Softer ride

[Tinman]

I am not unlike a lot of HD2500 owners, I would have been happy with a HD1500. The fact is that I wanted the pulling power and longevity of the Duramax Diesel. That being said, what are my options to get a more plush ride out of the 2500? I have considered new rear 1500 springs, mor/ryde, National springs (custom to weight of vehicle, more leafs, but thinner). I have already put on Bilstein Shocks, stops the harsh bounce after the rail road tracks, but not the feeling of every line in the pavement. Thanks for any input.

[DMAX Daddy]

I think I am going to try Velvet Ride Shackles, but they are not available for the 2003's yet.

Velvet Ride Shackles (http://www.lordmpd.com/velvet-ride/default.asp)

[JEBar]

I do not know if this will work on a 2500 or not .. to help soften the ride on my 3500, I had the longest removable rear spring on each side taken out and added Air Lift Air Bags (with onboard compressor) .... really helped the ride of my truck and didn't hurt the hauling capacity ... Jim

[conradv]

Drive a truck like my brother's '00 F-250 for a day in a rock pit, then get back in yours... It'll definately be Softer.

(Really!)

[ratlover]

Dont have your tires filled to 80psi unless you are towing. do some searches here on tire pressure.

Or get a transfer tank....more weight and better range. I guess if you are paying for something might as well get multipul benifits right? Mine does ride slightly better with a bit of weight in the rear.

[TomF]

I've been going through the same thought process for my '02 CC SB... I already have the Bilsteins which helped control the ride tremendously but am considering the Velvet Rides shackles as well.

I had them in my old '95 K3500 CC Dually and it made a big difference.

Anyone actually install them on an '01-'02 HD2500 yet?

[Norquist]

I replaced the orginal shocks with Ranchos 9000's. Really smoothed out the ride. Have them set on position 3 front and rear. Also running 50 PSI in the rear when unloaded or not towing.

[Cliffee]

Maybe you should have bought a Cadilac.

[chipper]

TomF,
There have been a few posts in the past about Velvet Rides on 2001 HD, & FWIW most wern't too impressed with the results.

[Tinman]

Thank you to those who have been constructive in their comments. To those who just want to make dumb comments, just to see your name in print, I say don't show your stupidity. Some of us appreciate a great vehicle, but would like to customize it to fit our life style. :confused:

[roegs]

I was concerned about the rough ride on my '03 Crew Cab. It was much stiffer than I had hoped for. After towing our travel trailer with its 1100 lb hitch for a few hundred miles, the truck now rides better than my old 1500. I know not everyone has a trailer to tow around, but having something heavy in the rear for a few hundred miles might help things loosen up. Also, tire pressure in the rear when running empty does not need to be anything over 50 lbs.

[dmaxstu]

I drove my GMC 2500 HD for 2800 miles empty from Ohio to California and on those concrete washboard roads it drove me crazy. So when I got home I ordered the Velvet Rides which I had previously used on a Half ton van with good results, but on the GMC they did'nt work very well the ride showed no apreciable improvement.So I went for the Moryde with very good results although some weight on the bed, like a camper shell, does certainly improve the ride even further.When I fill the 135 gal fuel tank in the bed and hitch it to my TT it rides like a dream.
I flipped the beefy overload spring which is at the bottom of the stack that did'nt work at all the truck could'nt carry a load anymore so I flipped it back. Now if the Moryde had'nt worked I would have gone with the Kelderman airride folks speak highly of that product. You can certainly do something positive about the ride, good luck. Stu

[DMAX Daddy]

Would Airbags like these Air Lift Air Bags (http://www.kennedydiesel.com/air_bag_VS_FIRESTONE.pdf) help soften it?

[Kennedy]

I like the add 1 leaf approach. Stand on the rear bumper and bounce. Very soft right?

The rear travels so fast that it hits the second stage fartoo much and also too fast...

[Silver Bullet]

I have the Velvet Ride shackles and am very happy with them.

Pic of the VR shackle on my truck. (http://www.monkey.net/steve/truck_mod28.htm)

[CntrlCalDmax]

I have the Velvet Rides and they helped some but I find tire pressure makes the most difference. I run 45 front and 40 back empty. The Michelin site has a good pressure chart and I think most tend to run more pressure than needed for proper ride and tire wear. The only down side I know of is slightly lower fuel milage.