Improving Sierra 2500 Ride Quality

[bravenrace]

My recently purchased 2000 Sierra 2500 is proving a little jarring on the pot-holed streets in my area. It is in need of shocks, and while the tires are pretty good, they will likely need replaced in the next year.

So! Seeing as how the shocks and the tires probably effect the ride quality more than other parts, what would you all recommend? I've read that most people seem to like the Bilsteins and Edelbrocks, but I also read that they are a little firmer than stock. I'm looking/hoping for a better ride than stock. I haven't seen much on tires, but know that some ride better than others, so what do you guys recommend?

[sc4808]

If money is not a problem then go with the R4Tech system by Firestone, the reviews that I have read says that the difference between night and day.

 

R4Tech

[Matt_]

What tire pressure are you running? If you have D or E rated tires maxed out on the pressure it'll feel like riding on stone wheels when unloaded. Try running them ~45-50 PSI (as long as you're unloaded)

[asilverblazer]

Most likely solutions will compromise your towing and payload, lower capcity tires will ride more comfortably. Stiffer shock will limit how much the suspension can move the truck, so stiffer means harsher ride, softer means wallowy truck. Three quarter ton truck is the culprit of the ride quality. Can't really fix that.

[bravenrace]

What tire pressure are you running? If you have D or E rated tires maxed out on the pressure it'll feel like riding on stone wheels when unloaded. Try running them ~45-50 PSI (as long as you're unloaded)

 

I already reduced the tire pressures down to 40 psi.

[bravenrace]

Most likely solutions will compromise your towing and payload, lower capcity tires will ride more comfortably. Stiffer shock will limit how much the suspension can move the truck, so stiffer means harsher ride, softer means wallowy truck. Three quarter ton truck is the culprit of the ride quality. Can't really fix that.

 

Yeah, I realize that a 3/4 ton is going to ride stiffer than a 1/2, I'm just asking what shocks will improve the ride. I'm not worried about towing or payload capacity. I need it once in a while, but not very often. I'd rather compromise there than every day like I do with the ride now.

[Matt_]

monroe reflex are a nice smooth(er) riding shock.

[MarkD]

Can you provide more info?

 

Tires/Tire size?

Cranked Torsion bars?

Any Lift?

Steering/Suspension in good repair?

 

Mark

[sc4808]

Just dropping down to 35/40psi on your tires when not towing or hauling will help tremendously.

 

As long as your shocks are not worn out, changing them will only make a very small improvement, if you want to get serious about it then take one of the leaf springs out of the rear and add air bags, the ride will be better for daily driving and you can still use the airbags if you need to haul something heavy.

 

I was not joking about the Firestone R4tech system, its an amazing system that is designed to do exactly what you are asking for without any compromises, it is a bit pricey.

 

The last 2500HD that I had, I was ready to take it back and trade it in on a 1/2 ton after the first 2 weeks but once I lowered the air pressure for daily use the ride improved significantly, just remember to air back up before hitching up or hauling anything heavier than say 1000 lbs or so.

[bravenrace]

Can you provide more info?

 

Tires/Tire size?

Cranked Torsion bars?

Any Lift?

Steering/Suspension in good repair?

 

Mark

 

It's all stock, and in good condition except for needing new shocks.

[rodram]

I had KYB Gas-a-just shocks put on my 2500 and the ride has been good..... it is a 3/4 Ton though and I have kept Load range D tires on it because I tow a travel trailer a few times a year.

 

... just remember that if you change the suspension at all or put P-rated tires on for a softer ride... then you really do not have the 3/4T load capacity or stability any more...

[Mcguinness]

monroe reflex are a nice smooth(er) riding shock.

I agree with matt and have the monroe reflex on my truck.

It is a bit better than stock was but like everyone has said being its a 2500hd it's going to ride a little

stiff. And at the same time the monroe shocks seem to have made cornering and handling better.

[96chevy7.4L]

Go with bilstein shocks but not the HD's. Go with the comfort ride bilstein. You could go with a load range d tire which has a less stiff sidewall but won't handle the weight of the E. So keep that in mind.

[Diesail]

You might check out Sulastic Rubber Springs

 

I put them on my '08 and love them. While they do not make it right like a Caddy, they do a great job of taking the shock out of the hard bumbs like highway expansion joints and pot holes.

[[email protected]]

You might check out Sulastic Rubber Springs

 

I put them on my '08 and love them. While they do not make it right like a Caddy, they do a great job of taking the shock out of the hard bumbs like highway expansion joints and pot holes.

 

Hi Diesail:

I took your recommendation - put a set of the Sulastic Rubber Springs {actually rear shackles} on my 2005, 2500HD Crew Cab 6.5' bed. All I can say is THANKS! The ride quality is very noticeably imporved !! Best $350.00 I've spent on the truck...

 

I will add - if anyone else follows - Follow The Instructions... when you first look at the job, you can get the false impression that you can't get the upper bolt out because it hits the frame...Follow the instructions - the leaf spring will move up above the frame so you can get the bolt out of the top... If you have a trailer hitch...it will have to come off... that is not mentioned in the installation instructions... but it's only a few extra bolts..

 

FWIW,

Carl B.