Vibration with 22s

intimidator01238 · November 23, 2016

Have a 2016 with the 6.2 with max trailering and recently put the gm 22s on it. I had noticed a slight vibration of some sort when I had the 20s on it but now I really feel it with the 22s. I know there's countless pages of vibration related threads but this seems somewhat different than what I've been reading. It only occurs roughly between 40-48ish. Once you're above or below this range it's pretty smooth. To me it kind of feels like the rear suspension is hitting a frequency and causing the rear to shimmy sort of like a flat spotted tire. If it had a flat spot though you'd feel it at all speeds. I don't feel like it's the rims or tires causing it since I felt something similar prior with the originals. I think being there's less sidewall and the tire is stiffer it's amplifying what's going on. The tires are the Bridgestone dueller alenza plus which are rated pretty good in reviews. I've tried adjusting the pressure to see if that would help any but didn't notice any change. I may see if I can get the place that put the tires on to road force balance them just to eliminate that. These trucks are supposed to have heavier springs and different shock tuning with the max trailering but the rear seems pretty mushy. My dad has my old 2013 with 20s and the rear on that is super stiff. Granted that's got the sport suspension since it's only 4x4. I just figured these max trailering would be a lot stiffer. I may try to either put some weight in the back and see how it acts or try to do something with the springs to change the spring rate. I've read about some guys using the spring clamps. Anyway just curious if any of you guys have had a similar experience and if you've pinpointed the problem.

Thanks

towdog333 · November 26, 2016

I have 22'' on my 14 , they wouldn't take small pot holes or ruts in the road very well you could feel every one when you go over them. With 22'' on you have the small profile tires which I feel are the reason for feeling every bump on the road. So I had HD Bilstiens installed front n back and it pretty much stop all the rough bumps you I felt on the road . I never had the vibration that you describe thank God .

intimidator01238 · November 29, 2016

Had the wheels roadforce balanced today and now difference. Weren't really off as it was anyway though. Figured I'd try something when I got home. I put my old wheels in the bed for some weight on the rear axle. My suspicion is that there's something weird going on with the suspension and the shocks aren't actually doing much dampening. I think this wheel setup is a little heavier and it's causing the suspension to hit some sort of natural frequency. I took just a quick ride with the extra weight and it seemed pretty smooth. Need a few more miles though to tell for sure. Does anyone know if GM puts different shocks on trucks that have the 22s? I have the max trailer I got suspension but the rear is really soft when comparing it to my old 2013 that had the z60 setup. I check the shocks and don't appear to be leaking. My uncle has the same exact truck and his is just as soft.

intimidator01238 · January 12, 2017

Anyone else have any suggestions on this topic or have a truck with max trailering and 22s?

wuznme · January 12, 2017

Stock shocks suck, I can take off my 22's with a street tire which vibrate and put on a set of 17's Nitto G2 and smooth as glass.

I think the larger wheels just compound the vibration issues already present and that's what stopping from installing the Wilwood brake kit I have, wanting to go smaller wheels.

intimidator01238 · January 12, 2017

Stock shocks suck, I can take off my 22's with a street tire which vibrate and put on a set of 17's Nitto G2 and smooth as glass.

I think the larger wheels just compound the vibration issues already present and that's what stopping from installing the Wilwood brake kit I have, wanting to go smaller wheels.

I'm pretty sure it is the bigger wheels. Had a very slight shimy with my 20s but it's way worse now. Never had the vibration around 70 like a lot of people have though. Mine is around 40-45 and it comes and goes at different times. Smaller/stiffer sidewall is the culprit no doubt. To me just feels like the rear axle is shimmying. I'm just thinking the suspension is amplifying the affect because the shocks are so shitty and mushy on these max trailering trucks. If I get on the back and bounce it it's like it's almost only springs.

intimidator01238 · January 12, 2017

Wuznme, what's the suspension on your truck? Do you have max trailering, z71 or 4x4?

wuznme · January 12, 2017

Z71 4x4, but I put Bilsteins on front (set at stock height) and rear after 200 mile ride home from dealer.

If you're thinking axles see the long post that is pinned up top. One guy has replaced his axles and solved his problem. I'm venturing down the axle swap path as well, but may just replace the whole rear as I'm looking to change gears and put a true posi unit in.