03 silverado ride problems

[westbrookw]

Does anyone else have issues with the ride quality? My SS is riding so rough. For instance, if I go over a set of railroad tracks or over a bump in the road one of the front wheels feel like it is bouncing down the road like a freakin basketball. The rear suspension has too much recoil like the ride springs are broke. Does anyone have a clue as to what might be the problem? I have replaced the shock absorbers already. I don't see anything that would be causing this. Info needed. Thanks Waylon.

[Palf70Step]

Sounds like you are in dire need of some shocks, maybe even some Front and possibly rear springs.

[Gray Ghost]

Sounds like your springs are bad. I was gonna say shocks until I read the second to the last line.

[JohnC]

Yeah my first response would be shocks too, but since you have already replaced them. I'm as puzzled as you are on the front. I wouldn't think it would be the springs since it's that new of a truck. How are your tires?

[Palf70Step]

Ijust thought if simetning. On that year silverado, didn't the replace the from spring suspension with a torsion bar suspension? If so, myabe there is a loos key on the torsion bar.

[westbrookw]

Originally Posted by JohnC

Yeah my first response would be shocks too, but since you have already replaced them. I'm as puzzled as you are on the front. I wouldn't think it would be the springs since it's that new of a truck. How are your tires?

Tires have good tread, just cheap Hankooks.

[westbrookw]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Ijust thought if simetning. On that year silverado, didn't the replace the from spring suspension with a torsion bar suspension? If so, myabe there is a loos key on the torsion bar.

Yes it has torsion keys. they are tight when tires are on the ground. Do I need to have the front end off the ground to check them?

[Palf70Step]

That part I can't tell you. Last time I worked on torsion bars was my 60's model Chryslers, and that was around 72-74 time frame.

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

That part I can't tell you. Last time I worked on torsion bars was my 60's model Chryslers, and that was around 72-74 time frame.

Come on that's not that far back.

[Palf70Step]

It went away with the flush!

[westbrookw]

Thanks for the help. Everything is tight, just not sure.

[JohnC]

I would maybe call some of the dealerships and see if they have encountered this. It's real puzzling to me. Have you checked the ball joints make sure they are all greased, and everything?

Also you said you just replaced shocks. Did they give you the correct shocks? I don't know if the SS's would have a different shock, but that may be somewhere to look.

[nsuengineer06]

I had a 99 silverado not that long ago that rode like CRAP. I put new shocks on and no improvement... I talked to my alignment guy cuz I had wore out a ball joint and he told me "quit wasting your money on those crappy shocks and put some Monroe shocks on it" so against my wallet's wishes I did. All I can say is WOW. What a difference it made. I'm not saying this is what's wrong with yours, but I know it sure worked for me.. Good luck.

[truckpoorpackrat]

Curious, what tire pressure are you running & I would agree on the shocks. How is your ride height? (Level, lower in the front). How much space between the front bump stops & the lower control arms, seems like about a 1/2 to 3/4 in is normal. Do you have much weight in the back ? With the all wheel drive I think these trucks (SS) should set within a inch of level. Some tires will ride rougher than others. Maybe it is the tires, did it ride that way before you changed the tires ? Sorry bunch of ideas, no answers James.

[westbrookw]

A year later and I finally figured out the problem. Front wheel hubs needed replacement. $400 later and a smooth ride again.