Why does a F350 Tremor Ride So Much Nicer Than My Silverado?

[UWSkier]

This is my first HD truck after a lifetime of half tons.  I figured the rough ride was simply to be expected.  I'd always read that amongst the HDs, GMs tend to ride the nicest.  So I was absolutely shocked last week when I spent considerable time in an F350 Powerstroke w Tremor package and the ride quality was far far superior to my LTZ Z71 with 18k miles.  Over road cracks and potholes that would have me bracing for impact in my truck, the Ford barely flinched.  It wasn't as composed as my previous 1500 Denali, but it was closer to it ride-wise than it was to my LTZ.  If Denali is 0 and LTZ is 10, the Tremor was probably a 3.5 or 4.0.

 

I know the Rancho shocks suck... but is this just a matter of putting Bilstein 4600s on all corners and calling it good?  I've already reprogrammed my TPMS to run lower tire pressures, running 55 PSI all around.

[Another JR]

Bigger tires at low pressure?

[UWSkier]

3 hours ago, Another JR said:

Bigger tires at low pressure?

I have the 18" rims and run low pressures already so not likely that.

[ShotgunZ71]

Ford figured something out with the 23 update. They absolutely ride much better than previous generations. I went from a 2021 Silverado 3500HD High Country to a 2024 F-350 Lariat Tremor and the ride is much better. I was thinking tires, too, but others that have been in a 2023 or 2024 Super Duty say that they are smooth as well.

 

One thing is sure, the GM seats suck and get worse with every generation or update.

[Pryme]

Whenever I hear tremor I think of that old movie with big worms. That’s all I got. 

[lineman1234]

12 hours ago, Pryme said:

Whenever I hear tremor I think of that old movie with big worms. That’s all I got. 

When i think of pryme, spelt different, i think of that movie with the trucks and such that transform. 

[newdude]

21 hours ago, UWSkier said:

This is my first HD truck after a lifetime of half tons.  I figured the rough ride was simply to be expected.  I'd always read that amongst the HDs, GMs tend to ride the nicest.  So I was absolutely shocked last week when I spent considerable time in an F350 Powerstroke w Tremor package and the ride quality was far far superior to my LTZ Z71 with 18k miles.  Over road cracks and potholes that would have me bracing for impact in my truck, the Ford barely flinched.  It wasn't as composed as my previous 1500 Denali, but it was closer to it ride-wise than it was to my LTZ.  If Denali is 0 and LTZ is 10, the Tremor was probably a 3.5 or 4.0.

 

I know the Rancho shocks suck... but is this just a matter of putting Bilstein 4600s on all corners and calling it good?  I've already reprogrammed my TPMS to run lower tire pressures, running 55 PSI all around.

 

 

Tremor has slightly softer suspension.  That is also why you can't order plow prep or heavy springs/camper package on them.  It also has 35" tires (LT285/75R18) so more compliancy in its ride.  So shock change, 35"s and springs all add up to the better ride.  

 

If you drove a ZR2 HD you'd find that it probably drives like the Tremor as that has the Multimatic DSSV shocks and 35" tires (LT305/70R18).  I drove one around the block at work and it was almost 1/2 ton in its ride compared to an equivalent regular HD.  

 

ZR2 HD (and AT4X HD), GM put the DSSVs and 35" tires but left the springs alone so you get the softer, more compliant ride but don't lose on getting plow prep or 5th wheel or heavy spring packages.  

Edited April 10, 2025 by newdude

[KARNUT]

Some trucks have suspension geared to going fast off road. Others geared for hauling. That’s the difference. If you ever road a Raptor your mind would be blown. 

[BuckWallace]

Interesting. I drove a 2022 F250 Tremor before I ordered my 2024 AT4 3500, and the rough ride and heavy steering in the Tremor is what pushed me to the GMC. It sounds like post-2022 is much better, though? 

[UWSkier]

9 hours ago, newdude said:

 

 

Tremor has slightly softer suspension.  That is also why you can't order plow prep or heavy springs/camper package on them.  It also has 35" tires (LT285/75R18) so more compliancy in its ride.  So shock change, 35"s and springs all add up to the better ride.  

 

If you drove a ZR2 HD you'd find that it probably drives like the Tremor as that has the Multimatic DSSV shocks and 35" tires (LT305/70R18).  I drove one around the block at work and it was almost 1/2 ton in its ride compared to an equivalent regular HD.  

 

ZR2 HD (and AT4X HD), GM put the DSSVs and 35" tires but left the springs alone so you get the softer, more compliant ride but don't lose on getting plow prep or 5th wheel or heavy spring packages.  

Makes sense I suppose.  Know of anyone making a multimatic type shock that doesn't completely break the bank?  I have the 18" rims and can try to fit some 35s next time around.

 

8 hours ago, BuckWallace said:

Interesting. I drove a 2022 F250 Tremor before I ordered my 2024 AT4 3500, and the rough ride and heavy steering in the Tremor is what pushed me to the GMC. It sounds like post-2022 is much better, though? 

Guess so.  I was quite impressed.

Edited April 11, 2025 by UWSkier

[Chuck FB]

On 4/9/2025 at 3:42 PM, UWSkier said:

I have the 18" rims and run low pressures already so not likely that.

You got me curious as to what torsion bar rating you have on your truck, if its the standard 4800 pound front axle rating or a higher rating. Also have you tried weighing the trucks individual axles with the people and typical stuff you pack in the truck to get a handle on what the axles are actually carrying for weight ?.

 

The truck I bought recently comes with the factory 20 tire offering but weight capacity wise its almost the mirror image of the 18" tire because your sidewall is taller so your volume is pretty much the same. However you have that somewhat taller sidewall so if anything your truck would ride a bit better than on the 20's like mine. I've mentioned this elsewhere on this forum I believe and it may shock some to hear the pressures I run with the relatively empty truck ( some tool etc items in the back plus a cover and rubber bed mat etc and a full tank of fuel and just me in the truck ) but at this point not carrying very much and going on the tire size pressure chart relative to the axle weights checked on a DOT scale, I am on the line for capacity with 40 pounds in the front, and have 300 + pounds grace yet for running the 35 pounds I am for the rear axle. Of course I would have to pump the rear tires up some if I was going to be packing anything of substance or a trailer with any amount of hitch weight. But being that much lower than the 60 front/ 80 rear the truck maxes out at sure hides the little cracks in the pavement that it certainly felt when I bought it and the pressures were jacked up like that. Also with other trucks in the past and with 10 ply tires as well, it can make quite a noticeable difference even from 35 jumping up to 45/50 pounds, the harshness starts to ramp up if the weight of the truck isn't there to justify the pressure increase.

 

Weighing the axles is the only way one really knows without guessing as to what one can safely lower the pressures down to.

Edited April 11, 2025 by Chuck FB

[UWSkier]

On 4/10/2025 at 5:36 PM, Chuck FB said:

You got me curious as to what torsion bar rating you have on your truck, if its the standard 4800 pound front axle rating or a higher rating. Also have you tried weighing the trucks individual axles with the people and typical stuff you pack in the truck to get a handle on what the axles are actually carrying for weight ?.

 

The truck I bought recently comes with the factory 20 tire offering but weight capacity wise its almost the mirror image of the 18" tire because your sidewall is taller so your volume is pretty much the same. However you have that somewhat taller sidewall so if anything your truck would ride a bit better than on the 20's like mine. I've mentioned this elsewhere on this forum I believe and it may shock some to hear the pressures I run with the relatively empty truck ( some tool etc items in the back plus a cover and rubber bed mat etc and a full tank of fuel and just me in the truck ) but at this point not carrying very much and going on the tire size pressure chart relative to the axle weights checked on a DOT scale, I am on the line for capacity with 40 pounds in the front, and have 300 + pounds grace yet for running the 35 pounds I am for the rear axle. Of course I would have to pump the rear tires up some if I was going to be packing anything of substance or a trailer with any amount of hitch weight. But being that much lower than the 60 front/ 80 rear the truck maxes out at sure hides the little cracks in the pavement that it certainly felt when I bought it and the pressures were jacked up like that. Also with other trucks in the past and with 10 ply tires as well, it can make quite a noticeable difference even from 35 jumping up to 45/50 pounds, the harshness starts to ramp up if the weight of the truck isn't there to justify the pressure increase.

 

Weighing the axles is the only way one really knows without guessing as to what one can safely lower the pressures down to.

standard bars at the factory setting I believe.  It's pretty stiffly sprung.  I run 55 PSI in the tires but could likely go lower.  Part of the problem is the Rancho shocks have all the rebound damping of a pogo stick.  

[Chuck FB]

21 minutes ago, UWSkier said:

standard bars at the factory setting I believe.  It's pretty stiffly sprung.  I run 55 PSI in the tires but could likely go lower.  Part of the problem is the Rancho shocks have all the rebound damping of a pogo stick.  

I am guessing you bought the truck slightly used ?. Odds are typically that if you don't see much for anything modified, such components as torsion bars would be the stock ones, especially if it says 4800 on the B pillar, not many are going to throw in heavier bars unless its a work truck that they intend to throw on a snow plow. However you could always measure the diameter of the bars and compare to the diameter of known stock size bars ( info that has been mentioned on this forum etc ). Mind you I have assumed yours is the standard length box, if its the long box then it would have the 5200 rated bars. Also one could look to see where the jounce bumpers are relative to the lower A arm, if for reason they were resting too hard on the rubber bumpers or the other way that someone cranked the keys up to "level" the truck which doesn't do the ride any good. Tire pressures, that might be something you have room to lower but for safety reasons the weigh scale is the way to go to make sure they are not under inflated. So far I have been happy enough with the speed bumps I have gone over in parking lots etc in that the truck didn't bounce like a basket ball after I went over them or how the truck handled them ride wise .. considering it is a HD truck, but keep in mind I only have around 750 miles on the truck, would not surprise me at all that yours could be starting to fade a bit if you have any amount of miles on them.

 

If you planned on keeping the truck for the long run and seeking out a better ride on the front anyway, yes the cognito bars would be an option, and shocks is a good question and only from reading have I sort of got it in my head for a more economy shock to replace these Rancho's when they crap out with some Bilstein 4600 series to seek out a slighly softer reaction than the 5100's. If the Cognito bars were not so expensive in Canada I would spring for a set of them myself.

[Chuck FB]

4 hours ago, UWSkier said:

standard bars at the factory setting I believe.  It's pretty stiffly sprung.  I run 55 PSI in the tires but could likely go lower.  Part of the problem is the Rancho shocks have all the rebound damping of a pogo stick.  

Adding another thought, it might be interesting if you were able to do a measurement from the center of the front hubs to the underside of the fender trim. It would have to be done on a level surface to be accurate with the fuel tank fairly full and nothing too insane of weight on one side or the other in the box to throw off its natural stance. That would do two things, show if there is any substantial difference between sides ( as long as a rear spring wasn't damaged, that would throw a whole new element into the picture ) and if lets say the suspension has sagged down on the front or instead been cranked right up by someone.

[UWSkier]

ride height is stock, truck was new off the lot when I got it.  The ride isn't atrociously bad, I'm just surprised how well that Ford rode compared to my truck.