PW Owners - Insight on Suspension

[Gamedog]

For you guys running the stock suspension, how bumpy is the back end?

I have a 5th Gen with just over 22K on the odometer and holy crap is it bumpy when doing 75 on the highway... To the point where I look at the bed of my truck in my rear view and its almost embarrassing. Looking at other trucks / cars on the road while mine is hopping around and their cars aren't even flinching...

I've aired down the tires to 50 psi at all corners and it helped a bit.

Rides a bit better when I have my Gunner Kennels in the back as well, but man I'm so tempted to swap all my suspension out for some Thuren pieces.

Normal? Or does it sound like I may have some premature suspension wear?

Thanks guys!

GD

 

[Scndthief]

I have a 5th gen and I have just rolled 8k miles so I can't speak to wear, but I have not noticed anything like what you are describing. I have run three different tire setups on it and it has been buttery smooth (as much as can be expected on the highway with maintenance being what it is).

 

[mtnrider]

I highly doubt you have worn out any suspension components with such low miles. Have you tried getting the tires balanced? Rotated them and see if it changes? Are you stock or running a lift and larger tires?


.

 

[Gamedog]

I have a 5th gen and I have just rolled 8k miles so I can't speak to wear, but I have not noticed anything like what you are describing. I have run three different tire setups on it and it has been buttery smooth (as much as can be expected on the highway with maintenance being what it is).

Roger that, thanks for the feedback!

I highly doubt you have worn out any suspension components with such low miles. Have you tried getting the tires balanced? Rotated them and see if it changes? Are you stock or running a lift and larger tires?

Yeah I was thinking 22K miles wouldn't result in wearing out the suspension either, but man its bad!

I have not balanced or rated the tires, but will do so this week to see if that changes anything. Running completely stock suspension, wheels and tires.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Hydraplane]

You need to rotate the tires more than most folks really "want" to.

 

[Gamedog]

You need to rotate the tires more than most folks really "want" to.

Roger that.

I bought the truck with 17K miles and forgot to ask the dealer if they rotated the tires or not.

Going to assume no...

Either way, will get them rotated this week - hope that helps.

 

[trdt44]

There are few stretches of freeway around here where my truck would bounce in the rear. Typically the inside lane of a concrete freeway on a turn. The last two trucks I had (Tundra & Tacoma) also bounced in the same spot. I used to think I was the only one but I don't think it is as noticeable to other vehicles. It is common for unloaded pickups. I have not tried the same spot yet with my Thuren Kings and rear track bar yet.

 

[Bob Macknight]

check out thuren rear track bar upgrade

 

[Gamedog]

There are few stretches of freeway around here where my truck would bounce in the rear. Typically the inside lane of a concrete freeway on a turn. The last two trucks I had (Tundra & Tacoma) also bounced in the same spot. I used to think I was the only one but I don't think it is as noticeable to other vehicles. It is common for unloaded pickups. I have not tried the same spot yet with my Thuren Kings and rear track bar yet.

I hear ya.

My 2016 1500 4x4 with 98K miles was not as bumpy as my PW is on the same roads. Bed loaded or unloaded - still was way smoother.

Will get a few of the easy things checked off first (tire rotation & balancing) then will see if that helps a bit.

If not, I'll be contacting Thuren.

 

[62Blazer]

The PW's have a softer suspension and tires as compared to a normal 2500 series trucks and why the payload and towing capacity is lower. However it's still a 3/4 ton truck and the rear springs are stiffer than most 1/2 ton trucks, and obviously most SUV's and cars. One of the reasons this type of question is hard to answer is the "issue" based on one person's subjective opinion. Not saying there is anything wrong with that type of question, but what is the OP's experience in driving 3/4 ton pickups?

As stated above it would be unusual for something to be worn out, and worn out shocks would be the contributing factor to an unusually bouncy road. I would also seriously consider lowering the rear tire pressure down more (40 psi range) and see if you notice a difference. Yes, the tire pressure light will come on but that pressure in the rear of an unloaded truck will not cause issue.

 

[Gamedog]

The PW's have a softer suspension and tires as compared to a normal 2500 series trucks and why the payload and towing capacity is lower. However it's still a 3/4 ton truck and the rear springs are stiffer than most 1/2 ton trucks, and obviously most SUV's and cars. One of the reasons this type of question is hard to answer is the "issue" based on one person's subjective opinion. Not saying there is anything wrong with that type of question, but what is the OP's experience in driving 3/4 ton pickups?

As stated above it would be unusual for something to be worn out, and worn out shocks would be the contributing factor to an unusually bouncy road. I would also seriously consider lowering the rear tire pressure down more (40 psi range) and see if you notice a difference. Yes, the tire pressure light will come on but that pressure in the rear of an unloaded truck will not cause issue.

Yup - completely aware of the softer suspension / lower towing & payload that comes along with the PW.

Have driven older (prior to 2000) 3/4 tons and even those weren't as uncomfortable as mine.

Will lower the rear tires psi a bit more after I rotate to see if it helps. TMPS light is already on with my tires sitting at 50 psi - not too big of a deal for me.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Travelin Ram]

I’ve not noticed anything like that with mine. Depending on conditions I have run stock tire pressure or 50 front 45 rear which was a lot softer. Right now I’m running 40/35 and it’s much softer, but I won’t run that low if I do a bunch of high speed driving.

I agree a few hundred pounds in the bed is a great improvement, and that’s pretty typical for pickups.

For decent pavement, I don’t have any desire to run lower pressure, I only do it for dirt roads or trails with rocks etc.

 

[Trailmaker]

Yup - completely aware of the softer suspension / lower towing & payload that comes along with the PW.

Have driven older (prior to 2000) 3/4 tons and even those weren't as uncomfortable as mine.

Will lower the rear tires psi a bit more after I rotate to see if it helps. TMPS light is already on with my tires sitting at 50 psi - not too big of a deal for me.

Thanks for the input!

I was going to ask if you have owned a 3/4 ton before but you answered it here. For me, my 3/4 tons always ride better with a load and the PW is no different.
I think 400-600 lbs in the back is the sweet spot. Within a week of getting my wagon I got my cover and boxes that added 190lbs then I geared up and added another 110 lbs. A few more bells and whistles and I’m at the 340lb mark. Since the sliders were installed this summer I am sitting at 570lbs and 55 psi on the front and 50 on the back.
Test this and get some mulch for the flower beds but keep it in the back a few days and you will see that the ride will smooth out.

 

[olyelr]

If you are getting major bouncing like you are describing then I would reckon something is wrong with your rear shocks/springs. These trucks are the smoothest riding 3/4 tons on the market.

I am running completely stock suspension and have never experienced what you are. Sure, there is some bouncing at major bumps in the road, but less than any other 3/4 ton pickup I have driven.

Are the rear shocks leaking/locked up?

 

[Gamedog]

I’ve not noticed anything like that with mine. Depending on conditions I have run stock tire pressure or 50 front 45 rear which was a lot softer. Right now I’m running 40/35 and it’s much softer, but I won’t run that low if I do a bunch of high speed driving.

I agree a few hundred pounds in the bed is a great improvement, and that’s pretty typical for pickups.

For decent pavement, I don’t have any desire to run lower pressure, I only do it for dirt roads or trails with rocks etc.

Roger that, thanks for the feedback man!

I was going to ask if you have owned a 3/4 ton before but you answered it here. For me, my 3/4 tons always ride better with a load and the PW is no different.
I think 400-600 lbs in the back is the sweet spot. Within a week of getting my wagon I got my cover and boxes that added 190lbs then I geared up and added another 110 lbs. A few more bells and whistles and I’m at the 340lb mark. Since the sliders were installed this summer I am sitting at 570lbs and 55 psi on the front and 50 on the back.
Test this and get some mulch for the flower beds but keep it in the back a few days and you will see that the ride will smooth out.

I've had a few loads in the bed since I bought it (tree limbs, firewood, mulch, etc) and agree that they definitely help reduce the bouncing.

If you are getting major bouncing like you are describing then I would reckon something is wrong with your rear shocks/springs. These trucks are the smoothest riding 3/4 tons on the market.

I am running completely stock suspension and have never experienced what you are. Sure, there is some bouncing at major bumps in the road, but less than any other 3/4 ton pickup I have driven.

Are the rear shocks leaking/locked up?

Thanks for the input!

Shocks are not leaking or locked up from what I can tell... I will say though there is what seems to be a bit of an odd wear mark on one of my rear shocks... Almost like it heated up and melted a bit. I'll snap a pic and will post to get y'alls thoughts.

Thanks again for all the feedback guys!

 

[Gamedog]

Here's a pic of the left rear shock...

Looks like it heated up and melted from friction or something...



Wondering if it may be a sign of something bigger going on back there...

 

[2003F350]

That definitely doesn't look good, I've got 52k miles on my '17 and other than dirt the shocks look brand new. That said, it could be a tire balance issue that has caused it.

It is also entirely possible that it's the road you're driving on. When I lived downstate, there was a section of expressway where I couldn't run in the right hand lane for about 10 miles because it was so bumpy, despite being a relatively brand-new road, in any of my trucks, regardless of 3/4 or 1-ton, dually or not. My wife's SUVs, on the other hand, didn't have as much of a problem. The issue was every heavy vehicle ran in that lane, and it was really taking its toll early.

I have been through there a few times since moving, and while the PW is better, it's still a bumpy section of road.

 

[Rick Ram-jet]

To the op, once you rule out any suspension issues, try adding 4-6 50 pound sandbags (cheap at Home Depot, I put mine in HD contractor trash bags to prevent spilling) in the bed, you can place them in the rear side pockets to retain use of the bed.
You can add or subtract bags to fine tune the ride you want!

 

[trdt44]

Here's a pic of the left rear shock...

Looks like it heated up and melted from friction or something...

View attachment 218394

Wondering if it may be a sign of something bigger going on back there...

Looks like it is rubbing on the shock body. Those plastic shields just slide over the shock and snap on at the top. It may no longer be snapped on and may be why it is rubbing.

Does your truck ride rough on asphalt and concrete or just concrete?

 

[Gamedog]

That definitely doesn't look good, I've got 52k miles on my '17 and other than dirt the shocks look brand new. That said, it could be a tire balance issue that has caused it.

It is also entirely possible that it's the road you're driving on. When I lived downstate, there was a section of expressway where I couldn't run in the right hand lane for about 10 miles because it was so bumpy, despite being a relatively brand-new road, in any of my trucks, regardless of 3/4 or 1-ton, dually or not. My wife's SUVs, on the other hand, didn't have as much of a problem. The issue was every heavy vehicle ran in that lane, and it was really taking its toll early.

I have been through there a few times since moving, and while the PW is better, it's still a bumpy section of road.

Roger that, thanks for the input!

To the op, once you rule out any suspension issues, try adding 4-6 50 pound sandbags (cheap at Home Depot, I put mine in HD contractor trash bags to prevent spilling) in the bed, you can place them in the rear side pockets to retain use of the bed.
You can add or subtract bags to fine tune the ride you want!

Yup, will likely go the sandbag route if I can't seem to get it figured out.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Looks like it is rubbing on the shock body. Those plastic shields just slide over the shock and snap on at the top. It may no longer be snapped on and may be why it is rubbing.

Does your truck ride rough on asphalt and concrete or just concrete?

I'll check the to see if the shield is loose for some reason.

Truck rides rough on both asphalt and concrete. Some areas are obviously worse than others though.

Thanks again to all who have provided input and suggestions. I've had my fair share of vehicles with modded suspensions (Infiniti G37S lowered on coilovers, lifted Tacomas & 4Runners and presently have a 1970 Dart with a full Hotchkis TVS system) so I'm not at all a newb to suspensions.... All I can say is right now, the PW ranks as the least comfortable of what I've owned and I'm pretty confident that shouldn't be the case.

Will continue to monitor the thread and update y'all as I try to remedy this.

Thanks!