I've owned my 2002 Duramax 2500 for 12 years (has only 139K miles). It's in very good condition motor & body wise, but I feel that the ride is getting pretty stiff when pulling my 5ver or not. I've never put shocks or had any other suspension updates done on it. What suggestions might I consider to improve the ride I get in my vehicle? BTW, I want to keep the costs reasonable and don't want to have to dicker around with inflating anything other than my tires.

Your shocks are totally shot by now and have been for a while. I recommend some Bilstiens.But frankly, there's nothing that can make your truck ride stiffer as it ages. The BIls will soak up some of the harshness though.

If there is a adjustable suspension system that isn't air-driven, I would love to hear about it.Mine has two air-bags, and I don't think adjusting them is that big a hassle.

Parrothead Mike wrote:I've owned my 2002 Duramax 2500 for 14 years (has only 139K miles). It's in very good condition motor & body wise, but I feel that the ride is getting pretty stiff when pulling my 5ver or not.As mentioned the shocks have been shot a long time. New ones will help control the bounce but not the stiffness.Age probably has a lot to do with the ride feeling stiff. But not necessarily the truck's. ;)

Mike as others have said change the shocks, they should be changed every 50,000 miles! Did the truck ride fine new? If so pick up a good set of shocks, Bilstein, Rancho or Monroe all have very good shocks. The Blistens are an option on many GM trucks so I would go with them. Also lowering tire pressure when not towing will help a lot.Don

I agree that the shocks are probably toast by now. But another additional potential idea is that the original rear springs may have settled enough by now to give that "stiff" feeling.

Looking for smoother ride | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

Norskeman
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
Bilstein 5100 shocks http://www.kennedydiesel.com/

These helped mine:
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 air bags
Bilstein 5100 shocks (changed mine at 21,000 miles - they were shot)
Steering stabilizer
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Nov 09, 2014
bguy wrote:
At that age you may need brake calipers and hoses replaced. They can drag slightly as they age. This will usually show up slowly as deteriorating mileage and slightly harsher ride. A sure sign of brake drag is when your front wheels suddenly seem to be very dirty all the time. It may be as simple as the brake hardware needing some TLC.

And your shocks are shot.

Calipers & hoses replaced.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be checking out the Bilstiens this week. I appreciate everyone's recommendations. While I'm at it I'll get the tires rotated.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 09, 2014
rhagfo wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Your shocks were junk when they rolled off thew assembly line! Install Bilstien 4600's and you will be a happy camper! Don't cheap out on this.

Proper tire inflation will work wonders also. Use the inflation chart for your tires. Don't just blindly use the numbers on the door jamb.

X2
Nor the MAX load pressure on the sidewall. I take my rears down to about 50# when not towing 45# might be even better.

I also noticed that my new Michelin M/S2+ are easire riding than my old Toyo tires.

My MS2's ride better on my 11 Dually than the POS General's that came on it.

My red 98-12V similar truck to yours I ram 72 front all the time and 45 solo rear and 80 with 5er. I easily got 120K with Michelin's at those pressures.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Nov 09, 2014
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Your shocks were junk when they rolled off thew assembly line! Install Bilstien 4600's and you will be a happy camper! Don't cheap out on this.

Proper tire inflation will work wonders also. Use the inflation chart for your tires. Don't just blindly use the numbers on the door jamb.

X2
Nor the MAX load pressure on the sidewall. I take my rears down to about 50# when not towing 45# might be even better.

I also noticed that my new Michelin M/S2+ are easier riding than my old Toyo tires.
bguy
Explorer
Nov 09, 2014
At that age you may need brake calipers and hoses replaced. They can drag slightly as they age. This will usually show up slowly as deteriorating mileage and slightly harsher ride. A sure sign of brake drag is when your front wheels suddenly seem to be very dirty all the time. It may be as simple as the brake hardware needing some TLC.

And your shocks are shot.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 09, 2014
Your shocks were junk when they rolled off thew assembly line! Install Bilstien 4600's and you will be a happy camper! Don't cheap out on this.

Proper tire inflation will work wonders also. Use the inflation chart for your tires. Don't just blindly use the numbers on the door jamb.
msjdbman
Explorer
Nov 09, 2014
I agree that the shocks are probably toast by now. But another additional potential idea is that the original rear springs may have settled enough by now to give that "stiff" feeling.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Nov 09, 2014
Mike as others have said change the shocks, they should be changed every 50,000 miles! Did the truck ride fine new? If so pick up a good set of shocks, Bilstein, Rancho or Monroe all have very good shocks. The Blistens are an option on many GM trucks so I would go with them. Also lowering tire pressure when not towing will help a lot.

Don
Sport45
Explorer II
Nov 09, 2014
Parrothead Mike wrote:
I've owned my 2002 Duramax 2500 for 14 years (has only 139K miles). It's in very good condition motor & body wise, but I feel that the ride is getting pretty stiff when pulling my 5ver or not.

As mentioned the shocks have been shot a long time. New ones will help control the bounce but not the stiffness.

Age probably has a lot to do with the ride feeling stiff. But not necessarily the truck's. ;)
n7bsn
Explorer
Nov 09, 2014
If there is a adjustable suspension system that isn't air-driven, I would love to hear about it.

Mine has two air-bags, and I don't think adjusting them is that big a hassle.

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Looking for smoother ride

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