[Brian_Holt]

I just recently bought a 1997 K2500 3/4 ton suburban; it rides a bit like a tank and on long trips it's fairly obnoxious. I don't tow anything (What!?), yes i dont' tow anything -- yet. I bought it mainly as a family car but am wondering how I can soften the ride to that end. I don't think I will ever want to tow to it's capacity.

Anyone know what the options are for shock replacements, perhaps removing a leaf????

Brian

 

[Rockman59]

I had an '89 Sub 3/4 ton 4 x 4 and the only way I could get it to ride comfortably was with a heavy load in it that compressed the springs and took the harshness out of the ride. I traded it for a 1992 1/2 ton model model. The '89 was just too tough on long trips when it was empty. I now have an '06 Suburban 1/2 ton 4 x 4 that is the best ride of any that I have owned.

 

[OldDiesel]

Put about 400 lbs of sand bags over the rear axle. You'll be surprised how much it smooths out.

 

[Brian_Holt]

Thanks for the reply--

On the camping trips I have taken it on it was fully loaded with gear, 4 people, and a swing-away bike rack with 4 bikes hanging off the back, and although it seemed a little nicer, 4oo miles later I'm thinking "honey--- can you grab my kidney belt???"

The sandbag method sounds good, although I wonder how that will effect my gas milage...

I noticed that it appears to have stock shocks; are those rated heavier than the shocks they put on 1/2 ton models?

 

[Rockman59]

Any weight that you add to your vehicle will lower your gas mileage. 3/4 ton Suburbans have stronger, stiffer springs and shocks in order to carry the weight that the 2500 series are rated for. The 2500 series also have larger, stronger brakes and related steering and suspension gear.

 

[curtolson]

Come on be a man.

 

[84fiero123]

Come on be a man.

I agree :twisted: you bought the heavy duty truck, and thats what you get for ride, unless you have at least 500 lbs in the back or 8 Passengers.

 

[TrailLeadr]

If you open the driver's side door, you'll see a couple stickers at eye level. One is about using overdrive while towing, it' simple"Don't! Ever!"
The other sticker refers to optimal ride. It will likely say "For optimal ride comfort load vehicle with 6-8 passengers, and 200lbs of cargo."

So just start a transportation service. You can make some money on the side, and your 'burban will ride smoother. Other than that, you might try road tamers. http://www.gmpartsclub.com

 

[ChevyFan]

Come on be a man.

Sounds like a dodge commercial.

 

[TrailLeadr]

I like the new Dodge commercial. The one with the rock'em sock'em robots. Basically tells me that Dodge trucks are tougher than some cheap toy from the 80's. Pretty impressive!!

 

[AndyD]

Hi, I have the same car, just a 94. Mine rides very comfortably, actually there is not much difference anymore to the half ton. I'm guessing you have the HD 8600lbs Vehicle weight rated suburban with 8 wheel lugs.

The other sticker refers to optimal ride. It will likely say "For optimal ride comfort load vehicle with 6-8 passengers, and 200lbs of cargo."

The actual sticker says for up to this load, inflate tires to 40 psi front and 50 psi rear, as opposed to the 80 psi for a fully loaded truck. That makes a big difference in ride quality as well as handling.
Second, I invested in Bilstein Gas shocks. You are not losing any load or towing capacity but gaining a lot of improvement in handling, braking, steering and ride comfort. I special ordered mine at autozone for I think about $350 for the set, and it was worth every penny of it.
Hope that helps. The K2500 7.4 is in my opinion the best suburban there was. Even the 05 and 06 have nothing more or better than it, except some more gadgets on the inside. 8)
Andy

 

[TrailLeadr]

I guess I have a different sticker on mine. I do have a 8 lug 8600GVW. I noticed a big increase in ride quality when I went from goodyear wranglers to kumho AT's. Softer tire, still rated the same, and has better snow traction, but it was a huge plus in ride quality!

 

[unplugged]

I've got a 93 K1500 burb and it rides like a tank. A couple of days ago I was out on a washboard dirt road and the shocks did a poor job of absorbing the bumps. It was so rough the cd player kept skipping. I am definitely considering better shocks. The burb has been lifted and has beefier shocks and bigger tires. I think the shocks are those gabriel truck shocks, (bought it lifted) so I am leaning towards gas shocks. Thanks for the tip on the bilsteins.