Suspension Unstable???? suggestions

[mic_1011]

hey fellas haven't been on here in a while but the expy is still running strong. for a while now the suspension feels unsafe at somewhat high speed (over 50 mph) and cornering. handling sucks big time! kinda feels like she wants to tip! the check susp light is NOT on. i noticed when i was working on the brakes that the ball joints were ripped (can't remember if lower or upper) the front sway bar links were recently replaced (they have that blue either polyurethane or rubber not sure) she's probably due for some shocks (haven't changed since 2005) but only has 106000 on the clock. any suggestions as to what i should do to fix this? for the least amount of $ and where to go to buy. thanks

 

[GAINMOB]

make sure your upper/lower links are good and make sure the sway bars havent come loose...

 

[BakerEdition]

Mic, got the same problem with mine...non-air ride, police package with 89k..original shocks...its a job to hold it on the road...it corners like shit ...

 

[mic_1011]

yeah it is a job to hold it on the road! i do have air ride, i was thinking of changing out the sway bars completely, but after shopping around that's gonna run $400+ would it make more sense to just replace the sway bar bushings?

 

[dougmcp]

First thing I would look at is the condition of your tires and have the wheel alignment checked. Try rotating the tires and see if the condition is the same.
If the truck is stock height with stock tires and the front end is tight and in good condition, swaybar bushings and shocks will certainly help.

 

[Thermo]

Mic, replace the lower ball joints and check the uppers (replace any ripped ball joint). See how things are then. You can try running the tires up at max pressure for a little bit and see if that helps some. If you are using standard all season tires, ti is possible that the sidewalls are starting to get weaker, leading to more tire roll. Higher pressures will help stiffen the tires back up. After that, some time with the truck and seeing what components are loose and replacing them will be the best course of action.

 

[mic_1011]

really? an alignment can do that? idk i'm leaning more towards the swaybar and shocks, even though i do need an alignment

 

[toms89]

When I replaced my shocks with Edelbrock IAS it was a huge improvement in handling and ride. Most dont realize how bad they get because they wear gradually over time. Then you install new ones and its like night and day. Assuming yours are old or original.

I had to do an emergency stop not long after I put the new shocks on and it was really apparent there was little to no brake dive. It also handles well on the twistys but obviously due to the high CG in will never handle as well as a car.

I would replace any bad suspension components and consider getting new shocks.

Mine feels just as stable at speed at the track as it does when going 30. I know I am going straight but still.... do have to go from full throttle to hard on the brakes.. Does not upset the balance in the least.

 

[mic_1011]

that's where i am going with it then. i'll post updates as i go