Reducing The Wollowy/floaty/disconnected Feel Of Stock 2005-06 1500 Gm

[cdb95z28]

Hello, new member here. I've been looking for a 2005-2006 Chevy/GMC 1500 Crew or Extend cab truck for a few weeks now for use as a typical homeowner/family man/winter drivin'/family hauler ride. I've taken a few for test drives, and the one thing I'm disappointed in is the wollowy/floaty/disconnected feel these trucks have. Now, granted, some will say "they are trucks". But to me it seems like more of a shock issue than anything. The trucks I have driven are tight/low mileage examples. I do not think it's a worn out suspension/steering parts issue. Tires play a part, I understand that. I'm a guy that has open track road raced a '95 Camaro Z28, and I currently own an '09 Pontiac G8 GT. You can tell from both of these I prefer better handling over a cushy ride like my old '84 Chevy Caprice Classic had. Now, I'm not looking for a truck that will go crazy fast around turns. It's a truck! I have the G8 for doing that:) I just want a little better feel, and responsiveness and I am wondering if any of you have improved your GM trucks to were they are better planted/responsive. Concrete highways make this feeling worse. Any thoughts? Thank you

-Chad

[Matt_]

What do you consider low mileage?

 

These trucks are 4-5 years old could easily be due for new shocks. I don't know about you, but my local streets are littered with pot holes, dips, bumpes, etc. I bet 5 miles of driving around my town does more damage to my suspension than 1000 smooth highway miles.

 

With that said, regardless if the shocks are worn out... YES you can get shocks that will firm up the ride.

[cdb95z28]

40k-50k miles on the trucks I have driven. I'm in Johnstown, PA, so our roads are bad. 4 lane Highways are pretty good though.

[tramz]

Assume your test drives have been in with 2wd. In addition to tires and suspension the center of gravity is different than your G8 or Camaro which also contributes to what you consider a wollowy/floaty/disconnected feel. The drive and handling between a 4wd vs. 2wd is very different, as such with between a Colorado vs. Silverado. I think your experiencing the differences in handling between a car and truck.

[tramz]

I have an 05 CC has 60K and replaced the shocks about 5K ago. The feel isn't different today than before I replaced the shocks or from when I bought it. There's a little difference, but no more than expected from worn shocks.

 

 

(How the h3LL can you remove dbl post?)

[Matt_]

40k-50k miles on the trucks I have driven. I'm in Johnstown, PA, so our roads are bad. 4 lane Highways are pretty good though.

 

Its time for shocks.

[cdb95z28]

"Assume your test drives have been in with 2wd. In addition to tires and suspension the center of gravity is different than your G8 or Camaro which also contributes to what you consider a wollowy/floaty/disconnected feel. The drive and handling between a 4wd vs. 2wd is very different, as such with between a Colorado vs. Silverado. I think your experiencing the differences in handling between a car and truck"

 

I understand COG, unsprung/sprung weight and all that other good stuff. Straight line movement with the undulations of a concrete highway should be controlled a bit more than what I have experienced. I have experienced the HUGE difference in control/responsiveness with just a shock change in other vehicles. Just wanted to know if anyone has experienced this with these trucks.

 

And the shocks don't seem to be worn, just from the fact that the truck does not continue to bounce from each bump.

[Matt_]

I have an 05 CC has 60K and replaced the shocks about 5K ago. The feel isn't different today than before I replaced the shocks or from when I bought it. There's a little difference, but no more than expected from worn shocks.

 

What shocks did you put on? Some quality mono-tube shocks would make a difference over brand new cheap twin-tube shocks...

 

I understand COG, unsprung/sprung weight and all that other good stuff. Straight line movement with the undulations of a concrete highway should be controlled a bit more than what I have experienced. I have experienced the HUGE difference in control/responsiveness with just a shock change in other vehicles. Just wanted to know if anyone has experienced this with these trucks.

 

And the shocks don't seem to be worn, just from the fact that the truck does not continue to bounce from each bump.

 

The OEM shocks are soft to begin with.... gives a nice cushion/car like ride (good move by GM, they know most "wives" are going to insist on buying the GM product because of the ride). Also, the truck may not continue to bounce but the responsiveness of the shock is what you need to fix. When these shocks start to wear, their response time is compromised and therefore causes more sway in the body.

[cdb95z28]

Thanks everyone. First thing I'm going to do when I get one is get a good brand of shocks. BTW, I drove my uncle's 17k mile '03 Xtend Cab 1500 Sierra, felt real good, didn't have that totally disconnected feel, but it could be better