Abnormally rough ride

Jettech1 · October 26, 2023

3 minutes ago, reb0957 said:

No matter how much I read about how that is correct, I can't make my head wrap around it. To me that gives you maybe 2 inches of upward travel at the wheel.

I get it. Now think about how far the wheel is from that bump stop. Extend that out another 18 inches or so and you will realize that the travel up and down is quite a bit. I shouldn't have called it a bump stop in reality, truthfully it's a barrier that reduces and helps the shocks when compressed.

Dr1ft3r · November 18, 2023

On 10/20/2023 at 12:39 PM, asilverblazer said:

My head has hit the roof... Supposed to keep about 5 PSI in the air bags, is that enough to matter, I wouldn't think so, but my truck is way rougher than any of my other trucks and rougher than any other 3/4 or 1 ton I've been in. I haven't been in a truck exactly like mine so I can't say its normal or not.

My head hitting the head liner is best indication I have that its not.

Sorry, I've been AWOL for a while. 5 PSI is the minimum that's supposed to be kept in most bags to prevent the walls of the bags from being damaged, unless the bags have the stopper inside (which I believe all of the Firestone bags do). Then they don't need any PSI when not under load (I believe, but could be wrong). However, I would still run a few PSI in them for the following reason.

The bags with the stopper inside WILL ride rougher than those without the stopper if the truck is bouncing enough to hit the stopper. Will it be rougher than stock? I don't know as I only buy Air Lifter bags without the stopper. But in stock form the truck has rubber stoppers already in the spot where the bags are installed. The stock stoppers have to be removed to add the bags. So, I would guess that at the very minimum, the bags with the stoppers should at least be equal to the stock ride, not worse.

As for hitting the liner, are you like 7 foot tall? I'm 6'2" and I have probably 6" or more above my head. Unless you are really bouncing that bad. In which case there is definitely something seriously wrong.

asilverblazer · November 27, 2023

On 11/18/2023 at 5:47 PM, Dr1ft3r said:

As for hitting the liner, are you like 7 foot tall? I'm 6'2" and I have probably 6" or more above my head. Unless you are really bouncing that bad. In which case there is definitely something seriously wrong.

I'm 6'-0", but I do like to sit high...

Dr1ft3r · November 29, 2023

On 11/27/2023 at 9:47 AM, asilverblazer said:

I'm 6'-0", but I do like to sit high...

The 2018s must not have as much headroom. I'm not familiar with any differences that may exist between our models. I only know about my 2023. Even with the seat as high up as I can make it go there's still a few inches over my head. I don't recall ever hitting the liner, even when I've been off road.

asilverblazer · November 29, 2023

9 hours ago, Dr1ft3r said:

The 2018s must not have as much headroom. I'm not familiar with any differences that may exist between our models. I only know about my 2023. Even with the seat as high up as I can make it go there's still a few inches over my head. I don't recall ever hitting the liner, even when I've been off road.

Mine has a sun roof...

Dr1ft3r · December 2, 2023

On 11/29/2023 at 1:06 PM, asilverblazer said:

Mine has a sun roof...

So having a sun roof subtracts a few inches of headroom?

According to that same thread, it appears that the 2020+ has a little more headroom (less than 1/2"). But maybe the seat in the pre-2020 has a little bit more vertical adjustment?

Edited December 2, 2023 by Dr1ft3r

reb0957 · December 2, 2023

I brought my truck to a local lift shop. Explained my feelings on ride being crappy, maybe running a leveling kit, and 35's. He told me if I never planned on doing more than 35s don't touch the suspension. Change the crappy Ranchos to Bilsteins, align the truck, and the heavier tire with a bigger front print will help hide our crappy roads. He also picked the tire. 295/65/20, Bilstein 5100s and a totally different riding truck. Finally got around to airing down the tires today to 50f 45r and this is a completely different truck. Side note my speedo was 1.5 to 2 mph slow with stock tires. In town it is now dead on! Sorry the ride is dirty! On hard right angled turns I thought I had some rubbing but it was only the wheel liner. I loosened it all up twisted it around and good to go!

Edited December 2, 2023 by reb0957

asilverblazer · December 4, 2023

On 12/1/2023 at 6:42 PM, Dr1ft3r said:

So having a sun roof subtracts a few inches of headroom?

I don't know, but probably some.

I might be getting more used to my truck too - it doesn't seem as harsh at it used to. The Bilstein 5100s are almost a year old now, maybe they are breaking in - though I never noticed this on any of my other trucks...

Not sure if I posted this earlier either but I'm now at 60 PSI all way around unloaded.