GMC 2500HD Query

[gowyn]

Hello, have a question.

Recently we replaced our Bambi with a 27FBSE. We were towing it with a short wheel base Landcruiser but also replaced it with a 2004 GMC crewcab 2500HD DMax/Alli.

So our setup is: truck (stock CC SB), Hensley Arrow hitch, 27FBSE.

Only had the combo out the once so far, on the highway it's great, along bumpy roads however there seems to be a bit of up and down wagging or oscilating. Never really noticed this much in the LC so is this perhaps a wheelbase thing, HA WD needs some more adjusting or perhaps shocks in the GMC are a little softer?

I've heard that a lot of people replace the stock shocks with Bilstein, any particular reason?

Thanks.

[Safari-Rick]

They are a very "stiff" gas shock. Suppose to be the best out there and have a "lifetime" guarrentee. I had them on my Dakota but it bounced all over the place when I wasn't towing. Maybe with your larger TV this is not an issue.

Oh, and $$ wise, they are not cheap!

S-Rick

[john hd]

what are you running for air pressure in your rear tires on the truck?

you may try the maximum (80 psi rear 55 front i believe) and see how that works.

check the sticker on the door jamb to be sure, you can always lower the pressure when you are not towing or hauling a ton and a half of bricks!

john

[SRoffe]

Originally Posted by john hd

what are you running for air pressure in your rear tires on the truck?

you may try the maximum (80 psi rear 55 front i believe) and see how that works.

check the sticker on the door jamb to be sure, you can always lower the pressure when you are not towing or hauling a ton and a half of bricks!

john

Sounds like a similar combination as ours.

The maximum is 80 PSI in the rear. I think you can go higher in the front that 55, but, check the sticker.

When moving your hitch from one truck to another, does one need to adjust it?

Sam

[pmclemore]

Gowyn,

It may be that you can relax the WD a bit - that might help the jarring part of your ride.

Sounds like a great rig - Pat

[gowyn]

Hmm,

when I hooked up did just that (lowered amount on WD)

I test drove a few trucks and found the GMC was more car like (i.e. smoothe riding) than the Dodge and Fords. Even empty it's a very non-jarring ride.

I'll experiment I think, thinking of the physics I may not of had enough weight on the front tires.

How do others with these trucks find the ride on bumpy roads?

[tetstream]

I would say, replace your shocks. It's widely felt that the OEM GM shocks are junk, very soft and fail quickly. I replaced mine with Bilsteins at 500 miles. It gave the truck a more controlled feeling, and cured what I called "the bob", or the truck oscillating up and down from hood to tail. The ride is a bit firmer, but tire pressure makes more difference than the shocks.

Some guys have used the Rancho adjustables and like them.

Around the same time, I replaced the oem tires with Bridgstone Dueler Revos 265/75 16 E. That improved the control and ride.

Also installed HD sway bars front and rear, which really made a difference.

All in all, I am very happy with the way the truck handles now. It's not a supple 1/2 ton ride, but it IS very confident and sure footed. I would never go back to stock.

Shocks from Kennedy Diesel.
Sway bars from Frederico Racing.

Did both installs myself.