Suburban 2500 springs

George Jr. · 07-21-2005, 07:27 PM

Someone mentioned on the Forum, removing a couple of spring leaves on rear of 2500 Burb to soften ride and shock to Airstream.

Has anyone tried and what was results.....how big a job?

Sav'h Steve · 07-21-2005, 09:45 PM

George,

Actually I mentioned it and got no response. Judging by how rough the 2500 rides and how little mine drops with a 25 Classic tongue weight added, I can readily see the benefit of removing a set of springs. My problem is that I may not keep this '99 and don't want to invest alot more into it.

OTOH, when dropping the same coach on my '01 Expedition, it sinks like a rock!! There IS a difference between the two. Also the Expy has passenger tires load C and going to load D or E 'WILL' make a significant difference.

My question still is out there about the newer (post 2000) 3/4 ton Suburbans. Are they sprung like the 98-99 models?

Steve

Silvertwinkie · 07-21-2005, 09:56 PM

When I drop the Safari on our '04 2500 Suburban, the rear end drops about 4-6 inches. Our Safari has a hitch weight rated at 750lbs. I've measured it and the most I've seen has been about 675lbs.

The Suburban isn't any more harsh than say a 2500HD pickup would be.

Sav'h Steve · 07-21-2005, 10:06 PM

Thanks for your reply,

I think my '99 drops approx 1", and the Expy drops more like your Sub.

Steve

**john hd** · 07-21-2005, 10:27 PM

try doing a web search for "velvet ride shackles" and see what you find. i believe bf goodrich makes them.

i have heard they will lower the rear of your truck by 1 inch and improve the ride.

john

George Jr. · 07-22-2005, 06:48 AM

Thanks for the replys. My main concern is the amount of shock transfered to the AS.

SilverToy · 07-22-2005, 09:35 AM

Hello all -

Just to muddy the waters a bit more....

When I drop my 34' coach (either loaded or not) on to the back of the '01 2500HD 'Burb, I get a suspension drop of no more than 1 inch. Just went 4238.4 miles on a tow and found there to be neglibable transfer or beating to the coach as evidenced by things being tossed about and such, also no sheared rivets.

DO NOT know about suspension either forward or back from the '01 design - sorry.

Hope my .02 helped?

Axel

62 Overlander · 07-22-2005, 09:46 AM

I bought a new F350 Super Camper Special in 1979. The rear suspension was so stiff a 500# tongue load would not settle the truck by more than an inch. Needless to say it rode like crap - so I did exactly what you are talking about. I removed three leaves from the lower middle of each side. The ride was much more tolerable after that. Ride height was only affected slightly.

SilverToy · 07-22-2005, 10:10 AM

Hello again....

Sorry, I don't think that I was clear in my last post. MY truck is Factory Original - NO mods done. Perhaps with a large and LONG trailer the beating to death/apart tendency goes away???? No tendency or damage to report with my TV/Trailer combo.

Sorry if I was unclear or confused anyone.

Ciao

Axel

vajeep · 07-22-2005, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john hd

try doing a web search for "velvet ride shackles" and see what you find. i believe bf goodrich makes them.

i have heard they will lower the rear of your truck by 1 inch and improve the ride.

john

John,
The use chart did not recommend the shackles for the
Suburban 3/4 Ton * *Not recommended for 3/4 ton

I wonder why? My Burb does have a "firm" ride empty. I do have the Auto ride feature that came with Quadra steer and with just a little weight in back our Burb rides great.

Abe