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How to improve ride quality?


ukrkoz
03-31-2009, 10:41 AM
OK, I have 2000 LT model. we just crossed 100 000 miles on the ticker.
it is my daily commuter.
roads here are getting worse with every day. unfortunately, I have to drive a lot for business. every time I am going places, it is tourturous experince, as truck bounces and shakes all over. and I am getting too old for this kind of fun.
now, let's eliminate the obvious: I have about 8 mths on shocks. I have a set of expensive KYBs front and not cheap Bilsteins rear. so, shocks are out of question.
part of the problem with crappy ride comfort is, probably, tires. it happened so that I have 10 ply sidewall Toyos on one axle, and I do not believe they are the most cozy tires for a ride.
same time, my general life experience with replaced shocks is poor - it never restores original ride quality.
so, what else can I do to get my back more comfortable?
my chain of thoughts runs towards replacing all bushings in the front - in control arms and sway bars. truck does not sway at all, though, is very sturdy in turns.
pulling control arms will require torsion bars removal, though.
so, any practical suggestions for improved confort? frugality is also appreciated, he-he.

northstar1958
03-31-2009, 05:52 PM
Like you, i'd start with the obvious. If your looking for ride and comfort, you need a nice hiway tread 4 ply running 32-35 psi.....ain't gonna get that Cadillac ride your after with a 10 ply. One thing i learned over the years, expensive shocks dont always mean great ride....you might have shocks matched up to your 10 ply tires whice will make it run even stiffer than normal. Sounds like maybe you got this truck outfitted to carry a heavy payload with alittle off road fun every once in a while....not cruise down the hiway.

Northstar

ukrkoz
03-31-2009, 08:48 PM
Oh, it drives VERY comfortably - with a cubic yard of dirt in the bed. That it does!
I knocked down pressure to 3.6psi today. Forget tires, can't even tell by looking at them - but it gave immediate improvement. Don't care if they will last 5K miles less... Back is more important.

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