06-05-2016, 09:44 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: S. Georgia
Posts: 254
|
Rough Rough Ride
This is my 99 (Betsy) 5 spd 4.8L. The question I have is what changes were made to the suspension from 99 to 05 that made the 05's ride so much better? Betsy rides like 1 ton compared to my 05 which rides like an Escalade. Any ideas? |
06-05-2016, 11:19 PM | #2 |
Special Order
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
|
Re: Rough Rough Ride
My '92 K3500 had a very nice ride. Very car-like. I can't imagine GM using longer springs than the GMT400s, but did they?
__________________
"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 ~ |
06-05-2016, 11:58 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: S. Georgia
Posts: 254
|
Re: Rough Rough Ride
I guess I should climb underneath both truck and count the number of leaves in the rear springs. Probably be a good starting place. I know the seat in the 99 is far firmer than the comfy seat in my 05.
|
06-07-2016, 12:37 AM | #4 |
Chevys Kick A$$
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Zootown, MT
Posts: 12,699
|
Re: Rough Rough Ride
Do you have worn out bushings or shocks on the truck? Just a thought I didn't notice a huge difference between my lifted '95 to my lifted '03 the new one was a bit smoother but not like a day and night difference.
__________________
*HOODS is what I answer too* -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!
|
06-08-2016, 12:13 AM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: S. Georgia
Posts: 254
|
Re: Rough Rough Ride
Hoods, Id say it's very possible for the shocks to be shot. She's got a lot of miles due to the fact she was my business traveling vehicle till I replaced her in 02 with an exact duplicate except for the stick which was discontinued. But since 02 I did sneak her in on a few business trips up until 2010 or so. But never with any load heavier than a few hundred pounds and usually empty. I'll try some shocks.
|
06-08-2016, 06:38 AM | #6 |
Special Order
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
|
Re: Rough Rough Ride
Now that I think about it, I've never driven a 2wd post-87. I assumed they road about the same as a 4wd. But maybe the torsion bar susp is tighter making the rear feel softer. But I also have driven older trucks all my life with shorter leafs and harder ride than 88-ups. I also never drove my 88-ups around empty. Stiffer shocks can resist compression and stiffen the ride. Are these original? If they are worn out it will ride as soft as springs allow but make it bouncy.
__________________
"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 ~ |
06-08-2016, 02:15 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: S. Georgia
Posts: 254
|
Re: Rough Rough Ride
Yes they are original shocks. I know for a fact the seats in my 99 are much more firm than my 05 seats. My thinking is the total spring package on my truck was much stiffer than my 05. Considering pulling a leaf out of each side on the rear, test ride then decide where to go from there. No way will Betsy ever come close to hauling anything much heavier than groceries.
|
Bookmarks |
|
|