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Improve stiff ride on 1500 with OE 20's ?

WHITESSTOWPIG

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Ozer Enthusiast

Ozer

Posted
Posted
Just now, WHITESSTOWPIG said:

Most of the guys who have commented on shocks are 4WD coming from Ranchos.Is your Sierra is a 2WD 1500 ? What made a larger difference the slightly taller tires or Bilsteins ? Thanks

Mine is 2014 SLT, had the ranchos with 98k miles on them so the ride was rough. I got the tires put on first and could tell it was a better ride. Then a week later got the shocks on and ride improved a little more so it was the combination. These trucks ride better with some weight in the bed so perhaps try  2-3 sand bags in there and see what happens, its the cheapest to try.

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newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted
14 hours ago, WHITESSTOWPIG said:

Thank guys but like I said I am certain I am not running Ranchos.It is a 2WD RCSB WT Blackout Edition that comes with the OE black 20's and Continental Ecoplus tires.This spec truck is fairly light and the ride feels pretty rigid so Im looking to see what light duty guys using factory 20's and 22's might be doing for improvement

 

Being a regular cab short box actually might be the biggest compromising factor.  Short wheelbases ride rougher than longer ones.  A double or crew cab would ride better.

WHITESSTOWPIG Enthusiast

WHITESSTOWPIG

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Yeah this is also my thinking that the short box and V6 if it even makes a weight difference there also does not help at all.What I can say is that the handling is better than any truck I have ridden before which is likely due to the lighter body, stiff suspension, and hard sidewall low profile tires these bring.I am thinking of trying the Bilsteins but not convinced they are any softer than the non-Rancho OE shocks anyway

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted
13 hours ago, Enough said:

 

That SWB RCSB 1978 F-150 4WD rode better than my current truck and it sure was fun on the pavement in the rain !

I have fond memories of the F100's and F150's I owned in the 70's.  I'm not sure I could say they rode better than my current truck but they were nice trucks and comfortable to drive!

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted
16 hours ago, WHITESSTOWPIG said:

Its been a mixed batch researching this topic with some recommending changing the shocks and others the tires.Who here has changed out there original low resistance Continental Ecoplus tires on the factory 20's for something softer ? Did it soften up the ride any or are Bilstien shocks the way to go ?This is a 2WD 1500 truck so it does not have the Ranchos. Thanks in advance

 

Ozer makes the point that immediately came to my mind.  Try putting a few hundred pounds of weight in the back.    My son has a 2 wd crew with the same wheels and tires as you.  When he has his parents and their suitcases loaded in his truck,  the ride is just as nice as my truck with 17" wheels/Michelin tires.  

redwngr Senior Enthusiast

redwngr

Posted
Posted
17 hours ago, WHITESSTOWPIG said:

Its been a mixed batch researching this topic with some recommending changing the shocks and others the tires.Who here has changed out there original low resistance Continental Ecoplus tires on the factory 20's for something softer ? Did it soften up the ride any or are Bilstien shocks the way to go ?This is a 2WD 1500 truck so it does not have the Ranchos. Thanks in advance

 

2016 SLT crew.

Stock factory 20's.

2nd set of 17" factory aluminum takeoffs with aftermarket 'winter' tires.

 

For certain the 17's rode smoother.  Ride effect noticeable each time wheels changed.

 

 

Bash74 Enthusiast

Bash74

Posted
Posted

If you want the most control go with a complete shock setup with reservoirs and remote, dial it in how you want it.

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Grumpy Bear Senior Enthusiast

Grumpy Bear

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, Ozer said:

Mine is 2014 SLT, had the ranchos with 98k miles on them so the ride was rough. I got the tires put on first and could tell it was a better ride. Then a week later got the shocks on and ride improved a little more so it was the combination. These trucks ride better with some weight in the bed so perhaps try  2-3 sand bags in there and see what happens, its the cheapest to try.

And this tells you what? Springs are too stiff and too linear for good compliance. Shocks and tires are Band-Aids for the problem. They help but...

 

Ozer Enthusiast

Ozer

Posted
Posted
4 minutes ago, Grumpy Bear said:

And this tells you what? Springs are too stiff and too linear for good compliance. Shocks and tires are Band-Aids for the problem. They help but...

 

For him this will be the cheapest option, i get the feeling that he isnt willing to spend money on fox shocks, new springs and tires and all that which will cost thousands of dollars.

Personally i needed shocks and tires and i got an improvement out of it, def not escalade smooth which it shouldn't be, its a truck :)

WHITESSTOWPIG Enthusiast

WHITESSTOWPIG

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Will probably try some ballast weight behind the cab, slightly taller tires once these run out, and avoid pot holes a little more because the 20's are going to be keepers for sure.I imagine the Z71 suspension guys have it much worse and the rest of us light duty guys probably just need to man up a little lol afterall " its  a truck "

ewiski Enthusiast

ewiski

Posted
Posted

my 2014 has 20's. Its not that the ride is stiff its is harsh when you go over pot holes and such. I dont have z71 or anything.

 

my 2000 had 16in rims and rode much better but always bouncy. I put monroes on it once and it wasnt much better. After awhile I decided to put a set of kyb monomaxes on it and that made the ride better.

 

I think the 20in rims are the main problem and gm shocks the next. 

 

I havent found any 17 or 18 inch rims I like. The 20's on my truck were off a denali and they are nice but the previous owner took the financial hit for them not me.

WHITESSTOWPIG Enthusiast

WHITESSTOWPIG

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You would be surprised to hear that in most cases the optional 20's are not a terrible bargain since they are rolled into most mid level trim packages which completely transform looks entirely.On my WT specifically the $1650 Blackout package got you black painted OEM 20's , Continental tires, color matched grille bezel, black headlight housings, black bowties front and back.I think guys most would pay that any day of the week to keep there trucks from looking like something you can rent at Home Depot.Controversially the 22's however are only offered as a part of $3500 packages in certain Cab configurations only so they arent as big of a bargain

Ozer Enthusiast

Ozer

Posted
Posted

Just start with 2 50lb bags over the rear axle and see what that does, if you need more add one more in the middle. Need more? add 2 on either side... sand bags are cheap and should get you to a more comfortable drive before its time to upgrade parts. Your mpg might take a slight dip but maybe not, who knows. 

Obscenejesster Enthusiast

Obscenejesster

Posted
Posted
Just start with 2 50lb bags over the rear axle and see what that does, if you need more add one more in the middle. Need more? add 2 on either side... sand bags are cheap and should get you to a more comfortable drive before its time to upgrade parts. Your mpg might take a slight dip but maybe not, who knows. 
How does one hand sandbags over the rear axle? I'm just curious. Won't they hit the ground or possibly break open?

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Ozer Enthusiast

Ozer

Posted
Posted
How does one hand sandbags over the rear axle? I'm just curious. Won't they hit the ground or possibly break open?

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Hahaha i mean put them in the bed, positioned on top of where the Axel is

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