2016 Sierra HD denali, make it smoother.

[Erieeyes]

Had a 1988 1500 2wd for 12 years, then a 1994 1500 ext cab 2wd for the last 13 years and I just purchased a BRAND new Sierra HD denali Duramax in January. I live in the NE but hardly ever need the 4wd because of the G80.

 

My question is, This new truck throws me around, jolts me side to side. Im very used to my 1500 2wd models as I mainly use vehicle for only towing 5-7,000 lb trailer. Can someone tell me what I can do to the suspension, shocks, anything to make it ride lie my old 2wd?

 

I don't care if I lose load carry capacity, I just want a smoother ride.

 

Thanks

I purchased a 4x4 also, forgot to mention. I should of opted for 2wd but didn't think it would be such a different ride experience.

[newdude]

Nature of the beast really. Boxed frame, axle, chassis and steering components that dwarf your old 88-98 trucks you had, LT E load tires, etc. 2WD or 4WD ride the same from my experience on the HD trucks. Does your Denali have 18" or 20" wheels? The 20" wheels will give a slightly stiffer ride as well. Check your tire pressures as well as that can cause a rougher ride. If they are set to the sticker in the door jamb, try lowering them to 55-60psi all the way around (set them all the same) and see how it rides. Or, you could toss a few hundred pounds in the bed as ballast and that would probably smooth it out a bit.

 

Sounds like you could have gotten a 6.2 Denali 1500, which has Magnetic Ride Control, and still have had room for the trailer. MRC Denali would give you the nicer ride.

[Erieeyes]

Yea that MRC does sound nice. My old 5.7L 350 were low revving and had nice torque at low rpm. When they went to the 5.3 I did not like the fact or sound of revving at 5-6rpm while towing all day.

 

I waited, and waited and waited for a 1/2 ton 1500hd? with a diesel for years, and then got slapped in face with a diesel s10/canyon/colorado. I had enough waiting and bought what I thought would be a cadillac style ride in a truck. Sorta.

 

I am looking into silastic shackles, and a softer bilstein style shocks. I think those would calm this beast down some as far as normal road bump jarring.

[crankman]

Okay you just got your 2500 give it a chance. I did the same thing as you came out of 1500 for years and yes its a firmer ride, bigger truck , bigger everything. And yes I drove off the lot with 80lbs air and when I got home I dropped to 70psi for couple weeks. Then dropped to 60 for couple weeks and now I stay at 55 and its smoooth. Just relax and you will get used to the 2500 ride. Looks like you purchased a real nice ride lets see some pics!

[SMiller]

Tire pressure!!!

 

Lower those tires.

[2018GMC]

Okay you just got your 2500 give it a chance. I did the same thing as you came out of 1500 for years and yes its a firmer ride, bigger truck , bigger everything. And yes I drove off the lot with 80lbs air and when I got home I dropped to 70psi for couple weeks. Then dropped to 60 for couple weeks and now I stay at 55 and its smoooth. Just relax and you will get used to the 2500 ride. Looks like you purchased a real nice ride lets see some pics!

What this guy said. 18" wheels would help a bit if you have 20"s now. Deals to be had on Craigslist, people selling their factory take offs $500 ish for 18" wheels. More sidewall and less air pressure = smoother ride. If lowering air pressure isn't enough, you are on the right track with softer shocks and the special shackles.

[2018GMC]

FYI. I went from P rated tires 44psi max to e rated 80psi max bfg s on my half ton and it rides super stiff at 60 psi and above. A lot of tire sizes are now only in e rating which is way overkill for 1500. Lowering air pressure helps a lot!

[KMGZ400]

As others have said.. Tire pressures! My Denali when I bought it had almost 80 psi in all tires and it rode like a soviet tank, lowering to around 55-60 helped a lot.

[crankman]

As others have said.. Tire pressures! My Denali when I bought it had almost 80 psi in all tires and it rode like a soviet tank, lowering to around 55-60 helped a lot.

That's funny soviet tank that's good

[avalonandl]

Try some Bilstein 5100 shocks too. I have Rancho on mine- came with Z 71- and I think this is part of my problem.

[brwk]

My 1500 LTZ drove like a Caddy....my 2500 not so much. I just lower the window and listen to my diesel.....then all is right in my world

[Erieeyes]

I keep trying to upload pics, but keep getting message "Upload Skipped" (This file was too big to upload). Any tips.

[avalonandl]

I keep trying to upload pics, but keep getting message "Upload Skipped" (This file was too big to upload). Any tips.

You only have 3 posts... Go post on some other threads. Also I think 100kb is about the right size

[matt123]

You can try different shocks (bilstein seem to be most recommended.)

 

Make sure your tires are properly inflated (many dealerships inflate to max (80psi) to avoid flat spots when the trucks are sitting at the dealer.

I'd run 55 or so all around unless towing/hauling.

 

I'm gonna try some sulastic shackels. Google them. they are about $375, very easy to install, and seem to have good reviews.

[Erieeyes]

You can try different shocks (bilstein seem to be most recommended.)

 

Make sure your tires are properly inflated (many dealerships inflate to max (80psi) to avoid flat spots when the trucks are sitting at the dealer.

I'd run 55 or so all around unless towing/hauling.

 

I'm gonna try some sulastic shackels. Google them. they are about $375, very easy to install, and seem to have good reviews.

 

Do they make the silastic for the 2015-2016 models?