K5 ride quality - like a tank

[wazzabie]

It has been some time since I have driven the K5. I've had a 2001 IFS Silverado for about 10 years. The K5 is running again after about 20 years of sitting. I know I need new tires and shocks on the K5. The K5 runs like a tank compared to the IFS Silverado. Before the K5 sat I probably put about 25k miles on it.

 

[ZooMad75]

Well you made an obvious observation. Bilstein 5100’s will do a lot to make the ride better over parts store and lift kit shocks. They helped with the rough country springs I used to have up front.

The ride quality really came up with the change to Superlift softride springs up front.

It will never equal an ifs rig on the cheap. To elevate the ride quality further you are dropping coin on ORD custom leafs or going to links/coilovers.

 

[Big Ray]

Worn springs and shocks equals pain

 

[formercruiserhead]

Had a friend that got his old ride going after 20+ yrs. Beat him to death. He had old school lift springs that looked like something from an 80s monster truck. Spring technology has come a long way in the last 30yrs. Might help to get some newer springs and break them in properly. Also if it has dual shocks up front don't put duals again. Modern shocks are also better.

 

[6872xtc]

Well you made an obvious observation. Bilstein 5100’s will do a lot to make the ride better over parts store and lift kit shocks. They helped with the rough country springs I used to have up front.

The ride quality really came up with the change to Superlift softride springs up front.

It will never equal an ifs rig on the cheap. To elevate the ride quality further you are dropping coin on ORD custom leafs or going to links/coilovers.

I have only had "soft ride kit" springs in my '70 K10 which of course, has the shorter front springs than a square. After going to ORD customs, I will stand on my little soapbox to talk about the indescribable improvement just about anytime someone will listen.
A person honestly needs to experience it to believe it.
My '90 has a set from ORD as well. Both trucks have Bilstiens.
IMO, I would rather pay a bit more so that I don't hate the ride of my trucks. They aren't as controlled as an IFS truck in a few driving situations, but the fear of hitting a pothole is just a memory now. The ride isn't a deterrent anymore.

To the OP, remember that the shocks can seize up after sitting for a long time. It seems to have varying factors, but it can happen. Hard tires don't help either, of course.

 

[wazzabie]

Bilstein 5100 are definitely on the list of upgrades for the K6. I run them on my 2001 Silverado and they are much improved over the stock shocks. They are suppose to be a lifetime warranty. One of my 5100 is leaking oil.

 

[88Silverado]

Interesting, mine rides extremely smooth. Stock rear springs with ORD flip, Superlift front springs, greasable bushings, Doestch shocks. Front on F250 shock towers slanted aft and inboarded rears. I know the shocks being slanted probably makes it less safe but after 100k of highway and off road including a panic swerve/stop while towing a trailer where I actually blew out the brake booster diaphragm, It still is 100% controllable.

 

[Blue85]

What's the tire and what's the pressure?

Things could be all frozen up, too. Try it with the swaybar removed and while doing that drive on some curbs or something to be sure the shackles and bushings are moving?