rough riding 4wd.....shocks or what?

[gregbr]

My 67 4wd (that I've had for 2 weeks), rides fairly rough. It has a 4 inch lift of some brand and new 33x12.50's. Heres the wierd part, it has air shocks at all for wheels. If you try to "bounce" the front or back end, it just barely moves. It this because of the lift or do I need different shocks....looking at Rancho RS5000. This is a daily driver which will see little to no off road use. Would like more of a factory ride if possible. Any thoughts?

Does the 67 use the same shocks as the 69-72 4wd? THANKS

[cableguy0]

most lift springs are really stout and have a rough ride it doubt its your shocks that are the problem

[GMC AMI]

Hey, if it's a soft ride you want it will not be in a 4x4 on most roads. I have a little knowledge about ride since I have been on the road in all but one of my 4 wds. My coil sprung 72 camper special feels about a smooth as a Caddy after the the 4 WDs. Gotta love em! I DO and the fever spreads the more you own, the more you want!

[724wdcopper]

yeah, you're pretty much screwed if you want a smooth ride on a lifted 4WD. the fact that the springs have more arch dictates they must also be stiffer. you can get springs with more, thinner leaves. that is supposed to help, but it will never ride like a 2wd.

[gregbr]

Well, I don't expect it to ride like a car. But every little bump sends you to the roof, surely it can be a little better. And I agree, I love this body style better than any other. And the lifted 67 looks good and turns heads.

[Mudder]

I have never seen air shocks on a 4x4. I would get them off of there. For a good ride I would get something like Rancho 9000's or some Belsteins. Some lifts ride stiffer than others and some shocks are stiffer. The Rancho 5000 is a pretty stiff riding shock IMO. I had them for several years. The 9000's are adjustable.

[GMC AMI]

I found that installing a BETTER seat than the stock bench will help you ride better at least. LOL

[Stocker]

The air shocks were likely added for even more lift, and when pressurized, they will further stiffen the ride. Let the air out and drive it; that will let you know how much stiffness they add - and give you a fair idea how much softer it will be with new shocks.

[1FaastC10]

also be aware that the air shocks, when pressurized, will put unneeded stress on the shock mounts, causing them to rip. i would put a normal set of shocks on it, and if that doesnt help enough, start looking at a set of Tough Country or BDS springs.

[gregbr]

Thanks for all the help/advice. I forgot to mention the air shocks don't have any lines connected, so I don't know if they are pressurized or not.

[Cethern]

I would say someone put a lift on that has a high spring rate. the only cure for that is a new set of springs like Tuff country EZ Ride. New shocks will be of some help I also like RS9000 but they do cost a few $ but do offer a nice ride.

The one you could look at is the tire pressure if the psi is high try lowering it

[Americanrider]

Where did you get lift springs for your 67? If the problem is to much spring for to little truck just add a little weight in the form of a roll bar/toolbox/winch bumper/spare gas tank/on board air/fat girlfriend ....oops I mean aw heck never mind...

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Yeah, I would say that 1/2 of the problem is that it is a lifted truck. I would also check into getting some new shocks that are not air shocks. I would also try keeping the pressure in all the tires even.
-Later

[gregbr]

The lift came on the truck, I got the truck about 2 weeks ago from the opposite coast. The tires are brand new Summit 33x12.50x15 all terrain mounted on ralleys with approx 32 psi in each. I had to remove the mudders and cherry bomb mufflers quickly. Is there any way to tell what brand/type springs I have?

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by gregbr

I forgot to mention the air shocks don't have any lines connected, so I don't know if they are pressurized or not.

If there's no lines, it's just the valves on each shock to adjust the air pressure.

Might be topped off with max pressure for the "look" of more lift.

Like mentioned earlier, let the air out or at least check the pressure, then you'll know. Go from there...some lift's definetly ride stiffer than other's.

Also mentioned above, air shocks put stress on the shock mounts, I agree with everybody's advice, replace 'em.

[Jason915]

My truck rode like a log wagon because of the Rough Country leaf springs I had I just swiched to Skyjacker Softride 4" lift kit and it rides just a tad stiffer than a stock 3 leaf suspension did.

[Cethern]

It will be hard to tell from what company your springs came from unless you can still see a part number That is usally found on the top of the springs...sometimes you can get a idea from what color the bushings that were used. If they are all red then it gets real hard. One company used Orange and another Yellow. But red is the color of choice. And one or two use a different thickness of bushing. You mite get a idea from the Taper on the leafs some are and some are square.

If you have a 4x4 shop in your town stop by and bug them for a little bit

[gregbr]

Thanks for the help. I will check the springs over for markings this weekend hopefully. I know the bushings are black. I will probably just buy a "soft ride" lift soon and try it out.