What haven't I thought of with this issue?

[ubtripn]

My truck has new inner/outer tie-rod ends, upper/lower ball joints, new drums and brakes, new inner/outer bearing / new shocks and new tires and rims along with a new stabilizer bar BUT....it still rides hard, the shocks are stiffer but when I hit a manhole cover that is a little deeper like 1-2 inches down-BAM! My 66 has none of these items replaced and it rides great. I cannot figure it out. The last thing I can think of replacing are the coils.

I have kept everything to the engineers original specs including tire size so I just don't know. What symptoms do bad springs cause? I can see these little triangle rubber bumpers on the a-arms as well but I am not sure what they do. Anyway, any ideas on how to get a smoother ride and less creaky ride. (I have lubed everything with a zerk.)

Truck drives straight with about 3/4 of an inch of play if that.

Thanks.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

What symptoms do bad springs cause? I can see these little triangle rubber bumpers on the a-arms as well but I am not sure what they do.

Typically, as springs wear out they will tend to sag and will not support weight as they should.

Those rubber triangle thingies are bump stops and will be contacted only if the suspension bottoms out, which shouldn't happen in normal driving. If your springs are shot and the suspension is easily bottoming out, that could explain your harsh ride.

Are your tires properly inflated? Too much pressure will contribute to a rougher ride. So will shocks.... new ones might be firm but shouldn't be harsh. What shocks did you get?

[camrycurt]

For the symptoms you describe I think you need to be looking at the coil springs. I believe the springs are actually what provides all of the cushioning in the ride so it sounds like maybe they're worn out and are giving you the harsh ride.

From what I understand, the job of the shock absorbers is to dampen and ultimately stop the springs from bouncing so you don't bounce like a rabbit going down the road. They may provide some cushioning, but the springs do most of that work so worn springs would allow you to bottom out on bumps causing the harsh ride you describe.

I'm not sure how to test whether or not the springs are bad, but I'm sure someone does and will jump in to help and correct me if I'm wrong.

Good luck!

[CC69Rat]

Shocks too long and bottoming out ?

[biggestjohn]

1/2 ton? 3/4 ton? 1 ton? Lowered? What are we talking here?

Yes springs control the ride. Softer=better ride.(to a point) Reducing weight will make for a harsher ride if the spring rate is not reduced.

Of coarse, if your bouncing off of the bump stops, it will seem harsh. If thats the case, then stiffer springs would be suggested.

[CC69Rat]

If you purchased new, original shocks and still have the OLD original springs (probably sagged a bit ..) It may be bottoming the shocks out .. ?

[ubtripn]

It's a half ton, I am not bottoming out but it is NOT a smooth ride per say. They are KY shocks or something of that name, the stiffer more expensive ones. It helped when I installed them but it sounds like I need the springs. Thanks guys.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

They are KY shocks or something of that name, the stiffer more expensive ones.

KYB.... but which ones? I have used their Gas-A-Just shocks on a couple rigs, still have them on my K20. They are a good quality unit and have firm control, but I would not call them harsh or rough at all.

I wonder if you are just experiencing a normal ride for a 40+ year old design. Worn out springs can't support as much weight and since they are weaker, they should give a softer ride, not a rougher ride -- as long as the suspension isn't bottoming out, and you said it isn't.

[CC69Rat]

What's the part number on your shocks? Any idea?

[Stocker]

How about worn out control arm bushings?

[ubtripn]

Shoot, I don't have the part number, sorry. They are the firmer series so I guess I am looking at springs. Are they a hard install?

[ubtripn]

I know they didn't ride as smooth back then but if my 66 runs smoother (and it's stock) than I still have an issue.

[SS Tim]

The control arm bushings may very well be the problem. I'd say check them, the springs and the shocks for correct application.

[CC69Rat]

Just BAG it and be done with it ?

[ubtripn]

Control arm bushings, got it. Thank you!

I will learn about bagging but I always thought it was for lowering?

[CC69Rat]

I was just messin around.
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[ubtripn]

Lol-oh - I have seen them but I don't know what they do other than adjust height but I have also seen them on rigs with campers so I didn't know...