How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Flatty · 11-12-2006, 11:47 PM

I have a pretty messed up neck (2 bulging disks due to being a wrestling coach), and I will be buying one of these trucks here in the next few months... I used to have a lifted 99 cummins truck that was bouncy as all get up. My neck would kill me on LONg drives. I have always wanted a 67-72 4x4 truck, and now is my chance to get one. I build rockcrawlers for a hobby and need a tow rig. Why not get one that looks great also. My wife and I are buying a house and I will need another truck for a "work" truck. Soooo.... Enough with the background, I need some advice

What are my options as far as getting a better ride out of a 4x4? I plan on a long bed. I want to throw a 4" lift (or so) under it. I want to run a set of 35" tires under the truck. Whatcan I do to the suspension to make it a BIT smoother of a ride? I know the usual stuff like new bushings, new leaf springs,... I also plan on towing with this truck. For teh rear springs I was thinking about running the stockers with a shackle flip. I know I can get about 4" out ofthat. How about the front end?

Thanks for the advice
Dima

1969k10stepside · 11-12-2006, 11:52 PM

The shackle flip will make the rear tires move closer to the front of the bed and big enough tires will make it rub.I really cant help you with smoothening it out because a leaf springed solid axle truck will always ride rough.Here is a pic of my old 69 w/ a 6 inch lift w/ no shackle flip for reference.Its not pretty by any means but it gets the job done.let us know what you decide todo with it no matter what route you take.P.S. I need bigger tires

Attachment 224582

Flatty · 11-13-2006, 01:10 AM

Thanks for letting me know that the rear axle would move forward. In that case, I may end up redoing the mounts and move the axle back where it beloongs.

Keep teh advice coming.

DIma

**Zoomad75** · 11-13-2006, 08:17 AM

The shackle flip I did on my K5 didn't move the axle forward. It did make the rear ride a hell of a lot smoother though. As far as the front springs go, spend the extra money and use Tough Country or BDS, of for more go with Alcans.

The lower spring rate will give a smoother ride.

Flatty · 11-13-2006, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoomad75

The shackle flip I did on my K5 didn't move the axle forward. It did make the rear ride a hell of a lot smoother though. As far as the front springs go, spend the extra money and use Tough Country or BDS, of for more go with Alcans.

The lower spring rate will give a smoother ride.

I was thining about Alcan's for this truck. I will talk to them abuot what the right sprint rate should be.

Thanks
Dima

Musclerodz · 11-13-2006, 12:47 PM

BDS or Alcons for the springs, and if the axle is not centered, ORD zero rates are drilled to relocated the axle either 1" or 1 1/2". Don't forget about a good quality tire . Nitto Grappler tires are fairly smooth and quiet. Nice late model seats will help too.

Mike

Flatty · 11-13-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

BDS or Alcons for the springs, and if the axle is not centered, ORD zero rates are drilled to relocated the axle either 1" or 1 1/2". Don't forget about a good quality tire . Nitto Grappler tires are fairly smooth and quiet. Nice late model seats will help too.

Mike

I have 2 sets of BMW seats for the truck... I was actually thiking about getting a set of suspension seats for the truck. Maybe a set of PRP seats or some BEard racing seats...

Dima

Mudder · 11-13-2006, 01:44 PM

Good shocks with the different settings like the Rancho 9000's.

Crank · 11-13-2006, 04:22 PM

I dont know much about making them ride smoother, but this is about the only thing I could think of. Put a hitch on it and you are good to go. Could also haul all of your buddies.

68shortfleet · 11-14-2006, 01:26 AM

I have installed several sets of the TUFF COUNTRY springs, and would not ever recommend them to anybody again. They are the roughest riding spring I have ever installed in a chevy truck. I have no experience with alcans, But never heard anything bad about them. Springs that i did like were the RANCHO'S. Good ride/affordable. Definently run an adjustable shock(rancho), I had bad luck with the pro comp adjustables.
Just my opinion
Jason

Flatty · 11-14-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68shortfleet

I have installed several sets of the TUFF COUNTRY springs, and would not ever recommend them to anybody again. They are the roughest riding spring I have ever installed in a chevy truck. I have no experience with alcans, But never heard anything bad about them. Springs that i did like were the RANCHO'S. Good ride/affordable. Definently run an adjustable shock(rancho), I had bad luck with the pro comp adjustables.
Just my opinion
Jason

I can't stand RANCHO springs. They are built like poop... I have been wheeling for about 15 years now, so building rockcrawlers has been my second job. I have run just about every spring imaginable, and stockers are usually the smoothest of them all. That is why I want to run the stockers in the back with a shackle flip. tHen I will probably run a set of ALCAN's in the front with adjustable shocks (Or bilsteins). The main part is to run a good quality seat. Either the M3 seats from the BMW are going in, or the Corbeaus.

DIma

cobinder · 11-14-2006, 07:43 PM

With a shackle flip your axle only moves forward if you have springs with a lot of ach in them. The flatter the spring the less it moves. My 80 K20 moved about a 1/4" with a 4" shackle flip on stock springs.

Get good tires and spend $$ for good shocks (like Bilsteins)

Best ride I've found yet!

The seats would be the last place to dial in your comfy self (and the most $$)

good luck

*1tonswb* · 11-15-2006, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68shortfleet

I have installed several sets of the TUFF COUNTRY springs, and would not ever recommend them to anybody again. They are the roughest riding spring I have ever installed in a chevy truck. I have no experience with alcans, But never heard anything bad about them. Springs that i did like were the RANCHO'S. Good ride/affordable. Definently run an adjustable shock(rancho), I had bad luck with the pro comp adjustables.
Just my opinion
Jason

FINALLY!!! Someone who knows what there talking about!! For years I have watched people praise the tuff country springs when IMO they ride VERY harsh. Ive always had very good luck with the skyjacker softrides. They ride smooth and they are very flexy. They are spendy but you get what you pay for. As far as rear springs either run a softride or factory 1/2 ton springs. 3/4 ton springs ride wayyyyy stiff.

Ditto on the rancho 9000's. The pro comp mx6's are junk IMO. I cant count how many mx6's I have warrenty'd out over the years compared to 9000's.

jamesjones · 11-15-2006, 01:27 PM

Deaver Springs and whatever brand rezzy shock you prefer. It will float like a butterfly.

skchevota · 11-17-2006, 01:59 AM

definitly use a custom spring like an alcan or deaver if you hav the $$$ if not use the skyjackers, I would also consider a longer spring, I run rear 52" springs in the front of mine, and stock superduty rear springs in the rear.
The longer the spring the beter the ride, I ren a set of stock superduty springs in the front of my 98 chevy with a SFA and it road like a caddy, and flexed reallll nice to. then of coarse rancho 9000s

Russell · 11-17-2006, 02:22 AM

If you've got money to spend, and want a very nice ride, air bag your truck front and rear with 4 link suspensions setups on both axles, and get some good shocks.

If not, take your leaf springs apart, have them blasted, then coated with graphite empregnated paint, and re-assemble with new teflon strips between the leaves, and new bushings. Re-install using some good adjustable shocks. As mentioned above, you can do some hanger relocating and use longer springs up front, and out back to improve the ride as well.

Finally, use a set of aluminum wheels, the less un-sprung weight the better the ride

scotto0609 · 11-19-2006, 10:55 AM

Watch the load range on the tires and inflation,just because it says max inflation xx doesnt need it needs to be there!

72freak · 11-19-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotto0609

Watch the load range on the tires and inflation,just because it says max inflation xx doesnt need it needs to be there!

Yep.........thats what I was going to say.......lower your air pressure in your tires!!!!!

Mudder · 11-19-2006, 12:58 PM

I run around 20-25 lbs in the swampers on the highway.

454_72_4X4 · 11-22-2006, 10:06 PM

I can tell you DEFINATELY DON'T use Rough Country springs.
I've been thinking about airbagging the front of my 72 for some time now. Any good ideas about fabricating or buying the links for a 4 link setup?

earl87gta · 11-25-2006, 03:35 AM

here is a good post on a 4x4 with air bags

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200909

89 crew · 11-25-2006, 04:17 AM

An idea no one mentioned here was an air ride seat. They are fully adjustable (if the right brand is bought) and if they can smooth out a 54k lb truck running 110lbs in the tires it and enough spring to carry that weight it should be able to take care of a 6k truck.

454_72_4X4 · 11-26-2006, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89 crew

An idea no one mentioned here was an air ride seat. They are fully adjustable (if the right brand is bought) and if they can smooth out a 54k lb truck running 110lbs in the tires it and enough spring to carry that weight it should be able to take care of a 6k truck.

One problem I see with the air ride seat is headroom.
These old trucks don't have much room to begin with so there's just not enough room for the seat suspension to work without bashing your head against the roof.

rancid · 11-26-2006, 11:25 AM

i would have to agree on the superduty srings. i had a 96 suburban that i did a solid axle on and ran 4" skyjacker springs on front with about a 4" drop from the frame and ran 40,s and did a shackle flip on the rear. but i moved my hangers back 2 inches so the tire wasnt so close after the flip, i ran a 5 inch rear spring and a 2 inch block. it may be hard to believe but it rode better than when it was stock. it ended up with about 12" lift.

11-12-2006, 11:47 PM	#1
Flatty Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 27	How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? I have a pretty messed up neck (2 bulging disks due to being a wrestling coach), and I will be buying one of these trucks here in the next few months... I used to have a lifted 99 cummins truck that was bouncy as all get up. My neck would kill me on LONg drives. I have always wanted a 67-72 4x4 truck, and now is my chance to get one. I build rockcrawlers for a hobby and need a tow rig. Why not get one that looks great also. My wife and I are buying a house and I will need another truck for a "work" truck. Soooo.... Enough with the background, I need some advice What are my options as far as getting a better ride out of a 4x4? I plan on a long bed. I want to throw a 4" lift (or so) under it. I want to run a set of 35" tires under the truck. Whatcan I do to the suspension to make it a BIT smoother of a ride? I know the usual stuff like new bushings, new leaf springs,... I also plan on towing with this truck. For teh rear springs I was thinking about running the stockers with a shackle flip. I know I can get about 4" out ofthat. How about the front end? Thanks for the advice Dima

11-12-2006, 11:52 PM	#2
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,020	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? The shackle flip will make the rear tires move closer to the front of the bed and big enough tires will make it rub.I really cant help you with smoothening it out because a leaf springed solid axle truck will always ride rough.Here is a pic of my old 69 w/ a 6 inch lift w/ no shackle flip for reference.Its not pretty by any means but it gets the job done.let us know what you decide todo with it no matter what route you take.P.S. I need bigger tires Attachment 224582 Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 12-11-2006 at 10:22 PM.

11-13-2006, 01:10 AM	#3
Flatty Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 27	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? Thanks for letting me know that the rear axle would move forward. In that case, I may end up redoing the mounts and move the axle back where it beloongs. Keep teh advice coming. DIma

11-13-2006, 08:17 AM	#4
Zoomad75 K5Camper Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 1,513	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? The shackle flip I did on my K5 didn't move the axle forward. It did make the rear ride a hell of a lot smoother though. As far as the front springs go, spend the extra money and use Tough Country or BDS, of for more go with Alcans. The lower spring rate will give a smoother ride. __________________ Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper

11-13-2006, 12:47 PM	#6
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,365	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? BDS or Alcons for the springs, and if the axle is not centered, ORD zero rates are drilled to relocated the axle either 1" or 1 1/2". Don't forget about a good quality tire . Nitto Grappler tires are fairly smooth and quiet. Nice late model seats will help too. Mike __________________ Mike Redpath Last edited by Musclerodz; 11-13-2006 at 12:49 PM.

11-13-2006, 01:44 PM	#8
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? Good shocks with the different settings like the Rancho 9000's.

11-13-2006, 04:22 PM	#9
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? I dont know much about making them ride smoother, but this is about the only thing I could think of. Put a hitch on it and you are good to go. Could also haul all of your buddies. Attached Images

11-14-2006, 01:26 AM	#10
68shortfleet Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dundee, Oregon Posts: 311	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? I have installed several sets of the TUFF COUNTRY springs, and would not ever recommend them to anybody again. They are the roughest riding spring I have ever installed in a chevy truck. I have no experience with alcans, But never heard anything bad about them. Springs that i did like were the RANCHO'S. Good ride/affordable. Definently run an adjustable shock(rancho), I had bad luck with the pro comp adjustables. Just my opinion Jason

11-14-2006, 07:43 PM	#12
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? With a shackle flip your axle only moves forward if you have springs with a lot of ach in them. The flatter the spring the less it moves. My 80 K20 moved about a 1/4" with a 4" shackle flip on stock springs. Get good tires and spend $$ for good shocks (like Bilsteins) Best ride I've found yet! The seats would be the last place to dial in your comfy self (and the most $$) good luck

11-15-2006, 01:27 PM	#14
jamesjones Freakin Awesome! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 482	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? Deaver Springs and whatever brand rezzy shock you prefer. It will float like a butterfly. __________________ 1972 K5 Blazer - LQ4/TH350/NP205 - Long Travel Suspension - Hooptee

11-17-2006, 01:59 AM	#15
skchevota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Evans, Colorado Posts: 530	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? definitly use a custom spring like an alcan or deaver if you hav the $$$ if not use the skyjackers, I would also consider a longer spring, I run rear 52" springs in the front of mine, and stock superduty rear springs in the rear. The longer the spring the beter the ride, I ren a set of stock superduty springs in the front of my 98 chevy with a SFA and it road like a caddy, and flexed reallll nice to. then of coarse rancho 9000s

11-17-2006, 02:22 AM	#16
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? If you've got money to spend, and want a very nice ride, air bag your truck front and rear with 4 link suspensions setups on both axles, and get some good shocks. If not, take your leaf springs apart, have them blasted, then coated with graphite empregnated paint, and re-assemble with new teflon strips between the leaves, and new bushings. Re-install using some good adjustable shocks. As mentioned above, you can do some hanger relocating and use longer springs up front, and out back to improve the ride as well. Finally, use a set of aluminum wheels, the less un-sprung weight the better the ride __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap) Last edited by Russell; 11-17-2006 at 02:23 AM.

11-19-2006, 10:55 AM	#17
scotto0609 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: new york Posts: 226	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? Watch the load range on the tires and inflation,just because it says max inflation xx doesnt need it needs to be there!

11-19-2006, 12:58 PM	#19
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? I run around 20-25 lbs in the swampers on the highway.

11-22-2006, 10:06 PM	#20
454_72_4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.E. MO Posts: 1,749	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? I can tell you DEFINATELY DON'T use Rough Country springs. I've been thinking about airbagging the front of my 72 for some time now. Any good ideas about fabricating or buying the links for a 4 link setup? __________________ 72 C20 4X4 454 4 speed 89 Trans Am (was) 305 TPI 700r4 93 C1500 2wd Extended cab 350 700r4 98 Sonoma (TPI outa the Trans Am) 03 Yamaha 660 Raptor 03/04 660 Raptor 07 700 Raptor 85 Honda Odyssey



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11-25-2006, 03:35 AM	#21
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? here is a good post on a 4x4 with air bags http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200909 __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

11-25-2006, 04:17 AM	#22
89 crew Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 865	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? An idea no one mentioned here was an air ride seat. They are fully adjustable (if the right brand is bought) and if they can smooth out a 54k lb truck running 110lbs in the tires it and enough spring to carry that weight it should be able to take care of a 6k truck.

11-26-2006, 11:25 AM	#24
rancid Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: utah Posts: 182	Re: How to make a 4x4 ride smoother? i would have to agree on the superduty srings. i had a 96 suburban that i did a solid axle on and ran 4" skyjacker springs on front with about a 4" drop from the frame and ran 40,s and did a shackle flip on the rear. but i moved my hangers back 2 inches so the tire wasnt so close after the flip, i ran a 5 inch rear spring and a 2 inch block. it may be hard to believe but it rode better than when it was stock. it ended up with about 12" lift.

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