88 k1500 Rough Ride

[turkeyshooter]

I just put new Gabriel Mono-Max shocks front & rear on my 88 Chevy Silverado K1500 4x4. The ride still seems a bit rough like its beating me up when going down some dirt roads. Roads are not in the best conditions, but my 2004 GMC Sierra handled them much smoother. Is it possible the leaf springs are wore out? What can I do to smooth the ride out some more. It is definitely better since installing the new shocks, but not what I had hoped for yet. The suspension is stock and I prefer to keep it that way but open to any suggestions that might help the ride out. Thanks for your help in advance!

[Vintage Windmills]

Are the torsion bars cranked up too high? Are the Gabriel shocks of the same quality as the ones on the 2004? Also the 2004 is the new generation, which seems to ride a little better regardless.

[mountie]

My '88 C2500 2 wheel drive has had Tokico shocks for ever. They also have a lifetime warranty, where I can change them out for a new set just because of high mileage on them, even if they still feel good.

They have been the best shocks for a comfortable ride.

[turkeyshooter]

How do you tell if the torsion bars are cranked up too high. Far as I know they have never been messed with. Truck is stock. How do you tell if the leaf springs are bad?

[Tynee]

My experience is that springs just start to sag over the years. They don't seem to stiffen, as would be indicated by a rough ride. Normally, sign of worn springs is that the truck doesn't sit level any more.

[Cabnchassis]

The torsion keys are adjustable on a lot of these so the truck could be stock and still have the keys cranked. It's so you can level the truck for what load you're using it for but people treat it like a hillbilly leveling kit and crank them to top which isn't very safe. Check out the front torsion bar and you should see the keys.

Also since you just bought it maybe check the tire pressure and make sure some goober wasnt running them at an insane pressure.