Bouncy ride

[87Skier]

How bouncy is your Blazer/Jimmy? I think mine is abnormally bouncy and could really benefit from a new set of softer shocks. I believe it has heavy duty shocks on it. I've had a few people hit their heads on the top while riding in the back, on a not so bumpy road.

What options do I have to correct this?

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 87Skier

I've had a few people hit their heads on the top while riding in the back, on a not so bumpy road.

What options do I have to correct this?

Shorter passengers?
Sorry, couldn't resist !

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by 87Skier

What options do I have to correct this?

Stretch it into the length of a Suburban. I think a lot of it has to do with the short wheelbase. Every one I have been has been that way, 4x4's more so than 2wd's, just the nature of the beast.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by 87Skier

How bouncy is your Blazer/Jimmy? I think mine is abnormally bouncy and could really benefit from a new set of softer shocks. I believe it has heavy duty shocks on it. I've had a few people hit their heads on the top while riding in the back, on a not so bumpy road.

What options do I have to correct this?

Take the top off? Sorry, hemi43 made me do it.

There's one principal road near me that's concrete with expansion joints spaced just the right distance apart that it makes me feel like I'm riding a bull in a rodeo when I'm driving my Blazer. I hardly even notice it in the Z28. I was thinking I might look into differences in shocks, but I'm not sure what would be best.

[cleszkie]

My 72 4x4 rides pretty good. It was pretty harsh before I upgraded my leaf springs to Superlift Softride springs on all four corners and installed Bilstien 5100 gas charged shocks.

A stiff leaf spring will make for a harsh ride and hard bounces, and poor shocks will cause the truck to continue bouncing.

On a side note, when I installed lift springs on the front of my Blazer, I had to remove the little leaf spring retainer that was bolted to the drivers side frame rail just behind the shackle. When the spring would compress, the shackle would swing back and hit the retainer and cause a really rough ride. I'm not sure, but this retainer may be a '72 only thing. On a stock truck, the front springs are bent the other way (upward), so when the spring is compressed, it moves the shackle away from that little retainer.

[chastain90]

Originally Posted by cleszkie

My 72 4x4 rides pretty good. It was pretty harsh before I upgraded my leaf springs to Superlift Softride springs on all four corners and installed Bilstien 5100 gas charged shocks.

A stiff leaf spring will make for a harsh ride and hard bounces, and poor shocks will cause the truck to continue bouncing.

On a side note, when I installed lift springs on the front of my Blazer, I had to remove the little leaf spring retainer that was bolted to the drivers side frame rail just behind the shackle. When the spring would compress, the shackle would swing back and hit the retainer and cause a really rough ride. I'm not sure, but this retainer may be a '72 only thing. On a stock truck, the front springs are bent the other way (upward), so when the spring is compressed, it moves the shackle away from that little retainer.

Did you just buy and install the leaf springs or the whole lift kit? Not sure what all comes with it.

[GMC-YA68]

I've got new Skyjacker 2.5 with springs on all 4 corners and new shocks, yes it still drives like a 4x4!

[bouncytruck]

My wife dubbed it "bouncytruck" for a reason...

[Sacramento70]

i replaced my shocks with monroe gas magnums and replaced the the leaf spring bushings with poly all the way around and its still a 4x4 ride, so except fate that these trucks flex, roll, and move in a way that makes them beautiful in their own way.

[cleszkie]

Originally Posted by chastain90

Did you just buy and install the leaf springs or the whole lift kit? Not sure what all comes with it.

I just bought the springs. I had to fabricate the drag link because I am running a Dana 60 up front. Had a CV joint built into my rear driveshaft.

[87Skier]

It's alright with me that it's bouncy. Driving it on the street is fine, so I'll leave it alone for now. Might make it worse by taking stuff apart or worse yet, decide that I should throw a lift on it and bigger tires.

[PGG]

I might want to try these?
Superlift Softride springs on all four corners and installed Bilstien 5100 gas charged shocks.

[tjsblazer]

If you are looking for a compliant ride in a leaf spring, more leaves of a lighter gauge I believe is the best way to go coupled with good quality absorbers.
Look up Alcan or Deaver spring. They both custom build them for this purpose but they are spendy.

[PGG]

Thanks I will call them sadly neither seem to have anything on their sites that I can find showing what they offer or suggest. I guess not enough demand for them. I will call Monday! PG

http://www.alcanspring.com/making.htm

http://www.deaverspring.com/

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

If you are looking for a compliant ride in a leaf spring, more leaves of a lighter gauge I believe is the best way to go coupled with good quality absorbers.
Look up Alcan or Deaver spring. They both custom build them for this purpose but they are spendy.

[tjsblazer]

They custom build to your specs. They don't stock on a shelf for the most part.

[cleszkie]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

They custom build to your specs. They don't stock on a shelf for the most part.

This is correct. I live a short distance from the Deaver shop. Its a small shop, so stocking piles of massive springs is not practical. However, if you tell them what you need, they will crank them out in no time. Some of the best leaf springs on the market.