Sulastic suspension - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChevLoRay · 09-14-2008, 08:12 PM

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.

**ChiefRocka** · 09-15-2008, 04:20 AM

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 ?

ChevLoRay · 09-15-2008, 11:13 AM

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.......

**N2TRUX** · 09-15-2008, 03:03 PM

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

09-14-2008, 08:12 PM	#1
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	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. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-15-2008, 04:20 AM	#2
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	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 ? __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

09-15-2008, 11:13 AM	#3
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	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....... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-15-2008, 03:03 PM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Sulastic suspension I would consider shock extenders first. It will make a difference. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.