C4500 shock shock

[Mark Rinker]

$523 for a set of four OEM replacements at my local GM Medium Duty shop, out the door. Shocking! :)

Originally ordered a set through local repair facility (they sourced through NAPA) but the first set was the wrong size, and after re-ordering 10 days went by without the order being filled...cancelled and went OEM in preparation for an upcoming 5,000 mile thrash...

[DmaxMaverick]

Bilstein doesn't have an application for your truck? Gotta be less than $500 if they do.

[Mark Rinker]

I didn't research Bilstein personally, but the guys that I usually place one phonecall to, and have parts in 24-48hrs were left scratching their head trying to get a set.

Must be an oddball size for the C4500. OEM will have to suffice this time around.

[a5150nut]

Mark,

Do they use the same chaise on thee motorhomes? I saw listing from P30 on up to P70 IIRC on Campingworld's site.

[Mark Rinker]

I suspect you are right. The new ones are on - I'll check the boxes and see if I can cross-reference to a motorhome application shock next time...

All four were shot by 110K...I should have changed them LONG ago!

[JoeyD]

Koni and Bilstien make a shock for the 4500-5500 trucks. There are a few other upgrades I reead about on the place as well. They mentioned a few RV sites where guys have improved the ride a lot with shocks and springs

[Mark Rinker]

The best way to improve the ride of my C4500 flatbed is to put about 4000# of weight on the back of the truck, in the form of pin weight from the gooseneck, or hitch weight (~1500#) from a boat...

The suspension is designed to carry another 2000# per wheel, without it the ride really suffers. If I was setting up a C4500 for a daily driver or show truck, air bags would be my choice.

Next time I'll do my homework in advance and get a set of Bilsteins...

[Duramaster]

Be careful what you say about those air bags.................... I just had a c-5500 4WD in the shop with the rear air suspension. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Th ride was terrible!!! It did the truck no favors whatsoever. :(

[Mark Rinker]

Was it a complete air bag replacement, or bags over springs? If it was the former...it would seem that some adjustment would result in a reasonably smooth ride, regardless of load?

Admittedly, my experience with 'bagged' C4500s is minimal - just a couple test drives of Monroe conversions. They seemed fine, compared to my truck.

To what would you attribute the harsh ride?

[ISEEDIT]

If you ever consider air ride - give this guy a call http://www.keldermanairride.com/
Farmer - tinkerier. He knows his stuff.

[Duramaster]

It was/ is a REGENCY conversion truck with complete rear air suspension. It has the ability to dump the air to lower the rear for whatever reason.


FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS BUY REGENCY CONVERSION C SERIES TRUCKS!!!

[TATUZINHO]

New Topkick owner....buckboard bobtail, found this on the net
http://www.stengelbros.com/LinkCabMate.htm
great price, no idea about install prices or actual ride. It does answer my question...How can I keep from beating myself to death?

[Mark Rinker]

Start with your seat. If its the stock OEM peice, consider an upgrade. GM has the 'regular' seat, and an upgrade. Upgrade has lumbar air bag, better adjustment.

I have put over 100,000 on my 2004 C4500 and find the ride to be acceptable. I try to keep it loaded at all times...for my back...and for my wallet. :D

Do you plan to add an auxilary fuel tank, or a refueling tank? 100 gallons (~800#) in the middle of the truck would help the ride...

http://www.transferflow.com/refueling_tank_dimensions.html

[TATUZINHO]

Mark
Yes, I have thought about extra fuel..if I could make a trade of the existing tanks 15 and 30gal towards a centerline 100gal I would certainly make the switch...must get priorities right . New year starting slow must watch the bottom line closer.