Getting too old for bouncing

[JohnnyPopper]

'78 K10 Step side

Turns out that this truck came with a camper option, which translates into 5 leafs and the overload bottom one.

The C10 in the garage has 3 + the overload.

Truth is I never haul anything and will not be carrying a camper.

My front leafs are dual with negative arch. Don't know if there's much to do with that.

As the subject line says, it's time to look for smoother ride options.

Would simply removing leafs be enough? Or are there aftermarket springs that make for a smooth ride with the right shocks?

Any thought would be welcome! TIA!

[berserk]

I have a 76 k10 and at one point removed a few leaves from the pack. It did help some, the truck sat a bit lower and rode a bit better. I have now redone everything in the suspension with new components. I now have 2.5 inch Skyjacker Soft ride leaf springs front and rear. And Skyjacker black max shocks.

The truck rides better than it ever has before. It is obviously rougher than a modern truck but it's not nearly as jarring , bouncy and rough. This was the cheaper option for a better ride The only caveat being they are lift springs, I didn't want the truck any higher but they ride so much better I don't care.

I've also heard wonderful things about custom leaf spring packs from off-road designs and Deaver I believe. Both you spec out with your truck set up and they customize the spring rate to it. Never had any first hand experience with those but read a lot about them.

[VileZambonie]

Put some good Bilstein's on it and lower your air pressure in the tires. That's about as good as you are going to get my friend.

[JohnnyPopper]

OI Thx VZ...

[Shifty]

Put some good Bilstein's on it and lower your air pressure in the tires. That's about as good as you are going to get my friend.

Exactly the route I took.  Good for mixing drinks though...(just kidding kids, don't drink and drive)

[JohnnyPopper]

The two front gas shocks were blown, went with stock ride KYB's. Looked at  Bilsteins but Rockauto started playing games with shipping. 

The front upper mount sleeve was too long, had to grind off about 1/4 inch...

Double checked the #, says it's correct.

Going to remove the two extra rear leafs and quit whining....OR

Maybe I transplant this girls body on to a newer set of bones...YEAH!!!

Any suggestion? 

[Mr Diesel]

Check elsewhere for Bilsteins. I havent bought anything from Rockauto since the last time they screwed me on a mistake they made. Ebay is a much better option.

I'm not sure how different they will feel compared to the KYBs though....

[JohnnyPopper]

Thanks for that, I think they have good prices sometimes, but they clearly play games to boost their shipping prices.

I have tried to place orders from the same depot, and as the list of items grow, out of nowhere, the depots change.

Re Bilstein v KYB maybe someone who has used both can weigh in. If there is significant difference I may change them out. TIA!

[VileZambonie]

There's a reason they are significantly more money....

[Shifty]

Summit has 'em.

[JohnnyPopper]

I'm on Bilstein's website looking for OE application, no info for my '78, no info. Went up to '87, no info.

Will check Summit.

[JohnnyPopper]

VZ, thx for the observation.

There is a wide continuum in Bilstein's applications, i.e. original to radical off road.

Just looking to find as smooth a shock as is available.

[JohnnyPopper]

B6 4600 series look like the best recommendation from Summit.
 
More like the only... for this year.

4x the price...for those who have gone down this rabbit hole: is it worth it?

I just want a smooth ride for my old bones...

[ehjorten]

I have the B6 4600 shocks on my '77. P/N: 24-009331 on the rear and P/N: 24-009232 on the front. I put them on there last November just before Elk hunting season. My truck is bone stock for suspension. I like them. Can't tell you if they make a big difference. My old shocks were worn-out though. Rebuilt leaf packs or custom springs will make a difference. If you really want to make an improvement, convert to longer leaf springs. Install B52 hangers in the front: https://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17715 and you can swap rear hangers and install 56" springs in the back if you don't already have them.

[Shifty]

I sell KYB, Monroe and Rancho...I use Bilstein.  'Nuff said.