Is a Snowplow Package a Stiffer Ride? 2024 GMC Sierra HD2500 Denali Ultimate

Ray@Paula · July 4, 2023

1 hour ago, rdonarski said:

Yesterday I was working my job as a boat inspector at a local boat ramp (checking for invasive species). A gentleman pulled up with a 2500HD LTZ Z71 Sport. Nice truck. I was giving him crap on it being overkill to pull his pontoon boat out. He said he uses it mainly for pulling a large 5th wheel. Has over 80K miles on it already. he and his friend both commented how rough it rides when not pulling the 5th wheel. I asked and he said it has the snowplow option too (although he like me never plans on using it). Anyhow, it made me feel better that it isn't just the difference between the WT and LTZ that makes the rough ride. I really don't mind mine, but this gives me ammunition when my wife complains about it. It's not just because I was cheap.....for a change!

Thanks for the input. That's too funny..... always good to have a little ammo....LOL. Since my wife and I only have one vehicle, ride is very important to us. After listening to everyone's experience, I'm going to stick without having any suspension changes since I don't need it. Now, just finding one without these changes without ordering is the kicker. I realize a truck is a truck but, these Denali's are the best of both worlds, comfort and hauling. Thanks again, appreciate it. Ray

Ray@Paula · July 4, 2023

1 hour ago, KARNUT said:

I’ve had my share of 3/4 and one tons. They all were used for pulling. My first order of business after purchasing was adding a 100 gallon fuel tank and a tank top toolbox. It was loaded with all the tools I needed up to 3/4 inch drive. I even had a small air compressor. The tool box also housed a decent jack and stands. Not pulling my back tire air pressure was lowered. All this I consider necessary for any kind of pulling, especially the fuel tank. That all contributes to decent ride quality. There’s a ying and yang with everything.

Thanks for the input... I hear ya! So true.... There’s a ying and yang with everything. Thanks again. Ray

Another JR · July 5, 2023

10 hours ago, Ray@Paula said:

Thanks for the great information. That sounds pretty rough.... After hearing the stories here, I'm going to stay away from any suspension changes other than stock. My heaviest load is my boat at approx. 7,500lb's in which my 2018 2500HD Denali handle's very easily. Also, it appears that these suspension packages may raise the truck one to two inches. My attached garage door is only two inches higher than the spec's of the Ultimate. I do have a pole barn which has a 10' overhead door but, I would rather use my attached garage. Biggest problem is, everything in transit has either the 3500 leaf spring or snow plow package on them. Closest one without, is 260 miles away with the color I want. Thanks again, appreciate it. Ray

No height change with different spring ratings. They adjust them to the same nominal truck height.

If you can only find trucks with camper or plow springs, it’s about as easy a diy job as rotating the wheels/tires. $600 out the door from the dealer for a new pair of springs, and it took me two hours. A lot of that time was spent figuring out how to safely jack and support the front of the truck for the first time. Once I had the front tires off the ground actually changing the springs was 30-40 minutes. No realignment needed if you set the truck to the same height as before.

Another JR · July 5, 2023

Here is a link to the post where I described changing out the front torsion springs.

Ray@Paula · July 5, 2023

12 hours ago, Another JR said:

No height change with different spring ratings. They adjust them to the same nominal truck height.

If you can only find trucks with camper or plow springs, it’s about as easy a diy job as rotating the wheels/tires. $600 out the door from the dealer for a new pair of springs, and it took me two hours. A lot of that time was spent figuring out how to safely jack and support the front of the truck for the first time. Once I had the front tires off the ground actually changing the springs was 30-40 minutes. No realignment needed if you set the truck to the same height as before.

Thank for the great info. Doesn't sound like a real bad of a job. $600.00 out the door at the dealer? Did that include the springs & labor? Thanks again. Ray

Ray@Paula · July 5, 2023

12 hours ago, Another JR said:

Here is a link to the post where I described changing out the front torsion springs.

Thanks... Don't see the link. Ray

Another JR · July 5, 2023

1 hour ago, Ray@Paula said:

Thanks... Don't see the link. Ray

You should be able to click on the box that shows my old post. The forum imbeds the link.

$570 plus sales tax was the price for the parts only. I did the installation myself. The linked post was me describing what was involved.

Edited July 5, 2023 by Another JR
Typo

Ray@Paula · July 6, 2023

On 7/5/2023 at 10:29 AM, Another JR said:

You should be able to click on the box that shows my old post. The forum imbeds the link.

$570 plus sales tax was the price for the parts only. I did the installation myself. The linked post was me describing what was involved.

Bummer... I clicked all over in your old post.... nothing. Still don't see the link. Sounds like you did the right thing doing the install yourself. Great to know that this is an option! Thanks again. Ray

Another JR · July 6, 2023

2 hours ago, Ray@Paula said:

Bummer... I clicked all over in your old post.... nothing. Still don't see the link. Sounds like you did the right thing doing the install yourself. Great to know that this is an option! Thanks again. Ray

Weird. Try this:

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/256818-project-report-front-torsion-springs-remove-and-replace/

Ray@Paula · July 8, 2023

On 7/6/2023 at 3:45 PM, Another JR said:

Weird. Try this:

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/256818-project-report-front-torsion-springs-remove-and-replace/

Thank You Jon, Got the link! Awesome job & write up!! I can definitely see that it was well worth the work along with price. It's nice to know that having an unwanted snowplow package can be dealed with if needed. I may have to go this route as well if I don't order my truck. Glad it all worked out with your camper... Nothing worse than a harsh ride traveling cross country. This thread is a keeper!! Tganks again. Ray

Hoginedgewood · July 8, 2023

Chevy trucks for almost 30 years, last year was my first 3/4 ton . it has the snow plow prep, I wouldn't change a thing.

Ray@Paula · July 9, 2023

13 hours ago, Hoginedgewood said:

Chevy trucks for almost 30 years, last year was my first 3/4 ton . it has the snow plow prep, I wouldn't change a thing.

Thanks for the input.