2021 vs 2026 handling (1500 X31 Sierra)

[im4snow2000]

Hi, I had a 2021 Elevation 1500 Sierra X31 (ext cab) 4x4 from new to 80 k miles, all on-road driving and essentially no towing or material loads in the bed. The truck originally felt a little unsettled over washboard type road surfaces, so I replaced all 4 factory shocks with Bilstein 5100's and that really seemed to help. Generally speaking I thought the truck drove great at that point.

 

I traded it in on a '26, basically the same truck.  The '26 has the single carbon fiber leaf in the rear, where the 2021 had the standard "old school" stacked steel leaf springs.

 

I can't quite find the words to describe the ride of the 2026, but it feels "sloppy" on a paved but imperfect road.  I can't tell if it needs a sway bar or something else.  I did swap out the rear Rancho shocks with Bilstein 5100's and still have the same experience. 

 

Curious if anyone has had similar experience, and if you found a solution without spending a fortune. 

 

 

[Coastie05]

Maybe put some weight in the bed to help it settle

[dennismc]

I installed a Hellwig rear sway bar on my 21 Sierra SLT, it made a huge difference on how the truck handles, no body roll, the trucks much more planted now. Not sure of the suspension differences between the 21 and 26,  if its body roll your having a sway bar will solve it.