Suspension honest opinions

[rmkmb]

Guys I know there is some threads on suspension but let's be honest here.

I come from three Rams in a row.Just bought a 2019 SLT x31 package. I simply cannot believe the harshness of the suspension on it,which is my only regret so far.Today my truck is at dealer and the lend me a 2018 SLE.

WOW.... the ride is so smooth ,almost comparable to the Ram to a point I almost want to keep the 2018

My truck is Bone stock with the a/t Duellers with 36 psi

 

 

To you  guys that come from the K2 to the T1 is there that much difference in the suspensions? or is it these Rancho shocks that are that  bad?

 

[OnTheReel]

My complete honest thoughts... 

 

I love my 2019, but my 2016 SLE rode softer than any T1 I’ve driven yet. That said, I am only comparing the standard 4x4 suspension on the 2016, to the max trailering on my 2019 LTZ, and the Z71 suspension on a 2019 LT loaner I had.

 

I like the max trailering more than the Z71; it is stiffer but seems less apt to lose its composure like the Z71 did on rough patches and railroad crossings. I suspect the standard suspension probably rides the softest and closest to the Ram, but I can’t confirm that until my truck breaks down and I get one for a loaner...

[gt tangerine]

My LT 5.3 4x4 non Z rides great, better than my k2 5.3 4x4. I wish I had the Z71 though.

 

I have noticed that over bumps my truck kicks out as well as others here have stated, even without the Z71.

 

I have the 22” wheels with the factory Bridgestone tires though so that I’m sure is the reason for my issue.

 

 

[rmkmb]

Wondering what is the difference in the off-road suspension in the  z and x packages compared to the standard suspensions,if only shocks or different leafs too

[econometrics]

2 minutes ago, rmkmb said:

Wondering what is the difference in the off-road suspension in the  z and x packages compared to the standard suspensions,if only shocks or different leafs too

Pretty sure it’s just the shocks, as most of the trucks have close to the same payload, meaning the springs must be the same. Just a WAG on my part. 

[econometrics]

My RST Z71 (20’s) is a bit puzzling. It handles fantastic. Like an Audi A4, almost. 

 

But the ride really can be harsh. Especially on concrete paved interstate, I’ve noticed. 

 

Overall, it rises and handles better than my 2007 Silverado 1500 Crew, minus performance over harsh bumps. I get the rear end stutter pretty often in the RST. 

 

I run my 275 20’s at 34 all around, which has seemed to help a good bit. 

[rmkmb]

9 minutes ago, econometrics said:

Pretty sure it’s just the shocks, as most of the trucks have close to the same payload, meaning the springs must be the same. Just a WAG on my part. 

I think so too it's just funny how they describe the packages by "unique suspension tunning" 

 

 

[MacLaren]

I have just a little over 1,000 miles and mine is doing great! Very smooth all around.

Honestly, it just keeps getting better. 

( LT Z71 )

[McCoy7]

Wow.  I have had a 4 Silverados since 2003 including my last was a 2015 all were 2wd. Now I have this LT TrailBoss and I have to say it rides great.  No complaints the best I have had.  

[zzrsouth]

Standard T1 LT double cab completely stock with the skinny tires.  Definately some front end under damped type boatiness (+65mph) on the highway and bumps in fast sweepers definately upset the rear causing it to step out as many have reported.

 

My 2014 Tahoe LT with 60k miles, also stock, rides significantly better/more controlled at all speeds.  My understanding is that the Tahoes and Rams have similar coil sprung rear suspensions.

[MacLaren]

That's wild. Mine +65mph really shines imo

Especially at about 80mph she rides so good.

And, in normal driving, hardly any body roll.

I love how this truck drives and handles (LT Z71)

[Mountain boy]

AT4 handles much better than my 14 SLT it is only harsh over washboard roads, great on gravel and mud. It is stiff but I like it that way had many sports cars so this is smooth to me. 

[bshort]

It's an off-road package and it's supposed to be stiff.  

[aseibel]

The new trucks are 450 lbs lighter than K2's. But they have the same springs. That means stiffer ride when unloaded. You want it to ride like the 2018? Go buy some bags of sand. 

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15160869/like-a-lighter-rock-2019-chevrolet-silverado-drops-450-pounds-using-steel-structure/

 

[MaverickZ71]

GM's ride stiffer than Rams rear coil springs/air springs

The new GM trucks ride stiffer than previous generations

4WD's are stiffer 

Z71's or AT4's or equivalent are stiffer than that

Low profile tires are stiffer than that

Bridgestone tires are stiffer than that

Higher than recommended air pressure in tires is stiffer than that

 

When Car & Driver magazine tested a new 2019 Silverado High Country 4x4 against an equivalent Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, it said it was a "$70K kick in the nuts" compared to the other 2 trucks, and that the Chevy's suspension pounded and bounced over road imperfections that were hardly noticed in the other 2 trucks.