Sulastic suspension
 

I picked up the latest copy of Truckin' and near the back I saw an ad for a company called Sulastic Suspensions (www.sulastic.com). What they sell is a replacement shackle for leaf-sprung rear ends that is supposed to offer an improved quality of ride as well as a better-handling vehicle.

The reason I checked them out is because my '96 SWB GMC rides like crap. It's got some harshness whenever you encounter a variation in the surface of the pavement. It seems like my truck wants to bottom-out, and I'm really getting tired of listening to my wife complain about it. I don't like it either, but compared to my '69, there really isn't any comparison, other than daylight and night.

I've changed from Toxic Shocks to Monroe-Matics and now Monroe Sensa-Trac. I've thought about removing a leaf to get a softer ride, but I'm not convinced that it is the right thing to do. On smooth surfaces, the ride is good. I don't do any hauling, so that isn't an issue.

For you old-timers, the best comparison I can make when I look at the Sulastic components is to a Houdaille friction shock....and I know that ain't what it is.

Re: Sulastic suspension
 

Looks like it would improve the ride. What angle are your rear shocks at ?? Are you running lower extenders with that 4 drop, or no ?

Re: Sulastic suspension
 

Didn't do anything to the angle of the shock mountings. On my '69, there was a kit. On the '96, I haven't been able to get anyone at DJM to say it would be needed. They're just kinda nonchalant about it and "it ain't no biggee" as they say.

I emailed this company and they replied and included a link with testamonials, specifically from the owner of an '07 Tundra. I drove an '00 Tundra and it rode much better than this GMC. However, my son liked the Tundra, and wanted a change of rides after 5 years in the GMC. I liked the GMC (still do) and we traded and I got some boot. But the ride quality of the Tundra, even when it had a bad shock, never was a harsh as this is. At $350 plus $60 for the drop kit, I am hesitant to make the investment if removing a leaf or changing to a different rear shock will rectify the problem.

Then again, I drive it less than 7K miles per year, so.......

Re: Sulastic suspension
 

I would consider shock extenders first. It will make a difference.