2500 HD ride

[dodgerfan]

I'm a new owner of a 2500HD crew cab 4wd, moving up from my old 1500 2wd. Love the new one, but the ride (unloaded) is a bit jarring... Anyone have experience/guidance with:

1. Shocks (I had bilsteins on my old truck - will these help in this application)?

2. Will flipping the overload leaf on the rear springs help/hurt anything?

3. Anything else that helps?

Any help appreciated!

[Vivayo]

Welcome to the fold! I've put on bilsteins and run 48psi/front, 45psi/rear (when empty). It helps, but it's still a heavy duty truck. No experience on the leaf springs.
Charlie

[mdadgar]

The Bilsteins will help for sure. There's not enough rebound damping on the stock shocks, particularly in the rear, and the leaf springs just overpower them.

- Mark

[norskeman]

I went with the Bilsteins and air bags - air bags to help keep the box level when I tow a 5th wheel

2004 GMC 2500HD Ext. Cab, Long Box ,Duramax (LB7)/Allison; GMC bed liner;Air Lift Super Duty air bags; Michelin LT265/75-R16 LTX M/S ;Luverne Running boards; Bilstein shocks; Delvac 1300; Isspro gauges.

[motovet]

My stock shocks were pretty new when I installed the Bilstiens and the difference was huge. I have settled in at 50# up front and 40# in the rear when empty....seemed the best to me.

[dodgerfan]

Thanks - I think I'll get the Bilsteins on order and get out the tire guage!

-Mark

[Nevada Hauler]

Fan, I know my ride gets real good when I put my 4,000# camper on the truck. I have a dually with the Bilsteins on it. The Bilsteins help somewhat with the concrete hop, but I think the springs are just too stiff for a no load situation. Adding a thousand lbs. or so is not a good solution unless it something you really want to carry all the time.
What I would be inclined to try is removing a spring from the main spring and installing air springs to make up for the missing spring when you have a load. Hope you find a solution.
Ron

[Mudflap]

Check out www.activesuspension.com. (http://www.activesuspension.com.) I installed their system on my truck about two years ago and I wouldn't be without it for hevy loads and towing. It also helps when you are empty.

[dodgerfan]

Just thought I'd follow up... Just completed an 8-state road trip - somebody should have just told me to move out of California if I wanted a better ride! You guys out there should appreciate those smooth roads you've got!

(By the way, I did put on the Bilsteins and lower the tire pressure - helped a lot!)

[oyazi]

:confused: I live in CA and my ride is like a Caddy :confused: smile.gif You are not alone as there are others w/the same complaint but I and those I know that live around me are very happy w/our ride ~ can't understand. Oh well ~ ~