Softening the ride on a 72 3/4t 4x4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DarkFlounder · 03-13-2015, 06:01 PM

My truck rides like a 3/4 ton 4x4. I don't mind it, but the wife refuses to ride in the truck until I soften up the ride. Would removing a few of the heavier shorter leaf springs help?

I'm certain the shock absorbers all need to be replaced. But when shocks fail, don't they usually get sloppy, not stiffer?

SS Tim · 03-13-2015, 06:16 PM

Do you have lift springs?

**leddzepp** · 03-13-2015, 06:49 PM

I am fairly certain you will not be able to soften it enough for her liking. Been there done that

DarkFlounder · 03-13-2015, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Do you have lift springs?

The truck is lifted, but with blocks, not extra springs.

DarkFlounder · 03-13-2015, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I am fairly certain you will not be able to soften it enough for her liking. Been there done that

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you're right. I've never been in a leaf-spring truck that didn't ride rough.

I do suspect the bench seat currently in the truck might be partly to blame. It's REALLY springy. I've got the original bench seat in the backyard, eventually plan on new foam and upholstery on it, that should help.

71swb4x4 · 03-13-2015, 06:56 PM

What size wheels and tires? What pressure are you running in the tires?

Do you have blocks on the front springs too?

**special-K** · 03-13-2015, 09:59 PM

My x-wife wanted more than could be expected,too. More like expected the impossible. The truck I still have and I think it rides fine (not that she ever complained about that).

If your truck is lifted it will ride better stock. I seriously doubt you have blocks in front and if you do, park it till you get rid of them. that's a bad set-up and ride is the least of your worries.

**DeadheadNM** · 03-13-2015, 10:43 PM

Are you running rubber or poly mounts for the cab? If old OEM or poly you may find that swapping for some fresh rubber mounts may help some.

03-13-2015, 06:01 PM	#1
DarkFlounder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 281	Softening the ride on a 72 3/4t 4x4 My truck rides like a 3/4 ton 4x4. I don't mind it, but the wife refuses to ride in the truck until I soften up the ride. Would removing a few of the heavier shorter leaf springs help? I'm certain the shock absorbers all need to be replaced. But when shocks fail, don't they usually get sloppy, not stiffer? __________________ 72 K2500 Sierra Longbed Wideside 350/TH350/NP205 66 Plymouth Barracuda 225 Slant6

03-13-2015, 06:16 PM	#2
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: Softening the ride on a 72 3/4t 4x4 Do you have lift springs? __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

03-13-2015, 06:49 PM	#3
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Softening the ride on a 72 3/4t 4x4 I am fairly certain you will not be able to soften it enough for her liking. Been there done that __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

03-13-2015, 06:56 PM	#6
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Softening the ride on a 72 3/4t 4x4 What size wheels and tires? What pressure are you running in the tires? Do you have blocks on the front springs too? __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

03-13-2015, 09:59 PM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Softening the ride on a 72 3/4t 4x4 My x-wife wanted more than could be expected,too. More like expected the impossible. The truck I still have and I think it rides fine (not that she ever complained about that). If your truck is lifted it will ride better stock. I seriously doubt you have blocks in front and if you do, park it till you get rid of them. that's a bad set-up and ride is the least of your worries. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-13-2015, 10:43 PM	#8
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,355	Re: Softening the ride on a 72 3/4t 4x4 Are you running rubber or poly mounts for the cab? If old OEM or poly you may find that swapping for some fresh rubber mounts may help some. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

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