Suspension of 2019/2020 vs 2021

[Interleukin6]

One of famous car YouTubers said 2020 Silverado 1500 had most truckish riding. Ram was best and F-150 was 2nd. The same YouTuber now says 2021 is 2nd. F-150 is 3rd. Are suspensions of 2021 different from 2020? How about 2019? Mine is 2019. Thanks.

Edited January 6, 2021 by Interleukin6

[OnTheReel]

They retuned the suspension for the 2020 model year. New springs front and rear. There has been no such statement made for the 2021s, so it could just be a matter of different trim levels/ suspension packages between the 2020 and 2021 trucks they reviewed.

[Interleukin6]

Thank you for the info. Is there notable improvement in riding quality between 2019 and 2020/2021? If I put new springs on my 2019, it will be the same as 2020/2021? 

Edited January 6, 2021 by Interleukin6

[Troger]

I traded from a 2019 Denali to a 2021 and the ride is much better.  2021 less bouncy and smoother and seems to absorb bumps better.  Also the seats are much more comfortable.  The 2019 seats had barely any cushion. 

[OnTheReel]

11 hours ago, Interleukin6 said:

Thank you for the info. Is there notable improvement in riding quality between 2019 and 2020/2021? If I put new springs on my 2019, it will be the same as 2020/2021? 

There is an improvement, but whether or not it’s worth all that effort, I don’t really think so.
 

If you haven’t already, Bilstein shocks in the rear really helped the jumpy back end on my truck. Cheap and easy. I have the max trailering package and am pretty happy with the ride now.

 

You can also play with tire pressures a little bit.

[Interleukin6]

I have already installed Bilstein 5100 shocks in the rear. Yes, they made difference but I want a little more steady riding. Is riding quality with tuned suspension way better than 2019 with rear Bilstein 5100s. In the future, should I further install Bilstein in the front or replace 2019 front/rear springs with 2021? Kind of a stupid question but no clear way to check except for asking here for advices. Thank you.

[OnTheReel]

Can’t personally speak to the Bilsteins in front but others have been very happy with them.
 

The rear springs have new part numbers on the 2020 & up, and appear to be universal based on the suspension package. In other words, all 2020 Z71 trucks we checked have the same part #. All 2020 NHT trucks have the same part #. Etc. 

 

The front springs on GM trucks are “computer selected” based on equipment, wheels, tires, etc. So the challenge there would be getting parts for the exact 2020/2021 equivalent of your truck as far as trim level, wheels, powertrain, etc. Not sure how many variations there are, but I bet a lot.

 

I am not aware of anyone here having done what you’re attempting so you’d kinda be paving the way on your own and I wouldn’t count on any dealer being much help.

[cltsig]

My 2019 LTZ Z71 rode like a potato wagon.  Even the smallest bumps were jarring.  My 20 AT4 is so much smoother and not jarring at all.  Plus, the arse end doesn't fly all over the place if I hit a bump on the highway.

[BigMick2023]

My 2020 RST rides very nice IMHO.......

My wife and many others I’ve taken to places all comment how nice the ride is for a pickup. 

 

No complaints at all on the ride quality here. 

In fact, never had the truck back to the dealer either......not one single issue noted in the first year of ownership. 

Edited January 6, 2021 by BigMick2020

[TeamSaris]

I had a 19..loved it. Now have a 21. I thought the 21 was stiffer at first but the more I drive it the softer it gets. Almost floats. Its definitely more planted than the 19 was.

[t-bone]

My 2021Trail Boss (265/60R20 Goodyear Territory MT's) tells me every variation in the road especially in the rear. I attribute part of that to it only having 500 miles but have also tried dropping the tire pressure down to 38 lbs. with no improvement. Going to switch to 275/65R20 Terra Grapplers soon and if that doesn't improve the skittering across bumps I will put the 5100 Bilsteins on the rear. My 2013 Avalanche was significantly smoother on the same roads even in winter when they can heave some.

[OnTheReel]

I don’t think it’s ever gonna live up to your Avalanche. They have a coil spring rear. Also have heard the Terra Grapplers are pretty stiff and ride hard. You might be going backwards.

[childstoys]

I have 5000 miles on my 2020 TB and I have not really experienced the rough ride that many people talk about. I am coming from 4 different Tacoma's (Bilstein Shocks on all) over the last 10 years and many lifted Fords and Chevys before that. I travel a short ride to work everyday but drive to my mountain cabin 200 miles away at least once a month. When I am there I usually set out to find rough roads and mud, so I would say I have had it in just about everything PA has to offer in the way of terrain.

 

I have actually had passengers compliment the ride over their Fords and Rams. Go Figure. lol

 

Planning on writing up a full 5000 mile review after I get my first service done... I'll be sure to note this in that as well. 

Edited January 7, 2021 by childstoys

[econometrics]

5 hours ago, t-bone said:

My 2021Trail Boss (265/60R20 Goodyear Territory MT's) tells me every variation in the road especially in the rear. I attribute part of that to it only having 500 miles but have also tried dropping the tire pressure down to 38 lbs. with no improvement. Going to switch to 275/65R20 Terra Grapplers soon and if that doesn't improve the skittering across bumps I will put the 5100 Bilsteins on the rear. My 2013 Avalanche was significantly smoother on the same roads even in winter when they can heave some.

You have any pics of your truck with those tires / wheels? I still haven't seen one in the wild yet.