Another '14-'17 Silverado Stiff Suspension Complaint...

VdellaV · May 7, 2017

Hello, and regards to everyone, im new to this forum, but have had my truck for a year now, it has 21,000 km or 13,000 miles.

The truck suspension feels like having Wood Blocks instead of springs.

I have already swapped all 4 shock absorbers for Bilstein 5100s, and had marginal improvement in ride quality

I have swapped all four tires for 285-70-17 BFGs KO2, and run them at 32psi, and had marginal improvement in ride quality

I have a GoRhino front winch bumper with lights, so Im running with extra weight on the front, but it doesn't really help

Even when im towing or hauling heavy stuff, still feels like crap, so adding weight doesn't really help

The truck´s ride still doesn't feel good after all that I have done to it, it all shakes like a skateboard, the cab and everything in it, even with the smallest road imperfection, not to mention bigger bumps or dirt roads, to the point that I don't know what to do now...

When im off roading I have to lower tires to 25psi front and 15psi back to make the ride tolerable.

I know people have been experiencing the same, but haven't read a definitive fix on it, can anyone shine any help on it?

The truck seems to be smoothing marginally with time, but maybe im just getting used to it LOL

Thanks in advance!

Sierra706 · May 7, 2017

Hello, and regards to everyone, im new to this forum, but have had my truck for a year now, it has 21,000 km or 13,000 miles.

The truck suspension feels like having Wood Blocks instead of springs.

I have already swapped all 4 shock absorbers for Bilstein 5100s, and had marginal improvement in ride quality

I have swapped all four tires for 285-70-17 BFGs KO2, and run them at 32psi, and had marginal improvement in ride quality

I have a GoRhino front winch bumper with lights, so Im running with extra weight on the front, but it doesn't really help

Even when im towing or hauling heavy stuff, still feels like crap, so adding weight doesn't really help

The truck´s ride still doesn't feel good after all that I have done to it, it all shakes like a skateboard, the cab and everything in it, even with the smallest road imperfection, not to mention bigger bumps or dirt roads, to the point that I don't know what to do now...

When im off roading I have to lower tires to 25psi front and 15psi back to make the ride tolerable.

I know people have been experiencing the same, but haven't read a definitive fix on it, can anyone shine any help on it?

The truck seems to be smoothing marginally with time, but maybe im just getting used to it LOL

Thanks in advance!

What was your previous vehicle?

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15 Z71 · May 8, 2017

I have thought about swapping out my ranches for the 5100's but not spending the money if they ride almost just as stiff.

Justin101714 · May 8, 2017

Working for a dealership I've driven many Silverados through multiple body style changes and the 2014+ Silverado and Sierra ride stiff. It's just the way they are. There may be some springs with a more slack spring rate that may help.

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VdellaV · May 8, 2017

What was your previous vehicle?

2011 Vw Jetta "Classic" GLI, with cup springs and adjustable shocks, big sway bars both front and rear... that car rode firm as hell but still less harsh than my Silverado

VdellaV · May 8, 2017

I have thought about swapping out my ranches for the 5100's but not spending the money if they ride almost just as stiff.

They are definetly worth it, the truck became marginally smoother riding, but the handling got much better with the 5100s.

If you are considering a set, I don't regret buying them, they make the truck corner much better and in speed bumps it doesn't keep jumping up and down anymore

Working for a dealership I've driven many Silverados through multiple body style changes and the 2014+ Silverado and Sierra ride stiff. It's just the way they are. There may be some springs with a more slack spring rate that may help.

I have even considered disconnecting the front sway bar to see if that helps maybe (?)

Maybe it will ruin my handling in the corners too, but may be worth it comfort-wise (?)

Sierra706 · May 8, 2017

That's just how body on frame vehicles are. The stiffness of the frame and the spring rates transmit little road imperfections. That's the price you pay for towing and hauling capacity.

A Honda Ridgeline is much more comfortable. But it has zero capability in comparison.

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Dozer466 · May 8, 2017

Disconnecting the sway bar made a huge difference on my truck. It does change the overall handling characteristics quite a bit though.

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fondupot · May 8, 2017

Hello, and regards to everyone, im new to this forum, but have had my truck for a year now, it has 21,000 km or 13,000 miles.

The truck suspension feels like having Wood Blocks instead of springs.

I have already swapped all 4 shock absorbers for Bilstein 5100s, and had marginal improvement in ride quality

I have swapped all four tires for 285-70-17 BFGs KO2, and run them at 32psi, and had marginal improvement in ride quality

I have a GoRhino front winch bumper with lights, so Im running with extra weight on the front, but it doesn't really help

Even when im towing or hauling heavy stuff, still feels like crap, so adding weight doesn't really help

The truck´s ride still doesn't feel good after all that I have done to it, it all shakes like a skateboard, the cab and everything in it, even with the smallest road imperfection, not to mention bigger bumps or dirt roads, to the point that I don't know what to do now...

When im off roading I have to lower tires to 25psi front and 15psi back to make the ride tolerable.

I know people have been experiencing the same, but haven't read a definitive fix on it, can anyone shine any help on it?

The truck seems to be smoothing marginally with time, but maybe im just getting used to it LOL

Thanks in advance!

Bilsteins 5100's were not the way to go if you wanted a more comfortable ride. And BFG ko'2 are notoriously stiff as fvck.

You're truck looks to be a WT model, which could mean it has the heavier duty suspension, which would make it ride a little stiffer.

Some regular touring tires (Michelin Defender LTX M/S's for example) and softer Monroe shocks would be much better.

camcamaro1991 · May 8, 2017

Need more details, specs if your lift/leveled? other mods we can't see.

VdellaV · May 8, 2017

Bilsteins 5100's were not the way to go if you wanted a more comfortable ride. And BFG ko'2 are notoriously stiff as fvck.

You're truck looks to be a WT model, which could mean it has the heavier duty suspension, which would make it ride a little stiffer.

Some regular touring tires (Michelin Defender LTX M/S's for example) and softer Monroe shocks would be much better.

I like to drive fast on mountain roads from time to time, thats why i prefer firmer shocks, but the springs are too stiff, i may be considering to swap the front springs for a 07-13 set, because the geometry is not too different, but we will see

i also have read that people put clamps on their rear springs, may be considering to try a set, they are only like $15.00 bucks

Bilsteins 5100's were not the way to go if you wanted a more comfortable ride. And BFG ko'2 are notoriously stiff as fvck.

You're truck looks to be a WT model, which could mean it has the heavier duty suspension, which would make it ride a little stiffer.

Some regular touring tires (Michelin Defender LTX M/S's for example) and softer Monroe shocks would be much better.

I like to drive fast on mountain roads from time to time, thats why i prefer firmer shocks, but the springs are too stiff, i may be considering to swap the front springs for a 07-13 set, because the geometry is not too different, but we will see

i also have read that people put clamps on their rear springs, may be considering to try a set, they are only like $15.00 bucks

Spurshot · May 9, 2017

Springs and shocks are a collaborative system. If you change the spring rates, damping rates may need to change to match.

Front spacer kits and extending your adjustable ride height 5100s will cause a harsher ride due to the geometry of the suspension.

The counter salesman at King Shocks recommended Deaver rear springs for my truck. I haven't done this because Im satisfied with the ride for my uses with stock springs. I have Kings front and rear and a front Helwig bar. The rear Helwig bar is still in my garage. Has been for 3 years now. I'm very happy with my truck's ride quality now. I removed the Rancho front and rear shocks and replaced them with the Kings. The Kings come with their own springs for the front. I don't know the spring rates vs stock. Ride is great. My tires are 305/60-18 Load Range E. I typically run my tires around 44 psi hot (per TPMS). Very comfortable.

VdellaV · May 9, 2017

Front spacer kits and extending your adjustable ride height 5100s will cause a harsher ride due to the geometry of the suspension.

The counter salesman at King Shocks recommended Deaver rear springs for my truck. I haven't done this because Im satisfied with the ride for my uses with stock springs. I have Kings front and rear and a front Helwig bar. The rear Helwig bar is still in my garage. Has been for 3 years now. I'm very happy with my truck's ride quality now. I removed the Rancho front and rear shocks and replaced them with the Kings. The Kings come with their own springs for the front. I don't know the spring rates vs stock. Ride is great. My tires are 305/60-18 Load Range E. I typically run my tires around 44 psi hot (per TPMS). Very comfortable.

I dont have a spacer kit, i used to have one but since it was garbage riding i took it out and installed the 5100s.

I have read your posts, and im sure your kings ride like heaven, but, sadly i just cant afford the 2k+ $$ tag on those... i could not even afford a better truck, mine is an LS version, which barely has a radio and A/C (No electric windows, but at leasty it comes with a V8 lol)

Thank you very much, im currently saving my pennies, and those Kings are deffinetly on my wishlist

fondupot · May 9, 2017

I dont have a spacer kit, i used to have one but since it was garbage riding i took it out and installed the 5100s.

I have read your posts, and im sure your kings ride like heaven, but, sadly i just cant afford the 2k+ $$ tag on those... i could not even afford a better truck, mine is an LS version, which barely has a radio and A/C (No electric windows, but at leasty it comes with a V8 lol)

Thank you very much, im currently saving my pennies, and those Kings are deffinetly on my wishlist

Do you have the 5100's on the top setting?