Someone school me on TV suspension

TxLoser · 10-11-2021, 08:16 PM

I just did about 1100 miles towing this weekend, and my suspension is brutal. Empty it’s great. Towing I feel like every pothole or change from asphalt to cement etc is going to set off the airbags.

I installed Bilstein 4600’s up front and 5100’s in the rear. Sit level with 10-15lbs of pressure in rear airbags. The good part is no sea saw action on bridges. The rest is awful though. My 11 year old even noticed. The front is where I feel most of the “impacts”. Is this just a trade off type thing or do I need a different shock up front or all around?

For those who can’t see my sig I’m towing with a 19 Chevy 3500 and pulling an Eagle 321RSTS.

**Midnightmoon** · 10-11-2021, 08:37 PM

I have the exact same issue with my Cummins Ram. On 99% of the roads, it is fine. But, there are situations that it hops and jumps over expansion joints while towing. In fact, there is a section of I-81 in the Scranton/Wilks-Barre PA area that will just about knock the fillings out of your teeth in my Ram. Running through the same section in my F150 is smooth, quiet, and comfortable.

I think that the issue with these modern HD trucks is that they have such a heavy spring/tire package to handle the weight ratings, that they are simply unforgiving in certain circumstances. I also have Bilsteins on mine and they actually improved it over the OEM shocks. But, I don't think that anything will completely eliminate the problem.

**JFlightRisk** · 10-11-2021, 08:43 PM

One of the first things we changed on out F150 was shocks, and Bilstein's were what went on. They were the OEM shocks on both of our Tundra TRDs, so it was a no-brainer for us.
I can't speak to the 3/4 ton suspension aspect, but you made a good choice for the shocks. I'm sure more folks will give some answers more relevant to your Chevy.

ARoamer · 10-12-2021, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxLoser

I just did about 1100 miles towing this weekend, and my suspension is brutal. Empty it’s great. Towing I feel like every pothole or change from asphalt to cement etc is going to set off the airbags.

I installed Bilstein 4600’s up front and 5100’s in the rear.

Curious as to your ride quality before changing shocks.

Truck suspensions have improved empty ride quality over the years, but when loaded most of that is gone. Had a 1976 3/4 ton chevy and my back would ache after driving 20 miles empty, rode better loaded.

When I hitch up with my current truck most of the ride smoothness disappears. I don't notice more harshness comparing the front to the rear. Michigan roads......

TxLoser · 10-12-2021, 06:54 AM

The ride wasn’t too bad. Just some oscillations on big dips when towing. I figured the Bilsteins would provide a better ride than stock. Then figured bags bring me to level which was only an inch or two off. Also they’d provide a more “progressive” impact than bump stops when I did get into the oscillations. Now I’m regretting those hours sweating on the garage floor as far as towing is concerned. Again, unloaded I love the ride. Better than my wife’s Acura.

The things I can try are dropping front tire pressure since the front end does come up a hair with the FW loaded indicating I’m losing some weight there. Also, I was running 10-15 lbs in the bags but maybe I’ll take that out.

Ranger Rick · 10-13-2021, 07:06 AM

Just curious why not 5100's all around? Or was that suggested? Going to put a set of new shocks on as well but thought I would go 5100's all around!
thanks
Ranger Rick

SkyBound · 10-13-2021, 07:37 AM

I have 5100s all around on my current F150, but it has a 2.5in lift and that's what those shocks are for. My previous F150 was not lifted, and I put 4600s all around on it. I think they are valved pretty similarly, if not the same. Ride height is the difference.

Cincinnati Kid · 10-13-2021, 07:41 AM

Ours is the opposite. When we put the trailer weight on it, it rides smooth, but rough and skittish when empty.

Ranger Rick · 10-13-2021, 08:12 AM

SkyBound
thanks for the reply! Getting ready to put a 4inch lift on my GMC with some 33's! My GMC came with Rancho stock shocks and I'm not a fan of stock. My truck is a 1500 half ton with the 6.2 motor a beast! I did add air bags and that helped but the 5100's I believe with be the ticket!
thanks
Ranger Rick

TWP723 · 10-13-2021, 08:57 AM

I'm curious to know why you put Bilsteins in it? Factory wasn't doing the job? I'm asking because I tow a comparable unit in weight and length and have no problems with factory shocks. 2013 F350 with airbags front and rear but never use the fronts. About 20lbs in the rear.

TxLoser · 10-13-2021, 10:32 AM

From all I’d read it would be an improvement over stock. My stock suspension was already not what it was new, so figured these would be better. Overall, they are. Unloaded it’s a much more compliant and comfortable ride. And, towing it dampens the oscillations some which is nice. I guess maybe this is all accomplished with a stiffer shock and hence the harsher ride on some surfaces towing.

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