rough ride after drop?

[96pappy]

I've got a 96 1500 ext cab short box that i did a 2"/3" drop on. spindles in front and shakle/ hanger in rear. After the drop the rear has a few ride problems.
1) when going over a bump the rear hits it hard, like there is no shock, but it does compress.

2) when there is any kind of load the ride is worse and the spring slams into bed rail. Is it common to cut the rail?

3) during accelaration there seems to be excessive vibration.

I did do the 2/4 drop at first but the ride was too crappy, so i raised the rear up 1". Are these common problems after this type of a drop?

any input is appreciated

thanks, mike

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 96pappy

.....

2) when there is any kind of load the ride is worse and the spring slams into bed rail. Is it common to cut the rail?

3) during acceleration there seems to be excessive vibration....

It sounds like the bed brace is your issue. If your shackle is hitting the bed brace you don't have full suspension travel in the rear. Yes, it is common to notch the brace.

You may need a degree shim to set your pinion angle. I found that some of my 88-98s did need it and some did not. If you have a small amount of driveline vibration on acceleration, you probably need shims.

[96pappy]

the shackle is not hitting the bed brace, the clamp on the leaf spring is when under stress.

thanks for the reply

[lolife99]

Can you post any pics of your suspension?

[96pappy]

i'll have time tomorrow, when the rain stops.

[96pappy]

here are some pics. hope they help

[lolife99]

Looks like your shocks are bottomed out.
I think you need a shorter drop shock.
Posted via Mobile Device

[canadian trucker]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Looks like your shocks are bottomed out.
I think you need a shorter drop shock.
Posted via Mobile Device

Agreed, when I did the static drop on my truck, I blew one the shoks apart, going over a bump.

Those seem to long

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Looks like your shocks are bottomed out.
I think you need a shorter drop shock.

If your shocks are still good you can use extenders as well. I like them because it gives you more range of travel.

[72BlckButy]

Is there a shock relocator kit for this era of truck? You need to adjust the direction the shocks adjust to offer a more verticle position vs. horizontal.

[N2TRUX]

The extender kit for 88-98 trucks move the lower mounting point down improving the degree of angle.

[96pappy]

First off, thanks for the tips.

I did notch the brace and installed 3 degree shims (from a kit for sale) to improve the vibration. Doing this seemed to improve the ride. Now I'm not banging the spring on brace and the shims improved the vibration. Overall the ride does not seem as harsh, but I think i will add the extenders.

thanks for the help