BenK wrote:
Ride quality is so subjective...
I commuted for about six years in my 3/4 ton Suburban. OEM shocks to Edeclbrock
IAS shocks (List $150/ea) and now MonoMax. Think of performance level shocks. Also
commuted on the same route for about a year with my C10 Chevy (half ton) before
getting the Sub
Depending which office (I had five concurrently) and the difference
campuses one way ranged from ~35 miles to +45 miles. In heavy commuter
traffic that ran from dead stop and go, to 35 MPH, to pushing 75 MPH
bursts between the groups trying to get past blockers/accidents/etc
When on the freeway, can't tell the difference between my 8.6K GVWR vs the half
ton's 7.4K GVWR
Took mom and dad (he has had 2 back operations...last one fused two
together) to Disney Land with their grand kids. Had 8 adults and
the rear section & roof rack stuffed with luggage (some from the other
cars in the caravan). Dad is a Buick and Caddy guy. He commented how
there was no difference riding in my Sub from his Caddy...didn't tell
him we were cruise at +85MPH on Highway 5... Had the IAS's then
Rough roads, yes of course, but then I don't like the floaty and uncontrolled
softness.
But then I'm a boy racer at heart with ride quality not even on my 'have to have'
list, but towards the bottom of my 'nice to have' list
OBTW, I also own a half ton Chevy C10 Silverado. Dad had me order it for his
and mom's small grocery/butcher shop. Insisted on a 'half ton' for the ride
quality for his commute.
Then complained about bottoming out when hauling canned goods from the warehouse,
or the produce market, or any of the wholesale distributors
He stopped complaining after installing 1 ton helper coil springs that do NOT
touch till about 1.5" of travel
It is mine now and dislike the 'half ton' ride, but it is my hauler. I did
tow a +14K utility trailer with about 2K worth of steel parts in the bed. A
'can do', but not safely...and will never do that again.
So subjective and my point is counter to those who only want a half ton for
their daily. Not me.
Ride quality is on my 'have to have' list for my mini van, which is my daily.
But I also drive little old ladies to church/lunch/etc (am on the board of Self
Help for the Elderly). Or my going to town sedan.
Finally...that 'truck ride' is the heavier duty suspension for the higher class
loads...NOT for the good days, but for the bad days out there when Mr Murphy
crosses your path...you either have spot on or do NOT.
Manhandling is one thing at that point.
The other point is longevity hauling and towing heavy
PS...ordered my Sub with the F60 option...which is the snow plow prep
package...that gets 1 ton front springs
I disagree-The bigger frame, the bigger motors, the heavier suspension-the ride quality to a half ton verses anything heavier there is no comparison. I also disagree with your "longevity" point. My half ton will last as long as your 3/4 ton providing I use it within the parameters it was designed for. Your Suburban has to ride what would be to me an unacceptable level with those 1 ton springs. While I respect your dad for his years of wisdom and longevity here on Earth, I disagree comparing anything approaching a 3/4 ton chassis and a Cadillac and saying ride quality is on par.
And lets face it-you had no business towing 14,000 pounds. You were over the towing limit and probably over payload as well. The additions to the suspension system you made on the half ton didn't allow you to go over your payload as stated by the manufacturer. And your right...it was totally unsafe.