ride not as smooth as expected????

[jdshep]

I just traded my 2007 GMC Yukon Denali XL AWD for a 2008 GMC Sierra Denali AWD extended cab pickup. The pick up seems to be almost the same truck as the XL, but the ride on the pickup is not as good. Small bumps seem to transfer on the pickup where the XL just glided over same. The XL carried 35 psi in the 20" standard tire wheel setup. The pickup with same wheels came with 28 or 29 pounds which I plan on adjusting up to 35 soon. I hope that helps, but I am not expecting much. What are some things I can do to get the pickup to ride like the XL? What causes you to feel small bumps through the drive train, and what has to be changed to smooth things out. Is it springs or shocks? The truck is said to have coilovers, does anyone know if they are adjustable?
John D

[mrjohnwayne]

The lack of weight in the bed. you can change the shock's to get a little better ride but you will never get the same ride out of a truck (unloaded) as you will an suv because of the lack of weight over the rear axle.

[tjzz4]

Remember.. the SUV is a car... A pick up is intended to work...

[scottie]

i would agree with the bed.. shocks can make a difference.. those are what smooth out the springs oscillations. i would doubt your coilovers would be adjustable, because if something that comes adjustable from the factory, anyone who buys one will adjust it themselfs. not dissing on you, but if a kid got one, the first thing they'd try to do is jack it up or slam it to the ground. so if you read all my ramblings, i would consult with perhaps GM and see if they offer a shock or coilover assembly that would give a smoother ride

[crabtruck]

Somewhere around 350 to 500 lbs in the bed should smooth it out without seriously effecting mpg.
Probably have to chain the kegs down though and get a dog (non-drinking).

[75K30]

I can't say with 100% confidence that the differences you are feeling is simply a suspension difference. The full frame and rear leaf springs of a truck are much, much different than the "soccer mom" suspension of the grocery getting SUV. The SUV had a 5 link coil sprung rear suspension and a more car like chassis. The truck is still built as a truck and is designed to haul rather large loads. I am actually pretty amazed at the advertized capacities now. They have done a pretty good job at valving factory shocks, and getting the progressive rate springs to work well empty. I think you might be chasing your tail trying to get the new truck to ride like the SUV did. Mechanically going to be pretty tough to do with a rear leaf spring.
(that truck has to have leafs out back, that is my where I am not 100% certain. I am about 99% though)

[jdshep]

I raised the tire pressure to 34 lbs and the truck now smoothly goes over expansion joints and the like, however the truck still seems to rebound much more than the Denali Yukon XL, kind of like shaking. The coil overs are not adjustable. The truck is better now, but I sure would like it to get a little better. My son has a Dodge extended cab 2007 with 6 foot box and it rides about the same as mine so maybe this is as good as it gets without weight. The truck does haveleaf springs at the rear. Added mud flaps today and got a good look at front and back when tires were off.
John d

[crabtruck]

Check the vids, 75k30 doesn't get the concept of mud flaps,
except for maybe "lower flaps, we're going in the mud"

[jdshep]

I now have near 500 miles and am happy to say the ride has improved a little as the bouncing has gotten softer. One thing for sure this truck 2008 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2 403 hp is going to be a rocket. The truck hauls, sounds good too. Any one know of any easy mods to give it even a little more?
John D