4x4 ride is horrible

[crazyduetoiowa]

I have a 1991 chevy s-10 4x4 with a towing package helper springs and rear air shocks(with 10psi in them). the rear shocks have 25 k on them. This truck rides like a radio fyler wagon! If i replace all 4 shocks with good gas shocks would that help my ride? My dad says no but i have a neighbor whos says differnt and offered to help install new shocks! would it be worth the money? I can only think it could help!

Any help or Hints advice would be great!

Thanks Derek

[madcatter]

People tend to spend way too much money on shocks. I drove my 4x4 S10 for 2 years with 2 shocks broke in half and the other 2 shot (opposite corners). Rode just fine except on bad washboard. Replaced all 4, same ride. It doesn't make THAT much difference on light, stock, normal use vehicles. Replace them but go cheap or you're throwing away money. Check your overloads, sounds like something's bound up. Some helper springs have moving parts, some don't. I don't know what your's are but I'd bet that's your problem.

[spasticone]

Almost anyone with the towing package will tell you they ride a LOT stiffer than the standard suspension. My G-pa has the tow package on his 93 and I have a 94 thats identical other than the tow setup and he thinks mine rides like a caddy. If you want it to be a bit better, get rid of the air shocks. they will hurt the ride if anything.

[www451oa]

I've got a 94 S-10, 4 door. I have Rancho RS-5000 shocks all around. It rides rough, but it's a truck, I don't expect it to ride like a caddy. I went with the Rancho's because of their lifetime gaurentee, I've replaced them 3 times. I just walk in to the local Sears, orig. reciept in hand, and exchange the old for new. It costs a few extra dollars at the start, but will make up for it after you change them a few times.

[kd4rmm]

I am with (www451oa) on this one as well. If you want a nice ride buy a Caddy or something, but it sounds like you have the options for that lumber wagon ride, granted there are a few things one can do alter the ride quality to some degree, aside from rehashing what has been mentioned already, different tires will help as well, especially if your using dedicated truck type tire.