1999 Suburban Harsh Ride
June 16th, 2019, 10:08 AM
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1999 Suburban Harsh Ride
New to this forum and this is my first post. I have a 1999 1500 Suburban 4x4 that I bought used 3 years ago. It goes down the road okay as long as the roads are smooth, but is really harsh on rough roads. I had a 1997 for 19 years prior to this one that rode much better. I just replaced the shocks with Bilstiens, which provided some improvement, but was on a rough road yesterday an it was still pretty bad. The tires are the P265 75R16. Stock tire size is P245 75R16. My 1997 had the stock tire size. I have had it to some reputable shops and replaced whatever front end parts needed replacing and it didn't help at all. One thing I notice on the front end is that the lower control arm can only move about 1/2" before it hits the rubber stop on the frame, but I think the 1997 was the same. The Suburban was bought out of California and had never seen salt. The body is in excellent condition for how old it is and I really want to keep it, but will probably sell it if I can't get the ride improved.
June 16th, 2019, 10:32 AM
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Has it been doing this for the 3 years that you have had it, or did it recently start doing it? 1/2" between the lower control arm and the stop seems too small of a gap. Are both sides the same?
June 16th, 2019, 11:05 AM
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Yes, it has been this bad or worse since I bought it. It is our tow/haul vehicle and it doesn't get driven a lot, maybe 8,000 miles/year. I originally put a set of Gabriel shocks in it. One of those turned out to be bad. I replaced all 4 with the Bilstiens and it is somewhat better. The gab between the lower control arms and the rubber bump stop is the same on both sides.
June 16th, 2019, 3:20 PM
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June 21st, 2019, 1:02 PM
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I would remove the rubber bump stops and take it for a short test drive on a road you know rides rough. If that makes it better, you'll know the stops being so close is the problem.
My 2000 Burban has an inch or more between the stops and frame. It rides great, different body style, but still .........