride?

[91W350]

Hello, I normally live in the 1st Generation forums as I have two of them. My wife cannot stand the ride in my W-250 or W-350. I was curious if anybody here has had both the 1st and 2nd gens and can give me an objective opinion. I know they changed the front suspension and I suspect the coil spring suspension is much smoother than my trusty old leaves. At any rate, I would like to snag a 95 to 98 12 valve extended cab. I would prefer a manual transmission, :-{} she of course wants the automatic. She did not have a problem riding in my old D-250, except that is was "ugly" of course. We had an '03 and she was fine with that. Thanks in advance... . I tried to run a search and could not find the search engine anymore. Being able to tap a little more power and a lot nicer looking truck is a bonus as well. :-laf Glen

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I had a 93 W-250 regular cab that rode like a stone boat!:-laf I once put over 5,000 lbs in the back in it just started riding nice!:-laf Actually I put the 2 inch over front springs in my 93 and that helped but then I put 255/85 BFG mud terrains on which are load range D and that made the truck ride really good.



With that said, my 2001 Quad Cab rides 400% better at a very minimum of course I have the BFG's in load range D on this truck also. The coils in the front definantely ride better and also the longer length rear springs make it smoother. I also think there are less leafs in the rear of my 01 than there was in the 93. The 01 definantely squats more with 3900 lbs than the 93 did with 5,000.



Infact I believe my 01 rides better that the wifes 06 but she has the load range E tires and it's also a short box so it's a little shorter.



On my 01 I have the 2 inch over front coils and Bilstein shocks, it rides very solid with minimal body roll in the corners, it's more sure footed than the wife truck or my Honda Acoord but it rides nice.

 

[Grizzly]

We had 1st gen Dodge trucks at my work and drove many miles on them. Your right , there are rough riding, but very reliable and great trucks. Before I ordered my 95, I test drove three 94's because I thought if they are as rough as the 1st gen, I don't want one. Much to my surprise it was a dramatic improvement. I had a 95 for 10 years, 5 speed and loved it. Now I have an 05 and it's even better. Both 95 and the 05 are 3500 dually, 4WD, load gange E tires, standard shift.

 

[MFalkinham]

The extremly rough ride and the jump seats were the two reasons that I got rid of my '92 W-350 and replaced it with an '03. The two generation jump in suspension technology was a huge improvement, plus switching to 2wd helped some. My '98 doesn't ride quite as smooth as my '03, but I really enjoy driving it. Go for it, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Grizzly]

The extremly rough ride and the jump seats were the two reasons that I got rid of my '92 W-350 and replaced it with an '03. The two generation jump in suspension technology was a huge improvement, plus switching to 2wd helped some. My '98 doesn't ride quite as smooth as my '03, but I really enjoy driving it. Go for it, you won't be disappointed.

I really can't tell any difference in the ride between a 2WD and my 4WD. Maybe I'm just used to the 4WD.

 

[91W350]

Thanks guys, we are off in search of one now. I like that idea much better than some econo box. Glen