Very pleased overall with my SD, it's a beast and cruises very fast on the highway empty. I have noticed that it has a tendency to get into a harmonic when the road is less than great. Truck is stock except have new 285 BFG AT KO's on it. I should mention I have the tires at 70 psi (80 psi max tires) all around and was running empty. The ride improves alot with some load in the back.

So maybe I need to air down the rear tires?? Maybe the light rear end coupled with the stiff tire is bouncing it more than necessary?? Maybe go down to 55 psi when empty in the rear?? Front is fine and I would not want any more bulge in the tire, the motor is plenty heavy.

The rear springs are stiff, would different shocks help out?? I hear good things about the Bilsteins, would they help dampen over the stock Ranchos??

I do realize it's a truck, and the springs are stiff and it can take a heavy load. Some of these CA highways are just beat to hell. I do notice the ride is alot smoother with a few hundred pounds in the bed. Very smooth when hauling a bed full of gear and the boat in tow. My biggest problem running empty is keeping the truck near the speed limit, way too easy to cruise at 85 - 90 without even realizing it.

 

If they're the concrete highways, a lot of us get that. I think it's just the perfect size sections poured in the concrete. It is kind of an up down or front back sort of deal?

 

I concur with your comments. I've noticed that when I'm on the interstate, I almost have to ride in the fast lane (it's less worn that the right lane) to get the ride right.

I too notice that unless I'm paying attention...it's REAL easy to creep up to 90 and not realize it until I see a cruiser! Thank God for crusie control! LOL!

 

Concrete highways for sure. You get in some stretches and try different speeds and nothing really works. These are heavily traveled commuter highways in and around Los Angeles, they are beaten.

Geez, the up and down or front to back thing is a tough call. I can't be sure on that one.

I don't mind the easy solution though, STAY OUT OF LOS ANGELES!! Just keep it up here in the desert!!

 

let some air out of the tires if you have 285's and the max air pressure is 80psi than they must be E load rated and at that pressure unloaded would be pretty much be like riding on stone wheels ala fred flintstone...lol. i have D rated 285's and unloaded run 54 psi front and 45 psi rear...give that a try

 

Try running a bit lower air pressure in the rear tires and see if it makes a difference. 65# front and 55# rear should be OK for an unloaded truck.

Lou Braun

 

So what are you saying?? This is Flux out for an empty highway ride with the wifey??



I am thinking Fred had it tougher, no leafs or coils and no shocks at all!!


I certainly don't expect a plush ride at 75-80 on a beat LA freeway. Thanks for the tips on the tire pressure. I think I will let some out of the front, then match the front bulge on the back, might get some even wear as well. Come to think of it, it's probably that rear end bouncing around on the expansion joints for the most part. No issue loaded down. Maybe i should keep some junk in the back.

 

From Banning, all the way West, on any freeway, the bouncing is unreal. I don't see how anyone could take that on a daily basis. I tried everything to be able to drive my truck when I had to go to L.A. or around that area. I Added Velvet-Ride shackles to the rear, varied the PSI in the tires, added weight to the bed, I even slowed down and drove in the right-hand lanes with the semi's (which worked the best). But the only true way I've found to smooth-out the bouncing to a tolerable level, is to take the wife's car. Everywhere else in the country I've driven the truck, it rides like a Cadillac.