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stiff ride and alignment problems

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87blackblazer

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My 87 blazer rides like it has neither shocks nor springs. I got it used, but I believe the only non-stock suspension item is replacement shocks. Do they all ride extremely hard? What are the options to improve street ride quality?

Also, the alignment shop can't get the alignment corrected. As a result, it won't track straight. It's never been in an accident, so there's no likely frame damage, but that doesn't mean that some steering/suspension components aren't bent. Any suggestions?
 
I've got the same problems with the ride. I keep waiting for something to vibrate off when I hit a pothole, just because it shakes so hard. I'm not saying its common or should be that way- but if possible I'd like to improve the ride a little too.
 
what part of the alignment can't they get corrected? there isn't a whole lot to it on these trucks.
 
The caster (non-adjustable without a kit) was 6.9 and 6.5. The specs are 7.5 to 8.5.

The camber was 0 and -0.4. The specs are 0.8 to 2.2. You can almost see the negative camber by just looking at the stance.

The toe was adjusted to just within the low side. Left and right were both adjusted to -.05. The specs are -.05 to .05 for each left and right and total of -.15 to .15. This was the only adjustment that's actually within specs.

Several other angles were measured, but I know that they aren't adjustable on these trucks.

Also, the truck's tires squeal tremendously on tight radius turns (e.g., parking lot).
 
The part that amazed me was that somebody took one of these to an alignment shop. For shame. That is absolutely wasted money. "Set the toe and let it go." That's how I roll. You can set the toe yourself, and camber is probably a slight bend in an axle tube. Don't worry about caster that is that close, cuz you'll never be able to tell the difference.
 
Sounds like the front axle housing is bent.
They all kina ride like sh*t. Thats leaf springs for ya.
Check my sig for how I improved ride and flex on my 79 GMC.
 
Just because the alignment specs aren't exactly the same does not mean anything is bent. Dana/Spicer didn't have super tight specs 25 years ago, most axle vary +/- up to a degree caster on each side.

Toe is really the only thing to change on solid axle trucks. The caster and camber are set by (generally) unadjustable steel parts.

The springs and shocks really determine the ride quality and the only thing they can really do is wear out and become softer over time. If your truck is stock and you think the ride is harsh there isn't much you can do about it.

As for the "tires squeal during tight turns" deal, slow down and they won't do that. Any vehicle will squeal the tires in a tight turn if you don't go slow.
 
You say that worn out parts could only make the ride softer. Couldn't a shock with a stuck (or partially stuck) valve cause this as well?

Also, the squealing turns that I'm talking about are at an idle. There's no slowing down to be done. It's almost like a truck that's in 4WD would do. I'm nearly certain that it's the toe.
 
The tires squealing is probably normal.
At full lock turning on pavement will cause this. Its called scrub radius...its higher on rear drive cars and trucks especially straight axle trucks like ours. If scrub radius is to high (positive) excessive tire squeal and pulling can be the result.
The front axle housing being bent can cause both of these complaints.
 
I didn't even pay attention to the "won't track straight" part. If it pulls to the same side all the time, it's probably a tire. Swap sides on the front tires and see if the pull changes sides with the tire. General sloppiness is kinda common, but check ALL the TREs and spring bushings. You'll probably find some play in one or all of these places.
 
Ive got that same squealing tire problem but mine doesnt just do it on pavement it will do it on dirt and grass.
 
Take your shocks off completely and go for a short test ride. Should be bouncy and sloppy. Then try with just the rears on. If your shocks are incorrectly sized or seized, the difference should be night and day. you can basically test shock action by rocking the truck. You should be able to get a fair bit of rock, or your shocks are questionably hard. Does it seem hard? are the springs just old and sagged?

Toe in is easy to do, you mark the tires, roll the truck 180 degrees on the front tires and measure the difference.
 
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