Ok. I have a 02 2X4 Xcab with a 3" PA body lift. (Don't knock it!!! ) I am running the stock 5 spoke 16X7" wheels with 265/75/16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos. The tires are getting pretty close to needing replacement. Regardless, I have noticed that ride is getting pretty rough. Much worse than other trucks that have more wear on them than mine. What could be causing this? Alignment? (I have noticed a vibration at around 35 mph) Old tires? Weak front springs?

The springs are stock. They have about 65k miles on them, all with the Revos.

I think maybe the tire size has worn out the 2X4 springs. Every time I hit even a reflector the truck seems to jar 3 or 4 times. I also notice that when I go over speed bumps the front seems to bounce instead of absorb.

If anyone has any ideas, what can I do to fix this?

JB

 

Sounds like shocks!!!

 

Well, the shocks are stock and I do give my truck SOME abuse. Nothing outrageous though. I cant figure it out.

Any other ideas fellas?

JB

 

If you are getting ready to replace the tires, do it and then see if it's still bouncing. Bad tires and give a pretty bad ride.

 

65K miles with a lift kit on a 4WD? And you think your stock original equipment shocks are 'fine' without checking them? Yeah, ok. Maybe you have the tires overinflated then.

 

He said it's a 2WD with a 3" BODY LIFT. My brother has a Z71 with a 6" suspension lift, 3" body lift and 37" swampers. He has needed to replace the entire front suspension, but then again its a chevy!! Anyway, check the entire front end to make sure, don't forget about those tie rods that are a known problem.

 

What's the best way to check the shocks and springs without removing them?
The tires have been on there for a while and they seem pretty, well, dry. They dont seem soft any more. I think this may have something to do with it, but the shocks seem like a more plausible problem.

JB

 

Stand on the corner of a bumper and then jump off. If the truck bounces up and down more than once, that shock is worn. Do this on all four corners of the truck to check all four shocks.

This is the 'redneck' method of checking shocks. My neck is red and this method works for me.

 

Hey buddy, I'm from GA. Being a redneck is almost a prerequisite. I'll give that a try. Thanks.

 

Hey Switch

I'm not saying you have this problem but........ I just changed shocks and didn't lose the vibration. It led me to the lower ball joints. You said your shocks were pretty old but, if new shocks and tires don't fix it check that out.

Even us REDNECKS need good tires though

 

Will do. I plan on running a 6" suspension lift with 35's and 4:56 gears eventually. I want to get this problem resolved as soon as possible.

Thanks for all the help.

JB

 

If you add 6" of lift and 35's then you will really have a bumpy ride...

 

Also look for oily residue on the shocks. This means that they are losing their oil charge.

 

I bought my 97 2X4 Xcab with a 3" body lift last year and found that freeway driving was like driving down a railroad. I put new Monrow Reflex shocks on and things inproved but not enough. Don't recall my tire size, however they are much larger than factory and they are new.. no plan to replace them. Was thinking of putting a couple hundred pounds in the back (there gose my gas mileage)... got any ideas?