Nht Ride quality.

calgator73 · June 15, 2014

When I test drove a 5.3 lt z71 I disliked the power with the 3.42 and the floaty ride. Figured the 3.08 would be slower so I never considered it. Bought a 5.3 ltz nht. Much nicer off the line! Only problem I noticed on my first hwy trip was the floaty ride... Like a 70s caddy. Figured the nht would result in a tighter ride. Anyway took my truck in for a three week frame rust hiatus and they gave me a new (6 miles on odo) 5.3 4x4 lt crew cab with a 3.08 for a loaner (perfect frame BTW) Power off the line is what I expected (acceleration over 70 was nice). What I didn't expect was the ride quality. It was perfect on the interstate. Zero float and firm. Anyone with nht please chime in with your impression... Not sure if something is wrong or the reason they would degrade the ride quality.

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diannabill · June 15, 2014

nht?

tbarn · June 15, 2014

NHT = Performance Package – Enhanced Towing

seasled · June 15, 2014

Tires or air pressure in the tires?

calgator73 · June 15, 2014

The loaner vehicle was not set to the correct tire pressure when I picked it up so I dropped it down to the recommended 35 psi front/rear. The NHT package has you running 32 psi front and 35psi rear. I have run both front and rear at 35 psi to see if that had an effect...no change. It really does feel like the new shock absorbers are just to soft on the nht.

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glcbn · June 15, 2014

It was perfect on the interstate. Zero float and firm.

I just have the plain old LT double cab,and that is the way it's been from day one.

Spurshot · June 15, 2014

I had an 08 NHT with z60 suspension that felt like there were no shocks installed. I put Bilstein 5100 shocks in all 4 corners. Problem solved.

Daryl LBZ · June 16, 2014

I know for a fact that my 2011 NHT rode worse than my 2009 Z71.

calgator73 · June 16, 2014

Spurshot... That's exactly how mine feels... Worn out shocks.

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Sooperdave · June 16, 2014

I do find the front a lil bit floaty and the rear tight. I don't mind tighter but yeah I would like to get rid of the floaty. Lol

calgator73 · June 16, 2014

I called Bilstein regarding availability for the 5100s...most likely will not be available until after August. I wonder why GM thought it would be a great idea to have a floaty front end on a tow vehicle. I really miss the autoride shocks on my denali....always composed.

thewhitestallion · June 17, 2014

my rancho shocks are the exact opposite. they seem very harsh when it is not necessary. I will be replacing with 5100's when possible.

hell on wheels · June 17, 2014

NHT crew cab standard box.

Rides like a dream.

Nicest pick up ride I have.

I also own an 07 Vmax ext. Cab with 4.10

rearend.

BIGDOGx · June 17, 2014

my rancho shocks are the exact opposite. they seem very harsh when it is not necessary. I will be replacing with 5100's when possible.

Not surprised as ranchos are literally 30 dollar replacement shocks, they have the worst ride quality of any shock I have ever used. Why though would you go with the 5100's if a harsh ride is what you don't want, the 5100 series I believe is made for lifted trucks that are not meant to spend most of it's time on pavement. The yellow originals is what I would be looking at if I wanted a firm planted feeling but without sacrificing ride quality.

kstruckcountry · June 17, 2014

I don't think 5100's are made specifically for lifted trucks, if anything they are more of a sport shock... They help eliminate the rear sliding when accelerating/braking on rough spots. Also more controlled on the highway, you don't feel wind gusts and humps in the road as much.