[mkcolorado]

First off I know that a lowered vehicle is not going to ride the same as stock. That being said, here's my story.
I have an 04 Colorado ZQ8 crew cab 298000km on it. Last spring I lowered it with the belltech balljoints and the 3 inch blocks in the rear. Lately the ride quality has been getting worse and worse. Axle slap, tires hitting the wheels and bottoming out all over. I've never changed any of the suspension components since I've owned the truck, so I'm assuming they're all original. So my question is, if I get new shocks and springs will this help my cause?

 

[05 bow tie]

Sounds like its time for rear shocks and struts.

 

[theAce88]

any change in air pressure? I was amazed with the improvement in ride quality when I brought my air pressure down from 60 to 40

 

[TurboAl]

60psi ?? WTF

 

[Jeff.d]

60psi ?? WTF

 

[rshadd]

With 3" blocks in the rear it's time to consider notching the frame rails. With 3" blocks, you only have about an inch of travel... throw a bag of groceries in the bed and your axle is sitting on the frame.

What tire/wheel setup are you running? Large rims with low profile tires can make for a harsh ride. Keep the tire pressure between 28-32 psi.

 

[wh1pple]

Tires hit the wheels? How do you even? I'm impressed.

Axle slap is definitely because you don't have enough room for the axle to travel. Like rshadd said, "Time for a notch."

 

[theAce88]

60psi ?? WTF

60psi for towing (max psi listed on side of tire). When Id tow a lot, I would leave the air pressure at 60 and the ride would suck when there's no boat in tow. I dont do that anymore :th_crazy:

 

[rshadd]

I doubt he's doing any towing with 3" blocks and no notch.

 

[Kwon]

I doubt he's doing any towing with 3" blocks and no notch.

I was lowered in the rear 5.5" for awhile with no notch and towed my trailer when mowing lawns :Kiki:


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[mkcolorado]

My tires are 245 45 17. I ordered new shocks. And I'll see how much that helps. The old ones were blown and it was super bouncy. So whenever I would go over a continuous stretch of dips the truck would be out of control. Lol.

I have a tent trailer that I pull. As soon as I hook it up it sits on the bump stops. It's getting sold in the spring.


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[The Wolf!]

new shocks for sure. notch and i would never for any reason run a tire at max pressure. i run 32 in the front and 30 in the back. loaded or empty.

 

[bk2life]

First off I know that a lowered vehicle is not going to ride the same as stock. That being said, here's my story.

why not? Ive owned over 30 lowered vehicles and their better or the same as stock

I have an 04 Colorado ZQ8 crew cab 298000km on it.

nice!

Last spring I lowered it with the belltech balljoints and the 3 inch blocks in the rear.

which isn’t really that low, but a nice start

Lately the ride quality has been getting worse and worse. Axle slap, tires hitting the wheels and bottoming out all over.

so only in the rear?

I've never changed any of the suspension components since I've owned the truck, so I'm assuming they're all original.

replace rear shocks and front struts

So my question is, if I get new shocks and springs will this help my cause?

yes, and since you have never had any problems, nor changed anything else it will most likely cure your problem.

:salute:

 

[mkcolorado]

Thanks bk2life. You really quoted my post!! Haha


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[mkcolorado]

And you say that three in the rear isn't that low. I couldn't imagine going lower and driving it. For the guys who are lower than three in the back, do you not bottom out all the time?


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[Kwon]

And you say that three in the rear isn't that low. I couldn't imagine going lower and driving it. For the guys who are lower than three in the back, do you not bottom out all the time?


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I'm 5.5 in the rear with a notch and the right shocks my diff hits my bed maybe once or twice a month if that


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[05RadoXtreme]

I would double check the balljoints, make sure everything is tight since you put them on. After 2 months of having mine on, there were 2 bolts that had become loose making the ride sketchy.

 

[bk2life]

I'm 5.5 in the rear with a notch and the right shocks my diff hits my bed maybe once or twice a month if that

my truck had 3 inch block and 3 inch drop springs, i cut a 2 inch notch in the frame and cut off the bed support directly above the pumpkin, and moved the brake line bracket off to the side...even had 'stock' in the rear. would only 'hit/bottom out' on big bumps.

 

[DBNissan]

I'm thinking the problem is more of an issue with sagging coil and leaf springs compounded with worn out shocks

 

[mkcolorado]

This Saturday I switched out the rear shocks with belltechs. And I can't even comprehend the difference. It's night and day. This Saturday I'm going to do the fronts.


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