Any aftermarket parts to provide reinforcement?

QUIKAG · August 31, 2004

I don't like the fact that my '04 Silverado extended cab 1500 has a bit of shimmy after hitting hard bumps. There is definitely some chassis flex going on. Does anyone make strut bars or underbody structural reinforcement bars to toughen up the chassis?

Cool Zr2 · August 31, 2004

I don't like the fact that my '04 Silverado extended cab 1500 has a bit of shimmy after hitting hard bumps. There is definitely some chassis flex going on. Does anyone make strut bars or underbody structural reinforcement bars to toughen up the chassis?

chassis flex is normal, stopping it could be bad.

rascal · August 31, 2004

if the frame doesn't flex it'll break, from my lecture on frames this morning in steering and suspension. see i did pay attention.

Cool Zr2 · September 1, 2004

lrymal · September 1, 2004

I don't like the fact that my '04 Silverado extended cab 1500 has a bit of shimmy after hitting hard bumps.

That typically clears up when a load is in the back. You can get rid of it with Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks, set on a moderate stiffness level. But, you pay for that stiffer adjustment level when you go over expansion joints. That back end will want to react upwards to each bump.

You can also try lowering the air pressure on the back tires. Without a load, they can tolerate lesser air pressure than the front tires.

QUIKAG · September 1, 2004

Whenever I've installed strut tower braces on previous cars, it's always helped handling and steering turn-in. I don't see why trucks would be different??

gnutruk · September 1, 2004

I thnik these trucks would benefit from a steering stabilizer. I haven't put one on my 2002 4x4 Ext. cab yet, but may do so before too long.

I think Heckethorn makes one that will fit the NBS (New Body Style) trucks. Maybe Gabriel and Rancho too. Although intended to strengthen and protect the steering system in high-articulation situations (i.e.; big bumps), they would probably also help to reduce the standard kind of micro-shimmie that vehicles experience even on ordinary pavement. In theory, a steering stabilizer appropriate to a given vehicle won't make it harder to turn, nor increase the turning radius. By reducing the micro-shimmies, a steering stabilizer might also make steering easier, and slightly increase tire life.

gnutruk

lrymal · September 1, 2004

Two things with a car vs. a truck:

A car is typically uni-body construction, not frame. The frame on a truck, and old classic type cars which also have a full frame, resonates, whereas uni-body car bodies do not.

A car has a more balanced weight distribution from tail to head. A truck is very front heavy. While empty, there is not much to damp the harmonics and resonation on the rear frame.

That is anther reason why a mini-van (they ain't so mini anymore!) reacts more favorably to bumps than a van that is based on a truck frame. Likewise, that is why a Suburban has a smoother ride over bumps than a truck with an empty bed.

QUIKAG · September 2, 2004

Thanks for the info, I'll continue to check into it, but judging by the lack of parts available for this "problem", it most likely isn't even an issue...

frdfandc · September 2, 2004

Also remember that your truck has a solid rear axle. Whereas most cars have independent rear suspension. When one of your rear tires hits a bump, it transfers that motion to the other wheel. Whereas with a independent suspension, it will not.