Iffy ride quality/front suspension questions (New '96 K2500 Suburban Owner, 180k mi)
 

Am new here--through a family transaction I procured a reasonably well maintained high-mileage '96 Chevy Suburban K2500 and am trying to take stock of the vehicle mechanically.

I have a few little leaks and fluid changes to get to--but my biggest concern is I'd consider the ride quality unexpectedly poor from my perspective. Though I don't know how these drove "off the lot", I'd describe the truck's overall drive experience at 50MPH+ speeds as "bounding" and any sort of rough road or road imperfection really seems to deliver a good deal of shudder to the interior. The steering does (expectedly) have a bit of play--but overall I could live with a slight lack of left-right responsiveness for the moment if I could improve the overall ride.

Anyway, the Trailing arm and pitman arm have play, and the front control arm bushings are shot, but the shocks (while of unknown quality, actually are "OK" from a function perspective). Can the control arms and bushings really affect the ride to the extent I describe or would most of you be looking at the shocks from this description anyway?

Any overall suggestions on an approach would be appreciated!

Welcome to the forum.

I'd check ball joints, tie-rod ends, idler arm, wheel bearings, shocks, rear axle suspension bushings, wheel balance, and alignment.