Suspension Questions

97Sierra_Billie · December 31, 2007

I have a '97 GMC Sierra 5.7L extended cab Z71. This is my first truck so I'm not sure if it's supposed to ride like this or not. I feel every bump in the road, and sways & rolls on turns, but its smooth as a cadillac on the highway. I was told when I had BFG's put on that the torsion bars are 'cranked up' on it. I like the height of the truck and would like to know if I need to have my shocks replaced or looked at. Or maybe my springs?

Before my truck I drove (still have in storage) an '86 Buick regal that had new shocks and springs all the way around, as well as all new front end parts (outer tie rod end to outer tie rod end), and I know I can't expect this big truck to have suspension as solid as my Regal, but every bump is getting to me. Makes me not wanna drive sometimes.

TIA for any advice

E.P.

ssjeff · December 31, 2007

I have a '97 GMC Sierra 5.7L extended cab Z71. This is my first truck so I'm not sure if it's supposed to ride like this or not. I feel every bump in the road, and sways & rolls on turns, but its smooth as a cadillac on the highway. I was told when I had BFG's put on that the torsion bars are 'cranked up' on it. I like the height of the truck and would like to know if I need to have my shocks replaced or looked at. Or maybe my springs?
Before my truck I drove (still have in storage) an '86 Buick regal that had new shocks and springs all the way around, as well as all new front end parts (outer tie rod end to outer tie rod end), and I know I can't expect this big truck to have suspension as solid as my Regal, but every bump is getting to me. Makes me not wanna drive sometimes.

TIA for any advice

E.P.

Mine rode better when i cranked up the torsion bars. How old are your shocks? i replaced mine with a set of take offs from ebay. It only rides rough now when I put in my timbren load helpers for my snow plow. How much air pressure you running in your tires also. If it is really high it will ride rough. i run about 45 -50 in mine but the are different tires.

Zembonez · December 31, 2007

Compared to a Buick, a truck is going to ride like... well.. A TRUCK. Two completely different worlds.

I like the way a truck rides, but it certainly doesn't compare to a mid size luxury oriented car. You will feel a lot more bumps in a 4x4 Truck than you ever felt in a Regal.

99silverado1500 · December 31, 2007

My silverado rides really rough, almost as rough as my fathers 2500HD. I think it might need shocks, but I really have no idea. I have only 36PSI in the tires, so that isnt the problem. I think a 1500 should be semi forgiving to bumps, but mine isnt. Im younger so I can take most the abuse, so Im not realy going to complain too much, but mine rides rough all the time, but on smoother highways it rides nice, but thats because the highways smooth lol.

Midwestcruiser · December 31, 2007

It's a truck, it's going to ride rough. Also, you've got the Z71. That has off-road components in there that aren't on the standard 1500. that's one tough truck.

By comparison, my previous vehicle was an '02 Tahoe. It had a much smoother ride but then again, it was suppose to since it was designed for passenger comfort rather than a heavy hauler.

overkill · December 31, 2007

I think Midwestcruiser just hit the nail on the head.... sort of...

I hadn't thought about it 'till he mentioned his Tahoe. Not only is it a passenger comfort vehicle, it's also heavier. It's like loading your truck down with a load in the back. The added weight will give on the springs and make the truck "glide" over the bumps a little better instead of being so light and stiff in the backend. Again, it's a truck.

At the same time, E.P., I have also wondered about the stiffness of the ride in my truck, and it's not a Z71/4x4. I have changed out my shocks, put in air bags (for towing, not lowering), and it still feels like I'm bottoming out sometimes going over bumps. I have an 83 cj7 that has 4" lift springs and it rides smoother than the truck on most roads. Normally they say a longer wheel base(truck) should be smoother than a short wheel base(jeep)....

I guess the only explination is that "it's a truck"....

2005 Z71 · December 31, 2007

It's an older truck. Time to upgrade some parts or be satisfied with the ride as is...

The previous owner may not have replaced old parts with the same quality.

Take your time in deciding what to spend money on...

Here is the Rancho webpage.

http://www.gorancho.com/html/products/shoc...l/rs9000xl.html

Are Bilstien Gas Shocks what Chevy is still putting in the Z71? You might have some Sears brand up underneath your truck. Worse yet -- you might have stock equipment...

97Sierra_Billie · January 8, 2008

It's an older truck. Time to upgrade some parts or be satisfied with the ride as is...

The previous owner may not have replaced old parts with the same quality.

Take your time in deciding what to spend money on...

Here is the Rancho webpage.

http://www.gorancho.com/html/products/shoc...l/rs9000xl.html

Are Bilstien Gas Shocks what Chevy is still putting in the Z71? You might have some Sears brand up underneath your truck. Worse yet -- you might have stock equipment...

I hope this is it and not "its just a truck, its supposed to ride rough" theory. Like I said, this is my first truck so I wouldn't know. I'm gonna have to get up under there tomorrow and see what kinda shocks I have on her.

I would like some suggestions as to what kind to get and what to spend on them.

I asked this same question when upgrading shocks and springs on my Regal, seeing as though it was already 20 years old and has a sportier cousin (Grand National), it wasn't hard to find out what was best because all options had pretty much been explored. I'm hoping for the same simplicity with Billie (thats her name ).

Thanks for the replies, guys!!!

97Sierra_Billie · January 8, 2008

Mine rode better when i cranked up the torsion bars. How old are your shocks? i replaced mine with a set of take offs from ebay. It only rides rough now when I put in my timbren load helpers for my snow plow. How much air pressure you running in your tires also. If it is really high it will ride rough. i run about 45 -50 in mine but the are different tires.

I have BFG All Terrain tires size 265/75 R16, 40psi. This sound right? I got 'em at Discount Tire, great deal compared to everywhere else. This is the same tire & size that was on it when I bought it, I did some research when I was pricing new tires and they had the best reviews, so I went back with 'em.

What do you mean by "a set of take offs"? What are they? Can you link me?

Bostonsfavson · January 8, 2008

I'd set the tires at 35 psi and see how that feels.

Zembonez · January 8, 2008

I'd set the tires at 35 psi and see how that feels.

I agree. BFGs are excellent tires but with the three ply sidewall they tend to ride a little harsh. You can run 28-30 in the rears and 32-34 in the fronts safely and the ride is much better... as far as a truck goes, they do ride pretty rough but once you get used to them it is hard to drive anything else! Good shocks help dampen the ride nicely just like they did in the Regal.

Hang in there for a while and you'll see what I mean.

97Sierra_Billie · January 8, 2008

Good shocks help dampen the ride nicely just like they did in the Regal.

What kind of shocks do you recommend?

Hang in there for a while and you'll see what I mean.

I've had the truck for 15 months now

97Sierra_Billie · January 8, 2008

Hey Bostonsfavson,

Why'd you choose to go w/ the Rhino bedliner instead of the Line-X?

BTW, badass truck. Best looking one I've seen.

Zembonez · January 8, 2008

Good shocks help dampen the ride nicely just like they did in the Regal.

What kind of shocks do you recommend?

Hang in there for a while and you'll see what I mean.

I've had the truck for 15 months now

Could be that you are one of those "non truck" guys. You pretty much either like or hate the way a truck drives. As far as shocks go, I'd look at Bilstein or maybe KYB. I like the KYB shocks myself.

Good luck.

2000DV4.8 · January 8, 2008

I have a '97 GMC Sierra 5.7L extended cab Z71. This is my first truck so I'm not sure if it's supposed to ride like this or not. I feel every bump in the road, and sways & rolls on turns, but its smooth as a cadillac on the highway. I was told when I had BFG's put on that the torsion bars are 'cranked up' on it. I like the height of the truck and would like to know if I need to have my shocks replaced or looked at. Or maybe my springs?
Before my truck I drove (still have in storage) an '86 Buick regal that had new shocks and springs all the way around, as well as all new front end parts (outer tie rod end to outer tie rod end), and I know I can't expect this big truck to have suspension as solid as my Regal, but every bump is getting to me. Makes me not wanna drive sometimes.

TIA for any advice

E.P.

You answered your own question when you said that the torsion bars are cranked. Even a slight crank will stiffen the ride.

Also, what load rating are the tires (D, E, something else?)