http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif I just put the Bilsteins on over the weekend and today was really the first time I got to stretch her legs. I think my ride quality has gotten worse even since the first time I put the Biltsiens on. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif I know I am really nuts when it comes to my ride...boarderline disorder.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif But this is what is depressing me right now. I had a F**d Super Duty 7.3L. I loved it, I had a leveling kit on her and she really looked good. She looked like a truck! My wife almost killed herself in it however...it's now probably already striped down nothing. We decided to go with the GMC...the Duramax is kick A$$, the Alison trans...need not say more. The "truck" is stickered at 47,000 totally loaded, it is great except for one thing...it being a HD it looked like a wimp!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif 245 street tires...blackwalls mind you, and zero front end ground clearance, it looked like a SUV!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif The first thing we did on the way home from the dealer was intall BFGoodrich 265s the very next day went to my buddy garage and leveled out the front end and aligned her. Now she looks like 4X4 HD "truck". I know that raising the front end will stiffen the ride..which it did...So I went with the Bilsteins...now the ride has gone from feeling bumps after the bump too feeling everthing in the road including the ants that I run over.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif But the thing that is really driving me nuts is I am feeling verything from the rear axial..the front is not so bad. I feel like giving up.


Sorry to cry in everyones soup tonight, but I am feeling like crap having sunk over a grand to make my $47,000"truck" look like a HD 4X4 not a SUV going to the super market. And now not at all happy with the ride.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


With that being said, the truck is probably the best looking truck I have ever owned, and the preformance is outstanding! Sorry to be such a bummer<IMG onMouseOver="this.style.cursor='hand'" onMouseOut="this.style.cursor=''" alt='Click on image to open in

Nowake200 I added a set of Rancho 9 way adj. 9000x's and the ride improved greatly over the stock shocks,but that could all be in the adjustment. Thats the reason I went with the Rancho's because of the 9 way adjustment feature. just my 2 cents.Edited by: silvermax

If you read my posts previously, you'll note that I've said it rides a little rougher w/ Bilsteins. BUT, it's rides BETTER. If you hadn't ridden with it stock for a while, I'm not at all surprised that you reacted the way you did. You do fee more of the little bumps, imo, BUT, a lot of the vagueness of the stock suspension is gone. Sorry you're so disappointed - I'd be upset too w/ that much $ spent and not happy.

If you ride empy most of the time, try lowering the tire pressure.


The factory states 55 front and 80 rear. My truck was bouncing all over the place with these pressures.


I now run 55 in the front and 60 in the rear when empty and the truck runs great with the stock shocks.


This works for me because I run empty or light loads most of the time.

I'm with silvermax -- I did the same thing, and now I can dial in my ride however I'd like.

The suggestion about the air pressure is a good one. Perhaps you can play around a little with that.

I agree with the stock tire size looking small for this application, sure would like to hear from GM on that one? I'm still waiting for my new 2004 d/a (ordered on 9/31). I been all over these trucks on the dealer lots, one thing I noticed with the front end, is the clearance from the jounce/snubbers mounted on the lower A-Arms to the frame. There is not alot of clearance there I'm sure any tosion bar adjustment is going to close up that clearnace and or bottom the snubber out to the frame which will effect our ride quality. Has anyone tried to shave some of the material off the tops of the snubbers in order to prevent this premature bottoming out situation?

Nowake, Im so with ya!! After spending over 40 g's on a hd and people have to ask if its 4x4 its kinda a slap in the face! So i did the same and a week later turned the torsion bars and put some 325-60r18s on. Everyone thinks that i put a lift on, and that makes my day but i sure lost that smooth ride. Im looking for any solution to make it more smooth.


That is the first i have heard about the tire pressure. Im going to try it out. As for shocks, Im not sure if i should go with bilstines or rancho? Sure wish i could ride in both.


Those that have the rs 9000s do you have your torsion bars cranked? and how much did you spend?





Thanks,


Mikehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

It is funny you talk about tire pressure. I posted a few days ago asking what other drivers are running in their tires. I droped it down to 46psi today, helped only a little. I do not mind a stiff ride, in fact I like how the Bilsteins handle the big bumps and pot holes. I just do not want to feel every bump, crack, and expansion joint that I drive over. When I start feeling my cheeks (face, not seathttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif) bouncing around that is a bad ride.


I would also like to add that this is a greathttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif site, very friendly and informative! Keep it up!!

bybycop, I spent alittle over 300 bucks I think on the rancho's and yes I have my bars cranked to level it out. still playing with the adjustments on the shocks,but the ride is leaps and bounds over stock.

What did everyone do to level it? Do you have pics?


That is really good to know. Did you install yourself? Where did you get your shocks? Is it worth going with the incab controls?


ThanksEdited by: bybycop

I didnt get the incab controls but I got them at www.fourwheelparts.com (http://www.fourwheelparts.com). I think I cranked my bars 5 full turns to level it.

Now i'm getting concerned! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


I just ordered Bilstiens a few days ago for my truck, and now I see these posts about the ride quality going south with the new shocks...EEK! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif Did I screw up? I don't want a rough ride, I want a "good" ride. This truck is my daily driver. Am I better off keeping the oem shocks, or putting on the Bilstiens?

I think cranking the torsion bars has more to do with the rougher ride then anything else, not shocks...and the "stiffness" all depends on how far they're cranked. This is the main reason I went with a real lift kit, granted it was expensive but the truck looks like a truck now and rides like a cadillac. I had an 02 2500 HD Ext. Cab and went the t-bar crank route on it ...was definately firmer but not harsh as I only went about 3-4 turns but was still noticably stiffer then the 03 with a 4" lift.Edited by: tophog

Anyone wanting a smoother ride should consider removing a leaf spring and adding air bags. With this solution you have the best of both worlds, as you have a non-HD ride when not towing. And when you are towing, you just add air.


As far as the feel of the Bilsteins, I think that most feel they are far better. It's funny, I've heard some say they didn't notice a difference at all. I've noticed they are a bit stiffer with a bit less travel over most bumps. The improvements are more obvious over large bumps as the suspension has an equal reaction in both up and down directions. Definitely not that OEM sensation of a stiff leaf springs slamming the wheels back to the ground.

I just got my 2500 HD CC D/A SLT yesterday and was thinking about shocks too. I've had Rancho 9000's on my Suburban. They were either too stiff on setting 4 or 5 (mine were the 5 way adjustable 9000's) or too soft on 3 and under.


After a lot of research and talking to folks that had different shocks, I bought a set of Edelbrock (yeah Edelbrocks) shocks and the ride was smooth and compliant, but extremely controlled in hard turns, hard braking, etc. I could not believe the difference they made to the handling of my truck, without a ride penalty.


I also have Bilsteins on my 1997 Ford E150 conversion van. By comparison, the Bilsteins have a good ride, but nowhere near the control and handling. The Edelbrocks eliminate 98% of body roll and 100% of brake dive, or for that matter acceleration squat. The shocks really can differentiate between body induced forces versus road induced forces and treat them differently. You cannot get the truck to dive or roll, but a big pothole will immediately compress the shock.


I avoided buying them for a long time because I didn't think Edelbrock could possibly know anything about shocks, but I was wrong. BTW, they come with a 30 day money back guaranty. No one else has a money back, don't like them, send them back warranty. I'm sure they don't have many takers on that one which is why they still offer that after all these years.


I'm surprised they have not been mentioned on this forum. I presume that the Edelbrocks are available for HD trucks, but I have to check.

I put the IAS Edelbrocks on my old Durango and they made a world of difference.. - then I lifted it and they we're not good after that, too short. I was fairly impressed with them.

I wanted to go with the Edelbrocks at first but after reading the posts and talking to a friend of mine I went with the Bilsteins. I did raise the front end, one side has 5.5 truns were the other has just over six turns. Yes the ride did stiffen up, but real not that big of a deal. I added the Bilsteins and I can feel the front end taking the road and that is fine. But like I said the rear axial is what is making me feel everything in the road. Maybe it is the 9200 GVWR option. Going back, this was what bothered me about my new baby....it is a HD we should not have to do any of this crap to get the truck to look like a HD....GM if you read these sites PLEASE take note....MAKE A HD 4X4 LOOK LIKE A HD NOT LIKE A HD. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gifIt's a truck please make them stand like one. We should not have to drop another $1,500 and god knows how much more in labor to give our truck lift. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif


Fireman, in reguards to your Bilsteins order...just leave the box sealed and return it I am sure they would not have a problem...and as for the Edelbrock I think I might give them a try. 30 day guaranty I wish the Bilsteins had that,http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif I would have taken them off yesturday and would be mailing them back today.

I agree 100% regarding the whimpy stance GM trucks have always had. Probably my biggest complaint agaist GM trucks. Geez if they made the trucks look like real 4x4's their sales would probably increase significantly...and I'm not talking about a 8" lift with 44" tires ... something similar to the FURDS. I guess these days it's nearly impossible to have your cake and eat it too. Edited by: tophog

I had Bilsteins on my ZR2 that I toy'd with for a couple years ... Rode stiff as sh!t .... Granted it was a short wheelbase and much lighter but that experience shyed me away from putting them on my 3500 ...


Seems someone is experiencing what I avoided ....





GO RANCHO





Mac

Topdog...I do not familure with the FURDS. LOL I forgot to add into the expense of adding new bigger tires and wheels to $2,500 lift.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif Even with the stock 6.5" wide wheel it comes with out to the box wimpy.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


But I love the truck in every other light.

Not going against you Mac, but I had Ranch 5000's on my 94 k1500 short box and in the winter they would stiffen up and ride worth a sh*t.... The cold must have made the oil flow slowwer..... It was so bad, I removed them......


We have Bilsteins on our tahoe and they are great. They ride the same year around....


It would be hard for me to buy ranchos.....

So far I have only added the Bilsteins to the rear and the fronts are on order. I friend of my who rides with me some times could not believe I spent $120 on a set of shocks for the rear for a brand new truck. The first time he rode in it afterwords he ate his words and asked when the fronts would be in. I love them on my 4X2! I do have a Po-go type feel towing with them. I am hoping the matching fronts will take care of that.

No shock in the world can soften the ride of any vehicle, that's springs. Shocks control (dampen) spring movement and while it's possible to stiffen the compression and rebound movement of the springs through agressive dampening you can't soften a spring through shocks, even if they are removed. Good shocks can improve the ride quality greately by more effectively managing suspension travel. I.E. removing the pogo effect some stock shocks allow because of insufficent dampening, but they cannot change spring rate.


If you want to soften the ride you are going to have to do something to the springs. Ray403Dmax seems to have an answer.

Can't say I agree with that 100%.

On 1 my Rancho 9000's make my truck ride softer then the cheap sh#t OEM shocks. On 9 the truck rides firmer, a LOT firmer.

Shocks can, and do, affect how soft the vehicle rides.

GM if you read these sites PLEASE take note....MAKE A HD 4X4 LOOK LIKE A <font size="6">HD <font size="2">NOT LIKE A</font> </font><font size="1">HD</font><font size="2">. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gifIt's a truck please make them stand like one. We should not have to drop another $1,500 and god knows how much more in labor to give our truck lift. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif</font>
I have 285's on my truck, along with the green keys and a 2" block. At 41" front and 42" rear (measured from the top of the fender well to the ground) my truck FINALLY looks like a truck. D@mn shame I had to spend so much $$ to make it look that way though...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

No shock in the world can soften the ride of any vehicle, that's springs. Shocks control (dampen) spring movement and while it's possible to stiffen the compression and rebound movement of the springs through agressive dampening you can't soften a spring through shocks, even if they are removed. Good shocks can improve the ride quality greately by more effectively managing suspension travel. I.E. removing the pogo effect some stock shocks allow because of insufficent dampening, but they cannot change spring rate.


I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you. Shocks will make all the difference in the world on harshness. Shocks affect the RATE by which the force is transmitted to the suspension. Stiffer shocks, like Bilsteins, will absorb (and transmit) a higher amount of the impact force (again, think in the terms of the rate at which the force is applied) than a stock shock.


Another way of looking at it, if you put 1000lbs in the bed of your truck, the resulting compression of the springs is the same regardless what shock you have. However, if you drop that same weight into the bed, the shock will affect how fast it reaches that resting point.


Reverse that to sitting in the cab now - you are driving and hit a pothole. There is a force on the wheel to push it up. The soft shock will let the suspension absorb it (compress) much easier than a stiff shock which will take longer for that force to compress the suspension the same amount. Translation, rougher ride.


Having said that, the pogo effect of the stock shock makes them garbage, imo. Ranchos are probably fine shocks, but I suspect on the softer settings, you are going to get more pogo effect than the stiffer settings.


I'm happy overall with the Bilsteins, but acknowledge (and tried to warn others) they do ride a little (imo) stiffer.Edited by: Joe E

No shock in the world can soften the ride of any vehicle, that's springs. Shocks control (dampen) spring movement and while it's possible to stiffen the compression and rebound movement of the springs through agressive dampening you can't soften a spring through shocks, even if they are removed. Good shocks can improve the ride quality greately by more effectively managing suspension travel. I.E. removing the pogo effect some stock shocks allow because of insufficent dampening, but they cannot change spring rate.


If you want to soften the ride you are going to have to do something to the springs. Ray403Dmax seems to have an answer.





In red is the point I am trying to make. Or said another way the stock shocks are the "softest" that I know of, that is, their compression dampining is weak and there is almost no rebound dampining at all.


In blue is where I agree that good shocks can make the world of difference in ride quality. but again I say they will not make a suspension more compliant. To do that you would need to decrease the strength of the spring which would of course negatively impact the load carring capicity of the truck. Air bags should return the load carring capicity when needed. I personally drive a Dually with stock shocks, I don't mind if it rides like a truck, but for those that want a cadillac like ride when empty without sacrificing load carring capacity when it's needed, I see the air bags as a way of obtaining it. Of course I'm sure that ther'e not free.

Ok, I was reacting to your first statement which indicates that a shock has no bearing on softening the "ride", which I think you agree it does (based on your response). I think we agree that the spring is the spring, but the RIDE is heavily dependant (but not totally) on the shocks...


But I agree that if you have a really stiff spring, then no shock is going to change the behavior of the spring; spring will dominate, as it would in the rear of a 3500.

When is Ohlins going to offer a nitrogen-charged progressive-dampening remote reservoir shock with integrated coil springs with adjustable preload collars for our trucks? I'll be first in line to buy one when that happens.. You'd have cadillac smooth suspension when you're empty, pump up a set of air bags when you're running heavy loads.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

I've Rancho's RS9000X mounted up w/cranked bars. I really like the ride now ~ the wife could tell the difference too. They were 309 to my door from www.samsoffroad.com (http://www.samsoffroad.com) . Noticed the price is unchanged.


I'm up 1.75" and the std length shock fits. My settings unloaded is 5frt &amp; 4rr. W/small 3600# TT, I clik'em up one and no experience w/pogoing yet but I suppose if one worked at it (like offroad) w/low setting it might but in normal road use like railroad tracks, wasn't noticeable like stock. The stock were grinding and inconsist and at only 4000 miles when removed.


From your description ~ wonder if you got 3500 leaf spring paks instead of for a 2500HD http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


Edited by: ShumDit

First off, Cranking your torsion bars to achieve more lift is the "HACK" way of doing things.


* This is just my opinion* Go ahead and get mad I dont care.





By cranking your bars you create harsh angles on your c.v.'s (4x4) Ball-Joints and tie-rod ends. G.M. did not design your truck to perform at these angles. Just be ready for things to wear out faster.


Try using a longer shock after you crank up your T-bars, The stock length shock will "Top Out" too soon after cranking up the suspension, Making the ride harsh.Edited by: Diesel-N-Dust

Oh jeez, here we go again... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

I love the smooth ride of my truck (alot smoother than my 3/4 Dodge 4X4). I have Ride Rite airbags, Rancho 9000's in the rear, Bilsteins in the front and a Helwig sway bar.

I am not getting the ruff ride off the front axle but off the rear. No I do not want a ride like a car. Also what other way does a GM truck owner have to level out the front end? It is not a problem with the other D and F trucks! Please do not take this as I want to argue I was upset the yesturday when I was disatisfied after spending $1000 on shocks and tires for brand new 04 that has only 600 miles on her. So I could make it look like a HD truck. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


Now, I have not owned a car since 1995http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif hence, have not had a car ride since then. But what I can tell you is that my last F-150 and 2 F-250s did not ride like a car either and for the record I have driven all three trucks on the same roads I tavel today. When I drive down a concrete highway at 70mph I should not have to worry about my drink splashing in it's cup holderhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif with the passing of every joint. I know it is a 3/4 ton truck...so were my last two. I am not a rookie to pickup truckin'.


I will say the Bilsteins handling around corners is GREAT...going over RXR is GREAT...taking on good size bumps is GREAT...but I say it agian traveling down a simple stretch of highway I sould not have to deal with every little imperfection of the roadhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif. My last two trucks with solid axles did not give me that kind of ride so why should now have to just deal with it. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


Please I am not bring up my Ford truck so everyone can say "then go back to driving them"http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif they just happen to be the trucks I have owned for the past 9 years. Edited by: NoWake200

First off, Cranking your torsion bars to achieve more lift is the "HACK" way of doing things.
Yep. There is nothing wrong with cranking a little but when these guys are getting over 1.5-2" I would agree with you.

"GM if you read these sites PLEASE take note....MAKE A HD 4X4 LOOK LIKE A HD NOT LIKE A HD. http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gifIt's a truck please make them stand like one. We should not have to drop another $1,500 and god knows how much more in labor to give our truck lift."


Maybe some of you don't realize the 2500 and 3500 series trucks were made to tow/haul things. I bought my truck not to look really cool going to the grocery store, but to pull heavy loads, including my fifth-wheel. If the truck were much higher it would not fit under the overhang, and if it did there would be an excessive angle between the truck and trailer. If you tow a tag-a-long style trailer of any weight with a lifted truck you are asking for trouble. You change the suspension geometry and exponentially increase the stress on operating components i.e. driveshaft, ball joints, brakes (if you lift you have to have at least 315's, right?). Not for me fellas. I'll stick with my HD and be happy doing what the truck was designed to do, TOW. And that……it does very well.





Here's a suggestion to GM: Make a truck that is not designed for towing, but for looking at. That's right, a really tall truck with big big tires and a loud exhaust. The Duramax/Allison is a must because it is so easy to upgrade and make 1000ft. lbs. of torque so one can impress the ladies. The suspension must be soft as to not enable the riders to feel expansion joints in the concrete. You could call this the "SUPERMAX" and write it in big letters on the tailgate. The side emblems should read the same. This truck must be more expensive than the standard 2500HD/3500 so everyone can marvel at how much money you spent on a "SUPERMAX", but less than the average Joe can lift a well suited towing machine such as the 2500HD/3500.


The moral of my story is there is not to piss everyone off, but to point out that not one style or ride hight will appeal to everyone. If the truck was tall and rode like a F-150 I would be the one wining abou

The best way to take care of the issue that you are describing is to put about 1000 lb in the bed of the truck.

Does anyone tow a lot of weight with the bilstiens..? Just curious as I was thinking of getting them but I have my 5er to pull..

Does anyone tow a lot of weight with the bilstiens..? Just curious as I was thinking of getting them but I have my 5er to pull..


I pull a 25' toy hauler loaded with quads ... about 10K lbs. I have a 4" Rancho lift with Bilstein 5100 series shocks. Rides like a peach whereas with the OEM shocks I felt I was riding on a pogo stick ...and that was with a weight dist. hitch. Just get the Bilstein's, you won't be sorry.

I agree with Blackdog ...sand bags work great and help with traction in the winter up the Oregon hills (some may refer to as mountains in other states) http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Neverenuf, YOU ARE MISSING MY POINT. I am not talking about lifting and putting 31's on it! I am not trying to get a car ride out of her! Let me ask you, if all you do is haul using a 5th wheel then why do get the the 4X4 option? I would think that the 4X4 option would just add weight and take away from your payload. Also with all that weight you should never need to use the 4X4http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif I think you missed my point. Oh' and the reason I have my truck is to haul my boat...so yes I use my truck for what it was intented. I say it AGAIN I have been driving 3/4 trucks for some time now...my last two were leveled not lifted, I do not just use them to go food shoping!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif Off the lot GM's heavy duty trucks are the wimmiest looking on the market! If you think GM is trying to be a heavy hauler type truck ONLY then why are they putting in all the goodies, leather, power, DVD, XM, ext....(these trucks come with the most options on the market) it just adds weight and take away from the payloads again?


I am glad that eveyone it happy with there ride and the way there truck looks. With the same thought I am very upset with the why mine rides and looks. I am not saying you are wrong for liking yours.


Edited by: NoWake200

While I am a 100% GM guy I agree they are the whimpiest looking trucks off the lot. GM should be embarassed to put 4x4 stickers on them. It appears GM may finally be wising up as I believe they are now offering 265 tires as an option and read where the new Z71 1/2 ton is offered 2" higher then it used to be. Geez, I don't think it would take much ... perhaps 2" and 265" tires ... that shouldn't require a person to flip their axles on a trailer and I think I've seen lots of Dodges/Fords pulling the same trailers.


It is embarrasing when you pull up to a new Ford or Dodge and they ask if your truck is a 4x4.

Tophog, thank you for seeing this though my glasses. I am not looking for a MONSTER truck. 2" and 265s would do the trick....that is how I have mine set up, only had it for a month and get a bunch of complements and guys looking her over in the parking lot of the gym not the super markethttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


The joy of owning a truck is being able to customize it for yourself. What one owner likes another might hate, that is why there are 500 pages of truck stuff in the catalog I have.


We should also be able to lift the front 2" and not have to worry about the dymanics of the front and some day having to replace everything connected to the front tires. This is why they are called trucks...this is all part of my point. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifEdited by: NoWake200

NoWake,
I feel for you on the $ and how to make it look better. I think the problem for you on the Bilsteins, is that most people here suffered with the stock shocks for long enough to really appreciate the improved overall ride, regardless that most of us have noticed that it does ride a little rougher. If you hadn't suffered with the stock shocks for long enough, you may not appreciate how wonderful the Bilsteins are.


On a side note, I'm personally shocked to hear anyone state that a 4x4 F250 rides better than any Silverado... The 5 or 6 I've driven were tooth-jarring at best... Just my opinion of course. I think they're the best looking, but I wouldn't personally get a 4x4 F250.

Transforming the DMax and associated cost to make it look like a truck. For some people, the 2nd step may be all they want (larger tires, tbars cranked) but that wasn't enough for me, and I paid the price for the next level (lift kit) but very pleased with the results.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/BFB_dmax.jpg

Neverenuf, I'll let you know as soon as I realize that my truck can't tow heavy loads. As far as I'm concerned the payload, GVW and GCW are the same as what it says on the door, and I expect it to be able to pull/haul every pound of it. If I fall over into the ditch or break something while under maximum capacity this place will be the first to hear about it, and you can say "I told you so!"


Not all people lift trucks to look cool at the grocery store, as you say. The ground clearance of a stock truck is pathetically low for any real 4x4 use. I've high centered my truck with 3" of lift, but never would have gotten as many places as I have without sustaining serious damage if it were at stock height.


Different strokes for different folks. You paid a lot of extra money for those 4x4 stickers on your truck, if you're just pulling a 5'er around. I'm not sure why you didn't get a 2wd, but it's none of my business. Perhaps you have a use for the 4x4 button, perhaps not, but same goes for people that want to lift their truck.Edited by: Camstyn

Topdog that is a great looking truck!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif But the sad thing is you had to pay an additional 3K for a already very expensive truckhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif. All that matters is that you are happy...as you should be. I thought that the smallest lift for GM trucks of our age was 6". I will have to look into the 4".

Topdog that is a great looking truck!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif But the sad thing is you had to pay an additional 3K for a already very expensive truckhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif. All that matters is that you are happy...as you should be. I thought that the smallest lift for GM trucks of our age was 6". I will have to look into the 4".





Yes it is sad one has to pay the outragous price to lift IFS trucks, but I wasn't going to be happy with it otherwise and in the end I am very happy with the lift. Shop did a superb job and haven't had a single problem with anything and the ride is absolutely superb...and I can still park in my garage (barely) http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


I figured another 3K wasn't too bad considering the cost of the truck and it as a no-brainer compared to buying a FURD.





BTW, I have a lot more lift picts on my web site (in sig).Edited by: tophog

Tophog, nice site...I am hooked on your lift. It looks great, the picks of the front end really shows what is in the lift. If you don't mind PM me with a break down of parts and labor. Thanks and again nice looking lift. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Neverenuf, ........... ..Let me ask you, if all you do is haul using a 5th wheel then why do get the the 4X4 option? I would think that the 4X4 option would just add weight and take away from your payload. Also with all that weight you should never need to use the 4X4http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif ..........


To put things in perspective of the times ~ his is an 02. I ordered mine 16Nov01. The demand was too great for production then. At that time, guys wanting 2WD or 6Spd have had their orders in since Jul 01 were still waiting. Guys were paying MSRP or MSRP + at that time for off the lot. I finally got my (see sig) 4WD in May 02. One guy posting on the forum never did get his 2WD 6Speed he ordered ~ heard he xncld his vacation ~ but for every one like him, there must have been 25 or more that compromised and took what they could get at the time (4WD, allison or Doge/Furd). If one wanted a CC w/allison, he was in luck.


Point being, most of the time ~ its not a perfect world.

NoWake200/Camstyn


Yes I did pay a lot of money for the 4x4 stickers on the truck. I have only owned four-wheel drives. Where does the assumption come from that since you pull a fifth wheel you are not allowed to do anything else with the truck? Are these fifth wheels only allowed on paved roads and concrete slots with cable and phone hookups? Since this must be true, I must not be able to use my tow rig to explore the area I'm in, which in my case almost always necessitates a 4x4. I will have my wife drive my hunting truck (lifted 2500 4x4 285s, I was able to customize this truck to the way I use it and I did not cry when I bought it that it didn't already look like a TRUCK) behind the camper so we can use it when we get to our destination. Nowake-have you ever seen a tractor/trailer stuck with a loaded trailer? I have. I have also seen many truck/trailer rigs stuck in the sand/mud or even wet grass with 2wd. I have pulled quite a few of them out.





Camstyn-You can pull as much as you want. Let me ask you this, do you think you are as safe as a stock D/A hauling at the limits of your truck? What about the center of gravity being higher above the CL of the wheels? How about more stable in a crosswind or on a turn? Have you ever noticed how low to the ground a big rig's (tractor/trailer) center of gravity is? Do you think your brakes/front end/ball joints/U-joints/CV joints etc. will last as long as a stock truck? I wouldn't be shy of pulling with a slightly lifted truck such as yours, but putting it to the test with max. load is not very wise IMHO. Just like I stated above:
The moral of my story is there is not to piss everyone off, but to point out that not one style or ride height will appeal to everyone. If the truck was tall and rode like a F-150 I would be the one wining about how I had to lower it and put heavier springs so I could do what suited ME. I think GM has found a satisfactory midpoint, and many people think the same judging by the number of units they are selling with 2500HD and 3500 badging.
I did not blast anybody's decision for lifting a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. If you read above, I have one. What I did not agree with is blasting GM for not making a taller stock truck.

Just for the record, I also believe that the 03' and 04' trucks look more tame and soft than the '01 and '02 models. And yes, again, this is my opinion.

NoWake200/Camstyn


Yes I did pay a lot of money for the 4x4 stickers on the truck. I have only owned four-wheel drives. Where does the assumption come from that since you pull a fifth wheel you are not allowed to do anything else with the truck?





Same place where the assumption came from that lifted trucks are only lifted to look cool at the grocery store.. Or at least that's how I interpreted your post. Sorry if there was a misunderstanding but that's how I saw it.





Camstyn-You can pull as much as you want. Let me ask you this, do you think you are as safe as a stock D/A hauling at the limits of your truck? What about the center of gravity being higher above the CL of the wheels? How about more stable in a crosswind or on a turn? Have you ever noticed how low to the ground a big rig's (tractor/trailer) center of gravity is? Do you think your brakes/front end/ball joints/U-joints/CV joints etc. will last as long as a stock truck? I wouldn't be shy of pulling with a slightly lifted truck such as yours, but putting it to the test with max. load is not very wise IMHO. Just like I stated above:





I don't expect my brakes, front end, ball joints, u-joints, cv joints, etc. to loast as long a stock truck, that's why I said that I'm willing to make the sacrafice. However, I expect my truck to be able to pull/haul to its capacity. I won't claim to be an expert, that's up to the scientists, but I drive 150k+ per year (it's what I do for a living) and I know what's safe and what isn't safe. My truck can haul at full capacity, if I have to slow down more than normal in certain situations so be it, that comes with common sense and experience.



I did not blast anybody's decision for lifting a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. If you read above, I have one. What I did not agree with is blasting GM for not making a taller stock truck.

Just for the record, I also believe that the 03' and 04' trucks look more tame and soft than the '01 and '02 models. And yes, again, this is my opinion.





I respect and appreciate your point of view, I understand it better with this post. It seemed like you were bashing anyone with a lifted truck in your previous one.. Misunderstandings happen, I think this was simply one of those cases.


I agree with you that the '03 and '04 trucks look more tame (wimpy?) than '01 and '02 models.. I still like the front end of my '02 better, but the '03 does look like a whole different truck with a bit of lift.Edited by: Camstyn

[QUOTE=neverenuf]


&lt;&lt;Nowake-have you ever seen a tractor/trailer stuck with a loaded trailer? I have. I have also seen many truck/trailer rigs stuck in the sand/mud or even wet grass with 2wd. I have pulled quite a few of them out.&gt;&gt;





neverenuf, I have seen plenty stuck. I hauled heavy equipment with Peterbilt tractor, and the short time doing so I only got stuck once. that was in sand and bob-tailing(no trailer). Also 18whr tractors do not have 2wheel drive in fact when they are running down the highway with the rear end only truning one of the four duals, usually one of the front two. Now if you need it which I always did in and out of construction sites, the driver can flip a switch and have both the fronts turning and one step further one more switch have all four turn for better traction.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif With that being said I know know that everyone says their truck is this lean-mean-pullin-machine. But I would have loved to seen a pick up truck pulling a 80,000lbs tractor trailer.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif I am not saying it can not be done...but talk about putting stress in the equipment we drive. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


&lt;&lt;What about the center of gravity being higher above the CL of the wheels? How about more stable in a crosswind or on a turn? Have you ever noticed how low to the ground a big rig's (tractor/trailer) center of gravity is? Do you think your brakes/front end/ball joints/U-joints/CV joints etc. will last as long as a stock truck?&gt;&gt;


Actually the CG of a tractor trailure is very high...that is why you see them on there sides most of the time. The Western Star is higher than you know what...real tall ground clearance...we loved using them in construction sites for that reason.


That 4X4 comment was just a sarcastic remark...it was a little attemp of being a wise a$$. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


I am not here to make enemies but rather to get as much knowledge as possible. This

&lt;&lt;Nowake-have you ever seen a tractor/trailer stuck with a loaded trailer? I have. I have also seen many truck/trailer rigs stuck in the sand/mud or even wet grass with 2wd. I have pulled quite a few of them out.&gt;&gt;


I have never hooked my truck to a tractor/trailer. You misread my post. I said I have pulled truck/trailer rigs that were stuck, not tractor/trailer rigs. That was a reference to help you understand why you might need 4x4 while towing even if you have "all that weight". The tractor/trailers get stuck quite easily as their wheels will sink and they will bottom out on the differential. I see this on construction sites all the time as I am a construction superintendent building power plants around the country. Anyway, I am also thru talking about this.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif






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http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif


Happy Trucking

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How do you get this box around copied text? I just cut and pasted yours here, is that how you do it or is there a icon that I'm not seeing?</TD></TR></T></T></TABLE></TD></TR></T></T></TABLE></TD></TR></T></T></TABLE>





Hit the quote button or surround your pasted text with the quote commands.


You start with [ quote ] and end with [ / quote ]


Leave out the spaces though. I just used them so it would show you the quote code and not do the code.

After a lot of research and talking to folks that had different shocks, I bought a set of Edelbrock (yeah Edelbrocks) shocks and the ride was smooth and compliant, but extremely controlled in hard turns, hard braking, etc. I could not believe the difference they made to the handling of my truck, without a ride penalty...... I'm surprised they have not been mentioned on this forum. I presume that the Edelbrocks are available for HD trucks, but I have to check.





Yeah, they are available for HD trucks, although you will have trouble finding them listed online. Seems like Edelbrock is a bit slack about updating their catalog information. Visit www.macsspring.com/ (http://www.macsspring.com/), get their phone number from there, and give them a call. They are great to work with, and ship orders of over $100 for free! I just ordered a set of rear Edelbrocks ($70 each) and a Hellwig anti sway bar ($151)from them for my 2500HD. They are knowledgable about their products, which I really appreciated.

Maybe some of you don't realize the 2500 and 3500 series trucks were made to tow/haul things. I bought my truck not to look really cool going to the grocery store, but to pull heavy loads, including my fifth-wheel. If the truck were much higher it would not fit under the overhang, and if it did there would be an excessive angle between the truck and trailer. If you tow a tag-a-long style trailer of any weight with a lifted truck you are asking for trouble.


I just got my 2500HD a month ago. When empty, the back of the truck sits a couple of inches higher than the front, but when I put my camper on (an 8.5' Lance weighing about 2400 pounds wet), the truck ends up sitting nearly dead level.


The things I have always liked about Chevy's are their better "running empty" ride than F &amp; D, and that they sit a bit lower than F &amp; D (making it easier to get in and out, load stuff, etc). And when the camper is on, lower is definitely better for driving, and for getting in and out of the camper. So while I think a slightly raised truck with bigger tires and wheels looks totally sharp, I'm going to leave my rig as it is.


http://home.comcast.net/~netboy/CurtsCamper01.jpg


http://home.comcast.net/~netboy/CurtsCamper02.jpgEdited by: big-dog1

big-dog1


That is one fine looking rig. I especially like the color, is that dark carmine red metallic?

I like the looks of a properly lifted truck as well. Unfortunately though mine's a daily driver and therefore has to fit many circumstances. The 4x4 part for me is for winter and for muddy campsites in the summer. some of the places we go are in hayflats and primitive camping areas and with the fifth wheel behind there are occasions you wouldn't get out without 4x4. I've already flipped the axles on my fifth wheel and don't want it any higher. The trailer rides just about level- the way it should be. The next trailer will be a toy hauler which will haul my Goldwing. The angle the ramp would have to be at on a trailer sitting level behind a taller truck would make loading more difficult. Parkades are another issue. This truck just fits in the places with parkades I am at most often. Clearance is just 3-4 inches sometimes. After comparing measurements with my buddy's Ford it's apparant he'll be parking on the streets. Unfortunately the hotel I'm at most often has no street parking so I have to be able to fit in the parkade. I agree with Neverenuf- they make-em this way for many reasons. The tall ones look sharp- but don't fit in every application. Maybe that's why they make lowering kits for the Fords!

who gives a sh*t......sounds like a bunch of squeeling women...everybody chill...bilsteins suck and rancho is a king now thats final

anybody know what model bilstein shock fits a 6 in. lift ?

who gives a sh*t......sounds like a bunch of squeeling women...everybody chill...bilsteins suck and rancho is a king now thats final


Rickles...look at the date of the posts! This converstion has been over for weeks nows!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif No reason to get pissy about it.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gif

anybody know what model bilstein shock fits a 6 in. lift ?


I would call RCD and ask them since their lifts comes with Bilstein shocks.


The new 5150's look sweet.


http://shop.offroadwarehouse.com/index.php?cat=316Edited by: tophog