How to Get a Modern Ride Quality

[john68c10]

Okay, so recently I replaced springs, shocks, rebuilt the entire front end, steering, etc. on my 68 shortbed. It improved everything quite a bit and I was happy.

Then, I bought my Daughter her first truck which is a cream puff of a 2001 Dodge Dakota with less than 50K miles on it...and I started feeling bad again.

What would it take to make my 68's ride and steering quality equal that of a much newer truck like this ?

You know...what'll it take to make stay a '68, but close my eyes for a sec. and swear it was a 2021 ?

This is the last vehicle I ever want to own. I've had it for decades already.

[northerngmc]

Maybe this.....



https://roadstershop.com/product/ful...d-ride-height/

[KQQL IT]

Spends lots of money.
Or drive it like a 50 yr old classic and enjoy ��

[67 twins]

First get a long bed truck, they ride better from the start.

[Love 70 Chevys]

Two keys to ageing gracefully. Gratitude and acceptance. Celebrate it for what it is and be grateful you have it! With modern tires, shocks and all the freshening you have done it probably drives better than the day the first owner drove it off the dealer's lot!

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Originally Posted by 67 twins

First get a long bed truck, they ride better from the start.

I’ll give you that one But

My Short Bed has Coil overs by QA1 along with there sway Bars front and rear.
You can get single or double adjustable shocks. I have the single which have 16 different setting with just a click of a knob. I’m willing to bet it rides better than the Dakota. All said and done I’m into it ~$4000. Best money I’ve ever spent on an up grade by far

[dagnabbitt]

I have always figured you sacrifice ride for handling, and vice versa. It is more about finding that sweet spot. On these old trucks I lean towards the handling, and I think the aftermarket does too. That is why the more restored the truck, the stiffer the ride.

This is going to sound like I am joking, but invest in a new seat. I have a 2500 that is more comfy than my half ton because the seat is, frankly, better than my couch at home.

This is probably not helpful but it is my 2 cents.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

This is going to sound like I am joking, but invest in a new seat. I have a 2500 that is more comfy than my half ton because the seat is, frankly, better than my couch at home.

That raises a question, and I do not have the answer. Don't some big rigs have air suspension seats? Any chance something like that could be adapted to a 67-72?
Has anyone ever done this? Do aftermarket conversions for pickups even exist?

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by 67 twins

First get a long bed truck, they ride better from the start.

I can vouch.

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

I’m willing to bet it rides better than the Dakota.

Not a chance, unless the Dodge is beat.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Not a chance, unless the Dodge is beat.

My Truck rides as well or better than my wife’s 2018 Traverse. Come take a ride, you’ll be surprised. And NO, dagnabbitt , you don’t sacrifice ride for handling, You Get BOTH

PS. My Son is doing the same QA set up on a Long Bed with duel adjustable shocks. Can’t wait to get that one finished and take a ride. Still need to put Engine in (Angry 383 SB) and wiring
Will definitely give an update when this ones done

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

My Truck rides as well or better than my wife’s 2018 Traverse. Come take a ride, you’ll be surprised.

Put your wife on and have her tell us that.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

[QUOTE=jimijam00;9007496]Put your wife on and have her tell us that. [/

Here she is
He’s Right
There you go. Now go find somebody with Coil overs and take the ride..
until then my friend

[jumpsoffrock]

[quote=1970 CST Short Wide;9007497]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Put your wife on and have her tell us that. [/

Here she is
He’s Right
There you go. Now go find somebody with Coil overs and take the ride..
until then my friend

[geunther]

Originally Posted by Stocker

That raises a question, and I do not have the answer. Don't some big rigs have air suspension seats? Any chance something like that could be adapted to a 67-72?
Has anyone ever done this? Do aftermarket conversions for pickups even exist?

The air ride seat components are quite high (~6 inches) even when they have all the air let out. Add air for ride quality and up they go. They also get a bit bouncy.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by geunther

The air ride seat components are quite high (~6 inches) even when they have all the air let out. Add air for ride quality and up they go. They also get a bit bouncy.

Well there ya go -- I said I didn't have the answer!

[Lethal Tendencies]

Don't know what your running for tires. But tire sidewall height makes a huge difference in ride quality especially over bumps. Plus tire pressures

[Carl Spangler]

My 71 C10 short-bed handles/drives really nice. It’s got leaf rear springs and NO front sway bar. I think the truck feels so nice because it doesn’t have a front or rear sway bar.

[Love 70 Chevys]

I'll apologize up front for not adding useful information to the original intent, but I can't help but second the seat thing. (1970 - CST Short Wide actually did provide what was asked for...I did X, it cost Y and here are the results I saw in my handling.) But back on the seat thing, I just did my seat with a re-upholstery kit and can't believe what a game changer it will be in the "total experience". Replacing the single outboard spring that breaks on all of these these, adding another layer of foam to the existing foam to better fill things out and make it a little firmer, thick burlap backing to better distribute the load over the springs and some nice new and supple textured vinyl puts you in a whole new world!

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

Here she is
He’s Right
There you go. Now go find somebody with Coil overs and take the ride..
until then my friend

Have your wife explain to you that there is more to ride quality than just springs and shocks, or the coil overs that you have.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Have your wife explain to you that there is more to ride quality than just springs and shocks, or the coil overs that you have.

Have your wife explain to you that you Really don’t know everything

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

Have your wife explain to you that you Really don’t know everything

you betcha .......

[toolboxchev]

Some would upgrade the front end to the later 70-80 with front rubber bushings. Probably the least expensive route.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by Stocker

That raises a question, and I do not have the answer. Don't some big rigs have air suspension seats? Any chance something like that could be adapted to a 67-72?
Has anyone ever done this? Do aftermarket conversions for pickups even exist?

Yes there is a company that does make smaller sized air ride seats. I think they are in Canada. I looked I to them seriously for my Burban but they take up a fair amount of space and I wouldn't been able to install my folding rear seat with them so I went another way and deleted all the links I had.
I think you might be able to fit them in a pickup if the fuel tank left the cab.

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

Have your wife explain to you that you Really don’t know everything

It's you that knows less than me, big guy. You aren't the only one that has ever had a set of coilovers, but keep on keeping on if it makes you feel salty.