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GBurton
11-11-2001, 20:49
OK, I know that I ordered a heavy duty truck and I do not expect it to ride like a Cadillac. There have been several topics concerning different after market add-on's that improve the ride.
Here is my complaint: while driving empty on the "super smooth" http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/smile.gif roads what we have here in Northern California I feel a lot of bounce. I can get rid of some of the bounce by lowering the air pressure in the rear tires but that

TxDoc
11-11-2001, 20:52
Someone on here did just that. Added the airbags and a little air and it helped a lot. If they get the search fixed, you can find it easily. Otherwise, you will have to manually look back.

mark45678
11-11-2001, 21:41
George try putting a set of RANCHO RS 9000 shocks in it!!! these have a adjustable compression and rebound setting, I have them in my (98 k2500) witch is sprung much stiffer then my 2001 2500HD... As soon as I get past my first payment on the 2001 it will have them too(even if it only has 4000 miles on it!!!!.....PLAIN AND SIMPLE THE STOCK SHOCK ARE JUNK!!!!

P.S there not cheep expect to pay $70 dollars each... now you know why I havnt done it yet!

------------------
01 GMC K 2500 HD D/A Xcab polo green loaded

98 k-2500 6.5td 3.73,
3 inch exhaust&cross over
no cat!
jk boost control w/#13 chip
K&N
GM boost gage
Isspro EGT

93-C2500 6.5td
3" exhaust
K&N
tweeked pump
boost control
170k with minor problems
Y2K honda CBR1100xx nutbike

mark45678
11-11-2001, 21:43
By the way most stock shocks are rebound dampening only....

ChevysRus
11-11-2001, 22:31
UHH, I am confused, "super Smooth Roads in N. Calif.? You must have a sense of humor or were being sarcastic. The absolute worse stretch of Interstate Highway anywhere in good old USA is between Sacramento and the Oregon State Line. I think the current roads in Afganistan (after the bombing) would be smoother than I-5. LOL

Some might suggest it is just as bad from the Mexico Border to Sacramento as well. LOL

Anyway, if your truck is fairly new it is gonna be a little stiff. I try to carry 500-1000 lbs. in the bed every change I get and it has loosened up the springs and my truck rides much better at 8K than it did at 1K empty or loaded.

Give it a little more time and just throw some dirt in the bed or something heavy (500#) and run around with it for a few miles and you will see a difference real quick.

Good Luck

SDWA
11-11-2001, 22:57
My vote for the worst section of I-5 is in Washington State between Olympia and Seattle; the individual concrete slabs weren't interlocked to the next adjoining slab at the joints, so each is tilted up about 1" on one end (from trucks pounding them). If you have the just right wheelbase length (like on a standard cab D***e pickup, ahem...) the front wheels hit the tilted up end just as the back wheels drop off the last tilted up end, and well, it's like driving on a washboard. It literally takes your breath away!! That's my .02!

Kennedy
11-12-2001, 00:15
Bilstein shocks are my #1 choice!

------------------
John Kennedy
www.kennedydiesel.com (http://www.kennedydiesel.com)
John@kennedydiesel.com
2002 Chev. K2500HD Dmax/Allison Crew Cab Long Bed Pewter/Tan LT On Order TPW ???
1996 GMC K2500HD 6.5TD Ex.Cab LWB 260+ Rw H.P.
1984 K30 SRW 6.2NA Headers and custom 2 into 1 exhaust FOR SALE
'01 FXDWG Black/Chrome Yellow (2 into 1 Thunderheader <naturally>) (100+ RwHP)
"If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand"

sonofagun
11-12-2001, 12:10
Kennedy,

Which model of bilsteins do you recommend?


Bob

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD D/A olympic white, Manik
SS brush guard and nerfs, Hella driving
lamps, Velvet rides, HD Air Lifts and Compressor
Snugtop cover, Linex,Yakima rails on cover (mt. bikes),
Amsoil 2 stage airfilter. ECM upgrades. One piece driveshaft.

1966 Chevelle convetible 396 4SP (restored)
_ _ _ _ _ _

Working on EGT/Boost guage, 43Gal fuel tank,
4" exhaust.

GOD BLESS AMERICA and those who walk in harms
way to protect us all!!

sonofagun
11-12-2001, 12:12
GBurton,

Try Velvet rides for empty help and airbags for loaded help. Both work well for me.

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD D/A olympic white, Manik
SS brush guard and nerfs, Hella driving
lamps, Velvet rides, HD Air Lifts and Compressor
Snugtop cover, Linex,Yakima rails on cover (mt. bikes),
Amsoil 2 stage airfilter. ECM upgrades. One piece driveshaft.

1966 Chevelle convetible 396 4SP (restored)
_ _ _ _ _ _

Working on EGT/Boost guage, 43Gal fuel tank,
4" exhaust.

GOD BLESS AMERICA and those who walk in harms
way to protect us all!!

GBurton
11-12-2001, 13:04
ChevysRus

I-5 rough ride? When is the last time you drove I-80 over Donner Summit? There are places on that hiway where the concrete is so badly worn that you are driving on the aggregate.
Where did CalTran come up with the road repair idea to cut out the two worn strips in a lane and fill that area? After the "repair (??)" you now have miles of lane with two, some what, level strips of new asphalt right where your tires track.

George

GBurton
11-12-2001, 13:10
son of a gun
"Try Velvet rides for empty help and airbags for loaded help. Both work well for me."

Which did you install first? How much air pressure do you run when empty? When you installed the Velvet rides did it make a big difference in the empty ride?

George

sonofagun
11-12-2001, 13:41
GBurton,

I have used velvetrides on my last 3 trucks. they do make a difference but this is a HD truck so don't expect caddy ride with them. I run 10-15 lbs in the airbags when not towing. The truck seems to ride best there. I still get a good slap in the butt when going over a short spaced and sharp dip in the road (i.e. RR tracks). The only answer I've found for those few spots (in the road) that I know are bad is to get the speed down to 35 mph before going over them.
Nonetheless and overall the two mods together make the ride much better.

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD D/A olympic white, Manik
SS brush guard and nerfs, Hella driving
lamps, Velvet rides, HD Air Lifts and Compressor
Snugtop cover, Linex,Yakima rails on cover (mt. bikes),
Amsoil 2 stage airfilter. ECM upgrades. One piece driveshaft.

1966 Chevelle convetible 396 4SP (restored)
_ _ _ _ _ _

Working on EGT/Boost guage, 43Gal fuel tank,
4" exhaust.

GOD BLESS AMERICA and those who walk in harms
way to protect us all!!

GBurton
11-12-2001, 14:15
Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond!

George

------------------
:) Drive-N-It :)
2001 Chevy 2500HD, LT, ExtCab, 4X4, DMax/Allison, Lt Pewter Metallic/Lt Grey Int., Spray-in Bedliner
90 gal aux tank (auxtank.com)
2001 32RK Alpenlite

Member since Sep 2000

Lawnboy
11-13-2001, 10:20
These ARE Heavy Duty trucks. If you wanted a smooth ride, you should have gone with a 1500. The tires and suspension are designed for 9200 lbs. I feel that the GM trucks are far and away the best riding trucks out there! Was there a better riding truck in your past?

As for bad roads, come out East. Anywhere in eastern PA would be a prime example! The freeze/thaw cycle combined with insane amounts of road salt and the road beds that these roads are made of are nonexistant! They just paved right over the dirt trails that George Washington marched! I am NOT kidding!!!



------------------
Thomas J. McCauley Jr.
Tommy's Lawn Service
Member # 5589
1990 K3500 SRW Ext.Cab Long Bed 454/400 3.73
1975 K20 Suburban 350/350 4.10's
Tows 16' Landscape Trailer
BOSS 8'2" V-Plow
7-11 MPG !!!
Duramax here I come!!

NorCalDMAX
11-13-2001, 10:53
Ok Ok, I know we are talking I-5 but you know, just come down 80 to 680 and then 680 to Dublin...Cement is trashed, towed a boat through there 2 weeks ago for the first time and it darn near flew off the trailer....I have a weight distribution hitch and still was a wild ride... My 3500 rides very nice. DO they make RS 9000 shocks for the 2001 K3500 yet?

------------------
2001 Chevrolet K3500 LS Duramax/Allison 4x4 CC LB "Dooley" Victory Red/Light Grey Leather with Bench Front seat.

E-mail: cii@onebox.com

Homepage. www.j-line-racing.cityslide.com (http://www.j-line-racing.cityslide.com)

sonofagun
11-13-2001, 11:02
lawnboy,

Used to live in Cleveland, think you are being much too nice in describing eastern "roads???????????". Some of the west Texas wagon trails offer a better ride for my DMAX.

http://www.plauder-smilies.com/bounce/ukliam3.gif



------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD D/A olympic white, Manik
SS brush guard and nerfs, Hella driving
lamps, Velvet rides, HD Air Lifts and Compressor
Snugtop cover, Linex,Yakima rails on cover (mt. bikes),
Amsoil 2 stage airfilter. ECM upgrades. One piece driveshaft.

1966 Chevelle convetible 396 4SP (restored)
_ _ _ _ _ _

Working on EGT/Boost guage, 43Gal fuel tank,
4" exhaust.

GOD BLESS AMERICA and those who walk in harms
way to protect us all!!

HotShot
11-14-2001, 19:38
GBurton,

Lowering the air pressure is probably necessary not a band aid. Most pickups I've seen have more air in the back than the front yet normally weigh less in the back. My old 3/4 Ton weighed the same front to rear with 1000lbs of gear for going into the patch. Empty or with a light load you don't need 80 psi. A slight overpressure saves a little fuel, too much wears the center of the tire, makes the back end skitter on washboard and is to hard on the butt.

The idea for fixing the grooves comes from Saskatchewan, they have done it for decades. Supposedly they are giving up on it now and are supposed to repair the roads properly. They have the reputation for the worst highways in Canada. Driving there makes you appreciate the roads here.

LFH
11-14-2001, 20:34
My DA came from the dealer with 45 PSI all the way around which was a pretty smooth ride. I kick that up depending on what I am hauling and at the higher pressures it does get rougher. So back down to the 45 to 50 PSI range. Of course I am still running the original Firestones.

2500 CC LB 4X4

hunter98
11-14-2001, 21:24
Mine rides great, better than my 2000 1500 Ext Cab 4x4 Did.
See Sig for truck specs.

Have all 4 tires aired to provide 2500 lbs of payload per tire. She handles great too. Just can't get her to spin those big tires on dry pavement ;( But hit 20 MPH, and she will leave most things in the dust

Hunter


------------------
2 http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/biggrin.gif 2 GMC SLE Ext Cab SB 4x4
Duramax/Allison/Eaton
Kelly AWR 255x85R16,
GM bedrail caps and folding cupholder
Westin CPS Nerf Bars

http://www.picturetrail.com/hunter98

[This message has been edited by hunter98 (edited 11-14-2001).]

Kennedy
02-01-2002, 23:11
OK, here's what Ive done:

1) crank up torsion bars to level truck (especially side/side.

2) Had rear springs (not mains) re-arched and added one leaf.

The rearch/add a leaf brought the rear up 1.5 to 2" near as I can tell.

The result is VERY slightly stiffer ride on small chatter, but more controlled. The "bucking" seems to be all but gone now!

What happens IMHO is the lower leaf gets very close to the solid leaf with the teflon buttons. This solid leaf engages the second stage and stiffer spring rate. By increasing this gap, I get more travel in the soft rate of the springs making it much more supple on the larger bumps.

I MAY try the velvet rides to bring the rear back down and take out that little bit of small chatter. I'm going to live with it for a while first...

------------------
John Kennedy
www.kennedydiesel.com (http://www.kennedydiesel.com)
John@kennedydiesel.com
2002 Chev. K2500HD Dmax/Allison Crew Cab Long Bed Pewter/Tan LT Driving it!!!
1996 GMC K2500HD 6.5TD Ex.Cab LWB 260+ Rw H.P.
1984 K30 SRW 6.2NA Headers and custom 2 into 1 exhaust FOR SALE
'01 FXDWG Black/Chrome Yellow (2 into 1 Thunderheader <naturally>) (100+ RwHP)
"If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand"

bbugg
02-02-2002, 00:51
Kennedy,
"Bilstein shocks are my #1 choice!"

I have spoken with several dealers and to my knowledge, their are no Bilstein's available yet for a 2002 GMC D/A 2500HD ext. cab short bed 4x4. Not sure about other models. Bilstein says it will be two more months. Edelbrook tells the same story.

SDWA-
I agree with you.
Also, this has nothing to do whether its a 1500 or a 3500. I can drive my 88 Sierra 3500 4x4 standard cab, long bed over "bad" sections of the Interstate 10 with no problem. It's got 15+ year old Monroes (lifetime warranty, ha ha). Same thing in a boat, depending on the spacing of the swells and the length of the boat, it can be really miserable. By the way, this old one ton Sierra rides about like a Cadillac. These trucks have a great suspension.

What happened to the Fed's plan to rebuild the bridges and highways?? They suck...

Ironhead
02-02-2002, 11:29
Lawnboy says["These ARE Heavy Duty trucks. If you wanted a smooth ride, you should have gone with a 1500."]
Ahh... to be be young and not feel the effects of age or injury. I think I may have uttered those words myself some time past. The fact is some people are not healthy and young but still need an HD truck to work or even play. The ride on this truck was my #1 reason for going with GM for both me and my wife. A 1500 wont cut it. I am glad GM sees the market potential to make a smoother ride and I am glad other companys with aftermarket parts would like to cash in as well. I will continue to look for ways to get an even smoother ride with my HD truck.
So before you put people down who want an even smoother ride than what comes stock. Remember that you dont know their situation and that one day you may sing a different tune as well. Happy Motoring http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/smile.gif

3176CATPOWER
02-02-2002, 12:12
I am one who likes a smooth ride and would like to lower the rear end about an inch and a half.I would like to hear where you get the velvet rides from and any other products that will safely lower the rear.

------------------
2002 GMC K2500HD D-A EXT-CAB SB ,26 ft. H-R Alumascape fifth wheel camper,1952 FERGUSON TO-30 farm tractor.J-D 445 garden tractor.345 CATERPILLAR EXCAVATOR w/ 3176 diesel engine,just run it,a little pricey for me!

mdrag
02-02-2002, 12:19
3176CATPOWER,

I got my VELVET-RIDES (http://www.velvet-ride.com) directly from Goodrich. http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------

mdrag
========================
'01 3500 "BIG DOOLEY" DMAX/ALLISON PICTURES (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=mdrag)<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>2001 3500 LT Crew Cab/LB7 DMAX 6600/M74 Allison 1000 Series/4x4 G80/Light Pewter/Tan Leather
<LI>12 Disc CD Changer/Escalade Steering Wheel Audio Controls/Pioneer TS-C1653 Component Speakers
<LI>Kennedy Diesel Headlight Harness with 4 Lamp Mode/Dual Alts with PowerMaster 200A
<LI>TransferFlow 56 gal tank w/Fast Fill Fillneck/ROSTRA Obstacle Sensing System
<LI>Roll-N-Lock Retractable Bed Cover with Carbon Fiber Pattern/TracRac Sliding Rack System
<LI>Clifford AvantGaurd4 Alarm with Remote Start/SmartWindows4/Computer Interface for MS Windows/Turbo Timer Option
<LI>SPA DG-111 Digital Boost & EGT Gauge/PIAA Airdam/PIAA 80 Pro XT Driving & 959 Fog Lights
<LI>DTA Corp Running Boards & Mudflaps/Line-X/Invinca-Shield/Center Console Mods
<LI>Lucerix X-Mount Mirrors/Tekonsha Prodigy/Goodrich Velvet-Ride Shackles
<LI>Future Mods Include: Alcoas, 4" Exhaust.... etc.
[/list]

IndigoDually
02-02-2002, 13:58
MDRAG, Did you have any problems installing the Velvet Rides? I read in a post a while ago that someone was returning them for a 3500 because they couldn't install them. I think it was the inability to get the upper shackle bolt out becaust the axle could not be jacked up high enough to get the bolts out because of the helper springs? Any experiences and exactly how much did they lower the rear end?
Thanks, John


------------------
'02 GMC 3500 Crew/longbed 4x4 (Wife's daily driver)
Indigo blue/Graphite leather/all the toys(you only go around once!)
G/N,Rhino,Western 8 1/2 UltraMount, Curt Quick Goose, Westin CPS Step Bars, Back Rack, Avital remote start ( KEEPIN UP WITH THE MDRAG?S) - NOT LIKELY
Kennedy Headlight Upgrade
Front and Rear hideaway strobes

My work truck:
'95 3500HD 15,000GVW
6.5 T/D 5 speed
chipped and exhaust mods
(with help of Kennedy)
10 1/2' Alum dumping flatbed
GN hitch
Whelen Strobe Bar

'94 K2500 EXT.Cab 6.5/Auto B&M ShiftPlus(best $40 I ever spent) G/N hitch Farm Truck 36,000 mi.

Pictures
www.picturetrail.com/indigodually (http://www.picturetrail.com/indigodually)

Joe Dawson
02-02-2002, 15:11
MOR/Ryde (http://www.morryde.com/Pick-up%20RL.html) has a system for our trucks that is supposed to work pretty good. I saw it at a camper show.

------------------
2001 GMC 2WD 2500 HD D/A CC Long Bed 6500 lbs.
AirLift Superlifts (http://www.airliftcompany.com/superduty.htm) , Lucerix Mirrors (http://www.lucerix.com/xmount.htm)
Fumoto Drain Valve (http://www.fumotovalve.com/merchant.cfm?id=88&step=2) , Delvac 1
Amsoil Dual Remote Oil Filter (http://www.pecuniary.com/synthetics/bypass/dualremote.html)
Chieftain Air Horns (http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=18009&src=SRCH&tcode=37)
53 Gal Fuel Tank Toolbox Combo (http://www.duallydepot.com/)
DTA Running Boards (http://www.dtacorp.com/index.htm)

2001 Sunnybrook 31ft. BWFS (http://www.sunnybrookrv.com/)
Precision Temp Tankless Water Heater (http://www.precisiontemp.com/RV-500Page1.html)
Jordon Ultima Controller (http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/finisterre/1228/jorjan/index.htm)
Honda EU 3000 Generator

dmaxstu
02-02-2002, 16:11
joedawson

I have the Moryde RL system installed on my truck and sure makes the ride a lot more acceptable. I installed it myself and have some tips for any one who attempts this mod.
After trying the Velvet rides which had been working good on my E150 van, they were useless on the 2500HD.I decided to try the Moryde RL system. Some time this year Fleetco products are going to come out with a 100 percent airride for our trucks completely elliminating the springs I am still going to take a demonstration ride with such a suspension and would not hesitate changing to that. After all it's only money, the fleetco setup would cost in the vicinity of $2000.00

------------------
2002 GMC 2500HD D/A. CC. LB. INDIGO BLUE,Custom Lining bedliner,Quick & Easy hitch receiver,Snugtop cap,Trailback running boards,135 Gal. Auxtank,Moryde RL suspension,Jordan Ultima 2020 brake controller.
26'Sunnybrook 26CKS TT
25'Bayliner Flying Bridge cruiser.
Garmin GPSMAP 2010
Raytheon Radar & Loran
(don't like to get lost)
Apelco VHF & Depth sounder.
Bennett Atomatic trim tabs
Volvo Penta Duo Prop
I wish I had the Dmax instead of the Chevy 350 in this boat.

dmaxstu
02-02-2002, 16:35
To those who want to change the height of their trucks. The Moryde has three settings the middle setting is stock and one can go a couple of inches each way. This is not due to sag like the Velvet rides but you actually lower or raise it.
However I would caution anyone to adress their trailer/truck mismatch with these suspension mods. A multi axle trailer must be absolutely level even if it means making modifications to the trailer suspension. The Dexter axle people can help with that they have retro-fit kits.
When a trailer is towed tilting up or down front to back the tires at the lower end are going to wear considerably more,run hot, and be very prone to blowouts.I learned that the hard way many years ago.Stu

------------------
2002 GMC 2500HD D/A. CC. LB. INDIGO BLUE,Custom Lining bedliner,Quick & Easy hitch receiver,Snugtop cap,Trailback running boards,135 Gal. Auxtank,Moryde RL suspension,Jordan Ultima 2020 brake controller.
26'Sunnybrook 26CKS TT
25'Bayliner Flying Bridge cruiser.
Garmin GPSMAP 2010
Raytheon Radar & Loran
(don't like to get lost)
Apelco VHF & Depth sounder.
Bennett Atomatic trim tabs
Volvo Penta Duo Prop
I wish I had the Dmax instead of the Chevy 350 in this boat.

Kennedy
02-02-2002, 20:41
Ok, I'll bite WTF do Mor/Rydes have that Velvet rides don't??? Cant seen to find any real pics or diagrams on the site. For $600 they had better be good!

What Stu said about trailer axles is true IF they are independent torsion axles. Leaf springs w/equalizers can acommodate quite a bit of rake.

------------------
John Kennedy
www.kennedydiesel.com (http://www.kennedydiesel.com)
John@kennedydiesel.com
2002 Chev. K2500HD Dmax/Allison Crew Cab Long Bed Pewter/Tan LT Driving it!!!
1996 GMC K2500HD 6.5TD Ex.Cab LWB 260+ Rw H.P.
1984 K30 SRW 6.2NA Headers and custom 2 into 1 exhaust FOR SALE
'01 FXDWG Black/Chrome Yellow (2 into 1 Thunderheader &lt;naturally&gt;) (100+ RwHP)
"If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand"

mdrag
02-02-2002, 20:44
IndigoDually,


...Did you have any problems installing the Velvet Rides?

Quite a CHALLENGE to say the least! I had read through the installation instructions before ordering and was expecting a 1-2 hr. job.....NOT!!!

I had to drop the receiver, remove the frame contact pads for the OL springs, and jack up the rear - and still could not get the top shackle bolt to come out since it would hit the head of a rivet on the top of the frame. Someone posted that if you did both sides at the same time, you would be able to get the top shackle bolt out. Someone else posted they could not get the top shackle bolts out on their 3500 even doing both sides at the same time... I ended up cutting the top shackle bolts off on both sides.

The rear of my 3500 did drop about 2 inches - it is noticeably easier for me to climb ON/OFF the tail gate after the VRs installed. Others have posted little or no change in height...Check this VELVET RIDE POST (http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/001913.html) for additional info, especially the posts by Ironhead - 5/8" drop initially, then 1.75" drop 2 weeks later.... http://www.plauder-smilies.com/sad/nixweiss.gif

Kennedy suggested checking the distance from the OL springs to the frame contact pads. The OL springs were no more than 1/2" or less from the rear frame contact pad after the VR install - truck unloaded - so you really don't get the full benefit of the VRs because of the early contact with the OL springs.

Kennedy further suggested removing the frame contact pads - I removed the rear frame contact pads (they were the closest to hitting the OL springs) and there was further improvement in the ride. The VRs helped some, and removing the frame contact pads helped even more with the empty ride quality. I did put the frame contact pads back on after about a month or so.


------------------------

mdrag http://www.plauder-smilies.com/love/arrow-thru-heart.gif THE http://www.plauder-smilies.com/nosmile/atom.gif
========================
'01 3500 "BIG DOOLEY" DMAX/ALLISON PICTURES (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=mdrag)<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>2001 3500 LT Crew Cab/LB7 DMAX 6600/M74 Allison 1000 Series/4x4 G80/Light Pewter/Tan Leather<LI>12 Disc CD Changer/Escalade Steering Wheel Audio Controls/Pioneer TS-C1653 Component Speakers <LI>Kennedy Diesel Headlight Harness with 4 Lamp Mode/Dual Alts with PowerMaster 200A<LI>TransferFlow 56 gal tank w/Fast Fill Fillneck/ROSTRA Obstacle Sensing System<LI>Roll-N-Lock Retractable Bed Cover with Carbon Fiber Pattern/TracRac Sliding Rack System<LI>Clifford AvantGaurd4 Alarm with Remote Start/SmartWindows4/Computer Interface for MS Windows/Turbo Timer Option<LI>SPA DG-111 Digital Boost & EGT Gauge/PIAA Airdam/PIAA 80 Pro XT Driving & 959 Fog Lights<LI>DTA Corp Running Boards & Mudflaps/Line-X/Invinca-Shield/Center Console Mods<LI>Lucerix X-Mount Mirrors/Tekonsha Prodigy/Goodrich Velvet-Ride Shackles<LI>Future Mods Include: Alcoas, 4" Exhaust.... etc.
[/list]


[This message has been edited by mdrag (edited 02-02-2002).]

IndigoDually
02-03-2002, 08:29
Soooo, with the overloads contacting all of the time or almost all of the time, is there enough benefiets to warrant installing them? I was looking to lower the rear end more that needing the ride improvement. Maybe I will change my mind in the Spring since there is a row of 12" solid concrete blocks lined along the tailgate for the winter( for traction and bonus ride improvement!). With the rubber on the O/L brackets, how much space is there until contact?
Thanks 4 the help, John

(On Edit) I hate that you can't go back and read the previous posts on long threads so you don't ask a similar question that's kinda already answered, I know 1/2" to contact.


------------------
'02 GMC 3500 Crew/longbed 4x4 (Wife's daily driver)
Indigo blue/Graphite leather/all the toys(you only go around once!)
G/N,Rhino,Western 8 1/2 UltraMount, Curt Quick Goose, Westin CPS Step Bars, Back Rack, Avital remote start ( KEEPIN UP WITH THE MDRAG?S) - NOT LIKELY
Kennedy Headlight Upgrade
Front and Rear hideaway strobes

My work truck:
'95 3500HD 15,000GVW
6.5 T/D 5 speed
chipped and exhaust mods
(with help of Kennedy)
10 1/2' Alum dumping flatbed
GN hitch
Whelen Strobe Bar

'94 K2500 EXT.Cab 6.5/Auto B&M ShiftPlus(best $40 I ever spent) G/N hitch Farm Truck 36,000 mi.

Pictures
www.picturetrail.com/indigodually (http://www.picturetrail.com/indigodually)

[This message has been edited by IndigoDually (edited 02-03-2002).]

dmaxstu
02-03-2002, 10:31
Kennedy
I asked the same question of the Moryde people. They retorted that the velvet rides were completely out of their league, and they were right.First of all Moryde's reputation precedes them they have been making suspensions for high end vacation trailers for years.I have a friend who has an Allegro Bay motorhome with a dedicated Moryde suspension and it rides pretty good.With their RL suspension retrofit you completely remove the springhanger brackets and replace them with brackets they provide and attach the big rubber sheer springs then the leaf springs attach to the rubber sheer springs. There is almost 1 cubic foot of rubber cushioning the end of the leaf springs instead of a couple of cubic inches as with the velvet rides. You live much closer to the Moryde facility then I do, could'nt they arrange for you to take a test ride? Especially since you are in the retrofit bussiness on other things it could be a advantageous relationship.Stu

------------------
2002 GMC 2500HD D/A. CC. LB. INDIGO BLUE,Custom Lining bedliner,Quick & Easy hitch receiver,Snugtop cap,Trailback running boards,135 Gal. Auxtank,Moryde RL suspension,Jordan Ultima 2020 brake controller.
26'Sunnybrook 26CKS TT
25'Bayliner Flying Bridge cruiser.
Garmin GPSMAP 2010
Raytheon Radar & Loran
(don't like to get lost)
Apelco VHF & Depth sounder.
Bennett Atomatic trim tabs
Volvo Penta Duo Prop
I wish I had the Dmax instead of the Chevy 350 in this boat.

Kennedy
02-03-2002, 10:40
With the Duallys. a relocated or modified OL bracket would be the hot ticket. You would just have to use trial/error to find the proper engage point so as not to squat too deep when loaded. If you rarely load it, there is no need for the "slapper" springs OR you could do an air bag system.

Stu, I would appreciate if you had a picture somewhere. This kinda intrigues me, but I must say I am still skeptical. I have been hashing around the idea of going to visit my daughter in MI and usually swing through Elkhart to pick up a trailer so stopping in may be a possibility...

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John Kennedy
www.kennedydiesel.com (http://www.kennedydiesel.com)
John@kennedydiesel.com
2002 Chev. K2500HD Dmax/Allison Crew Cab Long Bed Pewter/Tan LT Driving it!!!
1996 GMC K2500HD 6.5TD Ex.Cab LWB 260+ Rw H.P.
1984 K30 SRW 6.2NA Headers and custom 2 into 1 exhaust FOR SALE
'01 FXDWG Black/Chrome Yellow (2 into 1 Thunderheader &lt;naturally&gt;) (100+ RwHP)
"If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand"

dmaxstu
02-03-2002, 11:38
Kennedy
John I don't think I could do the Moryde system justice with my pictures. I once tried to document my Jordan brake controler install with pictures it was a disaster. The sidetrip from your daughter's house seems like a good idea. I would prefer it if you could actually talk with those people, see and try it. When you start spending more then a couple of hundred dollars you certainly have to look at it more closely. It was my friend's motorhome that convinced me to try it.Also there are not too many places where you can get these things installed I was lucky that my son is a welder among other pursuits. He just burned the rivets off for me and the rest was just a bolt together deal.Stu

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2002 GMC 2500HD D/A. CC. LB. INDIGO BLUE,Custom Lining bedliner,Quick & Easy hitch receiver,Snugtop cap,Trailback running boards,135 Gal. Auxtank,Moryde RL suspension,Jordan Ultima 2020 brake controller.
26'Sunnybrook 26CKS TT
25'Bayliner Flying Bridge cruiser.
Garmin GPSMAP 2010
Raytheon Radar & Loran
(don't like to get lost)
Apelco VHF & Depth sounder.
Bennett Atomatic trim tabs
Volvo Penta Duo Prop
I wish I had the Dmax instead of the Chevy 350 in this boat.

MaxDiesel
02-22-2003, 00:01
dmaxstu, I have been considering the MorRyde RL system for my 2003 2500 HD crewcab. I use the truck for work but also for a family car and they want a smoother ride. Would the Morryde system be the way to go? Also, does it take any tow capacity away?

Jim

Vette Racer
02-23-2003, 01:38
From the looks of it , everyone has tried something. I have tried several things that don't cost alot of money, I left that up to the rest of you.

The best ride that I found cheaply was to remove the rear supports for the overload springs and put 210 lbs of weight in the rear of the box. This makes the 3500 ride as good as it can within reason. You will still get the concrete bounce at speed, there just isn't any way around it. This makes the truck ride as good as it can for the most part. If you pull a 5 er, I have found that unless you load the truck way down you don't need the rear snubbers for the overloads. It makes the truck ride better loaded if they are removed.
My .02 cents!

[ 02-23-2003: Message edited by: Vette Racer ]</p>

motovet
02-23-2003, 13:52
SDWA, I know what you mean about that stretch. It is much worse with the CC...it can be almost embarasing when people look over and see you boucing up and down in the seat. The Bilstiens did help though.

felpa41
02-26-2003, 13:53
I have modified my C3500's ride to the point I am very pleased.

First mod...Goodrich velvet rides. Helped some but I was still not satisfied.

Second mod...Installed Air Ride bags, compressor and in cab guages (Camping World). This helped a lot.

Third mod...Bilsteins all around. This helped some more.

Fourth mod...I removed the four OL spring strike pads. This stopped the noise when it hits a bump and I don't need the OL springs (maybe someday I will take them off) since I have the air bags.

My empty truck rides better than my son-in-laws stock 1500HD, according to him.

I am very pleased with the empty ride at this point and plan to buy nothing else.

Wasn't cheep, but worth it to me.