Ride is BOUNCY after the drop! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TIMSPEED · 04-28-2003, 12:15 PM

What would make the truck so damn bouncy?! I used Spindles/Flip kit, and I can't believe how bouncy it is! It's not like BAM BAM BAM! hard hits, but I mean, it just like a bumpy ride. Is this just how lowered trucks ride? (I guess I've been so used to riding in my vette, I'm used to hitting bumps and going SLAM SLAM SLAM RATTLE RATTLE! I used the DT shocks, that everyone said to get.

r0lf- · 04-28-2003, 12:17 PM

Well... they are 20+ year old springs and bushings. When you get your new front springs it should stiffen it up a bit.

Mine rides a lot less bumpy with my DT's. But it is still a truck.

TIMSPEED · 04-28-2003, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by r0lf-
Well... they are 20+ year old springs and bushings.

Not ENTIRELY true...the entire front suspension bushings are all brand new (PST) and the rear's leaf spring shackle bushings are Energy Suspension. I guess it's cuz the rear spring is "flipped" it makes the ride a little more bouncy. It's not BAD, it just gets annoying when I drive down our hellaciously tore-up roads. On a smooth ride, it rides like a damn champ, over train tracks, it's AWESOME!

BaggedC10 · 04-28-2003, 12:43 PM

My truck was the same way, TIMSPEED. Rode rough on back roads but awesome on the highway!

TIMSPEED · 04-28-2003, 12:44 PM

It's not that it rides ROUGH, just like you can feel that their are imperfections in the road...doesn't HURT to hit bumps, you just know that they're there.

Slonaker · 04-28-2003, 12:48 PM

I don't know how long you have had the 17s, but with 17 inch wheels, you don't have as much of a rubber cushion as you did before. The same goes for the urethane bushings. They don't "give" as much as the old rubber ones did. Perhaps these two things can explain some of the harsh ride.

Slonaker

BaggedC10 · 04-28-2003, 12:56 PM

Tim, how does the front-end feel going through corners and down the road?

low 84 · 04-28-2003, 01:03 PM

i think you are just expecting to much. its a 30 year old truck man. just drive it and enjoy it

SCOTI · 04-28-2003, 01:04 PM

I don't think the flip kit will make a difference in ride quality (as long as shock extenders were used). On the other hand, urethane bushings are harder by design so perhaps that's what your noticing.

As for switching from 15's to 17's, as long as the sidewall height is adequate there isn't that much of a noticalbe diff untill you get on a pothole infested road. I switched my 215/75 & 275/60 15's out for my 255/45/18 & 295/40/20's & it rode the same until the previously mentioned potholes.

TIMSPEED · 04-28-2003, 01:17 PM

It's not a HARSH ride, it's just bouncy. But when it bounces, it doesn't KEEP bouncing, it's just like "bump" and it's done. As for tire size switching...I went from a 32x11½-15 to a 255/55 17.

AirMale · 04-28-2003, 01:26 PM

Dumb question, but did you cut off your rear bump stops? That will make it harsh.

gldevall · 04-28-2003, 01:32 PM

Well, that's just what I call a sport tuned suspension. I'm surprised your vette doesn't ride like that. It's a quick rebound right?

TIMSPEED · 04-28-2003, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gldevall
Well, that's just what I call a sport tuned suspension. I'm surprised your vette doesn't ride like that. It's a quick rebound right?

Yes, now both my vette and truck have QUICK rebounds.

**Captkaos** · 04-28-2003, 02:00 PM

I would think what you are descibing is what I call stiff. As in you hit a bump and it hit is "BUMPing jar" and you are done. Over crappy roads, it can be annoying. Bouncy is what I describe as the springs oscillating to much from bad shocks.

Is the bumpstop gone, did you notch the frame?

TIMSPEED · 04-28-2003, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Captkaos
Is the bumpstop gone, did you notch the frame?

Bumpstops and factory brackets are long gone. I didn't put the little "buttonhead" bumpstops on either...no point, because the axle has a solid 4" clearance from the frame. (I will notch if I need to though...because I might go down 2" more all around)

84Stepper · 04-28-2003, 10:34 PM

I didnt put on shock extenders because I didnt know about it until I was freaking done. I dont wanna take it all apart again so I'm just gunna let it go. Next week im gunna put in a C section and 2in drop shackles.

solidaxel · 04-29-2003, 09:05 PM

Treat yourself to some new Bilstine shocks, you will think you just bought a new truck it will ride so much better. My 78 did when I lowered it with spindles and hangers and the stock front springs and it has 17" wheels also

04-28-2003, 12:15 PM	#1
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	Ride is BOUNCY after the drop! What would make the truck so damn bouncy?! I used Spindles/Flip kit, and I can't believe how bouncy it is! It's not like BAM BAM BAM! hard hits, but I mean, it just like a bumpy ride. Is this just how lowered trucks ride? (I guess I've been so used to riding in my vette, I'm used to hitting bumps and going SLAM SLAM SLAM RATTLE RATTLE! I used the DT shocks, that everyone said to get. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

04-28-2003, 12:43 PM	#4
BaggedC10 Under construction! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,065	My truck was the same way, TIMSPEED. Rode rough on back roads but awesome on the highway! __________________ 2001 Silverado bagged on 22's. Sold

04-28-2003, 12:44 PM	#5
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	It's not that it rides ROUGH, just like you can feel that their are imperfections in the road...doesn't HURT to hit bumps, you just know that they're there. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

04-28-2003, 12:48 PM	#6
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	I don't know how long you have had the 17s, but with 17 inch wheels, you don't have as much of a rubber cushion as you did before. The same goes for the urethane bushings. They don't "give" as much as the old rubber ones did. Perhaps these two things can explain some of the harsh ride. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

04-28-2003, 12:56 PM	#7
BaggedC10 Under construction! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,065	Tim, how does the front-end feel going through corners and down the road? __________________ 2001 Silverado bagged on 22's. Sold

04-28-2003, 12:17 PM	#2
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	Well... they are 20+ year old springs and bushings. When you get your new front springs it should stiffen it up a bit. Mine rides a lot less bumpy with my DT's. But it is still a truck.

04-28-2003, 01:03 PM	#8
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	i think you are just expecting to much. its a 30 year old truck man. just drive it and enjoy it __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

04-28-2003, 01:04 PM	#9
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,963	I don't think the flip kit will make a difference in ride quality (as long as shock extenders were used). On the other hand, urethane bushings are harder by design so perhaps that's what your noticing. As for switching from 15's to 17's, as long as the sidewall height is adequate there isn't that much of a noticalbe diff untill you get on a pothole infested road. I switched my 215/75 & 275/60 15's out for my 255/45/18 & 295/40/20's & it rode the same until the previously mentioned potholes. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

04-28-2003, 01:17 PM	#10
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	It's not a HARSH ride, it's just bouncy. But when it bounces, it doesn't KEEP bouncing, it's just like "bump" and it's done. As for tire size switching...I went from a 32x11½-15 to a 255/55 17. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

04-28-2003, 01:26 PM	#11
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Dumb question, but did you cut off your rear bump stops? That will make it harsh. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

04-28-2003, 01:32 PM	#12
gldevall Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Walker, LA Posts: 2,925	Well, that's just what I call a sport tuned suspension. I'm surprised your vette doesn't ride like that. It's a quick rebound right? __________________ Gary -1986 SWB: lowered 4/6, SOLD!!! -Best 1/4 mile: 14.51 @ 91.01 MPH -2001 Pewter Tahoe, billet grill, Corsa Sport Cat-back, K&N FIPK SOLD!!! -2004 Z-71 Extended cab with a flowmaster, BDS 6.5", 3" BL, 35x12.5x18 Trail Grapplers on Pro-Comp 18x9 wheels

04-28-2003, 02:00 PM	#14
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	I would think what you are descibing is what I call stiff. As in you hit a bump and it hit is "BUMPing jar" and you are done. Over crappy roads, it can be annoying. Bouncy is what I describe as the springs oscillating to much from bad shocks. Is the bumpstop gone, did you notch the frame? __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

04-28-2003, 10:34 PM	#16
84Stepper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma Posts: 425	I didnt put on shock extenders because I didnt know about it until I was freaking done. I dont wanna take it all apart again so I'm just gunna let it go. Next week im gunna put in a C section and 2in drop shackles. __________________ 84 Chevy Stepside, 350, TH350, 268h Comp cam, Hooker headers, MSD Pro Billet, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 1604 carb, 40 Series Flowmasters dumped, and Western Chassis 3/5 drop w/ c notch. New 3:73 Eaton Posi

04-29-2003, 09:05 PM	#17
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Treat yourself to some new Bilstine shocks, you will think you just bought a new truck it will ride so much better. My 78 did when I lowered it with spindles and hangers and the stock front springs and it has 17" wheels also __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42



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