Can I get a better ride without a lift

[StoneGuy]

It seems when my truck was new it rode a bit softer than it does now. It is 13 years old but do the factory springs degrade that much? Everything is up to snuff, serviceable or recenlty replaced, in my steering linkage but I am probably due for new bushings for my leaf springs, sway bar and whatnot. I do have new shocks but the ride hasn't improved with those. I know replacing the bushings will remove a lot of the rattling jolts. I have new tires all around 285/75 R16 on stock rims. Maybe it's just me but it sure seemed to ride a lot nicer when new. Will replacing the springs improve the ride tha much? I don't really want to lift it because then I won't be satisfied with my smallish tires. I don't want to spend four grand on a lift, tires and wheels just to smooth it out. Any suggestions?
Regards,

Dwight

[ol_Blue97]

the factory springs provide the best ride acording to what i read...... what kind or shock did you buy, maby upgade to some bilsteins if you have not. also what kind of tires did you get, some E rated tires are very hard and will give you a harsh ride. D rated ones ride better but wear out faster so pick your poision.

or 4 link it with coilovers or air bags, or 05+ axle swap with coils !!!???

[StoneGuy]

Can old springs degrade though and lose their ride with age? I have Monroe Reflex shocks on the front and Rancho's (not sure what type) on the rear. The tires are Bridgestone Duelers in 285/75 R16 and they are rated for load range E. I suppose it could be tires. I haul alot and kind of need the load rating but if my springs are shot that might be part of it. I had the day off and I have been researching this all day. I can't find an improved factory replacement spring at all but I did find a spendy little rubber bushed shackle called a sulastic rubber spring that claims it can help smooth the ride out.
Regards

Dwight

[cbienlein]

try to get factory replacement bushings first. those are much more likely to wear out before the springs.

[ol_Blue97]

Call cary at CT Perfromance.... he is the man for helping ride quility on OBS, SD, and Excersions...

I would stay away from the valet ride shackles as ive heard and read many bad thisgs that happen due to installing them

[20046.0]

Originally Posted by ol_Blue97

Call cary at CT Perfromance.... he is the man for helping ride quility on OBS, SD, and Excersions...

I would stay away from the valet ride shackles as ive heard and read many bad thisgs that happen due to installing them

Yup Cary is the man hooked me up with my suspension. I would say stock leaf springs with blisteen 5100s. Cary probably will chime in

[StoneGuy]

Originally Posted by cbienlein

try to get factory replacement bushings first. those are much more likely to wear out before the springs.

I know the bushings need some attention. I kept hearing squeeking when I went over bumps. Thought it was my shocks but I was wrong, spring bushings are shot.

Call cary at CT Perfromance.... he is the man for helping ride quility on OBS, SD, and Excersions...

I emailed a vendor the other day but I don't think it was him. I will give him a jingle and see what he says.

I would stay away from the valet ride shackles as ive heard and read many bad thisgs that happen due to installing them

I haven't read anything but good things about the sulastic rubber springs so far. Still researching though.

Regards,

Dwight