I'm new here so be patient. I own a 2002 Chevrolet C3500 dually with 4 doors and an 8 foot box. The build sheet shows HD Package (standard stuff) and a Camper Package. Since the family and I are using the truck as a daily driver I deflated the rear tires to 45 psi. This really helped the ride but once we load the truck (1000 lbs) the overloads are engaged and the truck rides harder than ever. I looked at the suspension and the easy fix seems to be the removal of the overload bumpers. I am also worried about the load carrying capacity of the truck. I still want a 1 ton truck. The ultimate is to remove the overloads, install air bags and change the shocks but I'm not there yet. I'm looking for thoughts on removing the overloads and maybe little advice.
Remove overload springs
- Thread starter Glover
- Start date
Why not install a set of these shackles?
http://www.norcaltruck.com/shop/pro...d=993&osCsid=a2dfda46f498d6db4bb42b4b5b5135ff
Here's a review of a similar product: http://www.chevyhd.com/velvet-ride/
http://www.norcaltruck.com/shop/pro...d=993&osCsid=a2dfda46f498d6db4bb42b4b5b5135ff
Here's a review of a similar product: http://www.chevyhd.com/velvet-ride/
The sulastic is really impressive, thanks. I might even get a set but I don't see them helping the harsh ride when the helper springs come into play. I have to add at least 1000 pounds to the truck if I am going to make it in the winter (2wd) and this is going to bring in the helpers. Helpers = harsh ride. I can take the bumpers off and see how it works, probably work just fine, but I want to draw on the gene pool and use some one else's experience. Almost like a kit that I can put in 1 piece at a time. Say...remove helpers, install air bags, change shocks, get Sulastic. I really like the Sulastic idea.
Hi Glover,
It would help if you made out a "Sig" with your current setup, so that we know just what componets you have and how you're set up.
If you have not changed the OEM shocks, then that is the first thing to change.
You've lowered the Rear Tire Pressures, which is a good thing on an unloaded truck.
Your tires could also be an issue, depending on type and size.
The Sulastic's are a good thing to do.
I would leave the OverLoad springs in place, if you ever intend to carry any weight or pull any trailer, as they also add to over all stability and control.
If you should go heavy on the weight, then the Air Bags would also be a good option.
Harold
It would help if you made out a "Sig" with your current setup, so that we know just what componets you have and how you're set up.
If you have not changed the OEM shocks, then that is the first thing to change.
You've lowered the Rear Tire Pressures, which is a good thing on an unloaded truck.
Your tires could also be an issue, depending on type and size.
The Sulastic's are a good thing to do.
I would leave the OverLoad springs in place, if you ever intend to carry any weight or pull any trailer, as they also add to over all stability and control.
If you should go heavy on the weight, then the Air Bags would also be a good option.
Harold
Removing the overload bumpers (not the springs themselves) seemed to work a small miracle. The truck rides really nice. I am now considering air bags that I will use in place of the overloads so looking for opinions on who makes the best..
The truck is bone stock with 80,000 miles on it. Tires are Michilen LTX mud and snow. I may go looking a shocks just because the front seems to bounce a bit. I'll look into this 'sig' thing.
The truck is bone stock with 80,000 miles on it. Tires are Michilen LTX mud and snow. I may go looking a shocks just because the front seems to bounce a bit. I'll look into this 'sig' thing.
Hi Glover,
If those are the OEM Shocks, then you're about 60K late in changing them out. No wonder your "ride" sucks.
As for Air Bags, PacBrake and Air Lift seem to be the best built. Check with Vender - Alligator Diesel Performance (ADP) 866-255-7212 - Chad Hall/ Owner.
Also, do the "Chalk" test for your tire pressures, you may get by with even a little less in the rear tires.
Harold
If those are the OEM Shocks, then you're about 60K late in changing them out. No wonder your "ride" sucks.
As for Air Bags, PacBrake and Air Lift seem to be the best built. Check with Vender - Alligator Diesel Performance (ADP) 866-255-7212 - Chad Hall/ Owner.
Also, do the "Chalk" test for your tire pressures, you may get by with even a little less in the rear tires.
Harold
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are you saying the OEM shocks need to be replaced at only 20,000 miles!?!
I would say th factory shocks are good for atleast he drive from the dealership to the house to change the out
Hi x MadMAX DIESEL,
We've got damn-near the same truck !!! But you've got some nicer goodies on yours.
About the shocks, Don't know for sure, but every new American made vehicle I've had and worked on, and that my family/friends have had over the last 50 yrs, has had less then useful OEM shocks by the 20K mark. Just my experience. I didn't pay much attention before then, as I was't driving.
Most of the foreign rigs I've had, or worked on, have had much better OEM shocks.
Harold
We've got damn-near the same truck !!! But you've got some nicer goodies on yours.
About the shocks, Don't know for sure, but every new American made vehicle I've had and worked on, and that my family/friends have had over the last 50 yrs, has had less then useful OEM shocks by the 20K mark. Just my experience. I didn't pay much attention before then, as I was't driving.
Most of the foreign rigs I've had, or worked on, have had much better OEM shocks.
Harold
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Okay thats makes sense.. I believe ya, its just hard to tell sarcasism when reading text LOL. Ad yeah, you sure have a good eye for pickin out trucks :thumb:
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