How To Give My Truck A Smoother Ride

• Reduce the Unsprung Mass
• Soften the Suspension System
• Change the Wheels and Tires
• Modify the Chassis
• Reduce Vibrations
• Replace Leaf Springs
• Why Trust Us?
• Give Your Truck a Smoother Ride With General Spring

Whether you're commuting to work, running errands or navigating rough terrain, a smooth-riding truck is essential for comfort and vehicle longevity. If you're wondering how to give your truck a smoother ride, this comprehensive guide will walk you through how to improve truck ride quality, exploring methods to transform your truck's handling and comfort level.

Reduce the Unsprung Mass

If your ride is bumpy, you may have to improve your suspension by reducing the unsprung mass, or the weight of the vehicle parts not supported by the suspension system. To lessen your truck's unsprung weight and make your truck ride smoother, you'll need to reduce the combined mass of the vehicle's underside components. This includes the axles, tires, wheels, hubcaps and other suspension parts.

A lighter unsprung mass means the suspension can more readily handle the impacts of uneven terrain. Reducing the unsprung weight can also improve truck ride quality and could prolong the service life of the underside components.

Soften the Suspension System

Most truck owners opt for a softened suspension to improve ride quality. Soft suspension allows your truck to better absorb the shakes and bumps of rough roads, protecting the chassis and improving ride quality. To soften your suspension, have a professional replace the factory shock absorbers with a lighter set. These soft absorbers are primarily designed for comfort. 

For best results, pair this with lower-rated, softer leaf springs. For ultimate adjustability, consider dual-rated shocks with air suspension, which let you fine-tune firmness and ride height to your preferences.

Change the Wheels and Tires

For big wheels, using low-profile tires can undermine the comfort of your rides due to their stiffer sidewalls and thinner proportions. In order to make riding more comfortable, your best bet is to choose wheels that are lightweight and narrow.

Pair these with tall, thin tires featuring a 60+ aspect ratio for improved cushioning over rough roads. Another option for a softer, more forgiving ride is to inflate your tires 3 to 5 pounds per square inch (psi) below the recommended inflation pressure — however, this could lead to excessive tire wear and lower fuel economy, so it may not be the best option long-term.

Modify the Chassis

In a large and heavy truck, the components that connect your tires can affect your steering ability and driving smoothness, impacting your ride comfort. If the parts are incredibly stiff, there won't be as much flexibility under the vehicle for the suspension to soften the abrupt lopsidedness inflicted by potholes and other abnormalities along your route.

Modifying key chassis components is another effective way to give a truck a smoother ride. Lightweight parts made from materials like carbon fiber, ceramic and aluminum can reduce unsprung weight for improved suspension performance. If your truck encounters potholes under one side but not the other, a thinner bar will create a more even driving experience and spare you from some of the shocks. However, this can also make the vehicle more difficult to handle, especially if the thin bar is paired with lighter springs and softer shocks.

Independent suspension setups typically provide a smoother ride than solid axles. While converting may not always be feasible, it's worth considering if you're serious about improving your truck's ride quality. However, converting your axles to a lighter alternative may void your warranty if you have a newer vehicle, so check with the manufacturer first.

Reduce Vibrations

Even with a softened, lightweight suspension system, your truck can still transmit bothersome vibrations into the cabin. Inspect the underside of your truck to see if you need to replace the anti-vibration parts. Consider using new body bushings to protect the chassis from the impact of vibrations along a turbulent road and make your truck drive smoother.

Another way to smooth out vibrating effects is to double-stack the rubber rings on the coil springs. Coat the rings with grease before setting them into place to prevent the rubber from making noise. Some vibration may bypass these buffers. Consider placing rubber pucks in the driveshaft and steering column to isolate the tremors from the uneven terrain.

Additional options to make a truck drive smoother include rubber strips along the floor and seats. If you install these strips between the floorboard and the mounts of your seat, your ride may be more cushioned and comfortable.

As with any modifications to your truck, it might be best to have the work performed by a professional. The fittings can sometimes be tricky, and the purpose is to make the truck more comfortable to drive without compromising its safety and stability.

Replace Leaf Springs

Installing new leaf springs is one of the most effective ways to improve your truck's ride quality. Leaf springs can wear out over time, losing their ability to cushion your ride properly. Upgrading to new leaf springs can give a truck a smoother ride by providing optimal weight distribution and shock absorption. 

When selecting new leaf springs, consider factors like your truck's typical capacity, desired ride height and the manufacturer's recommendations. Depending on your truck's needs, you may opt for softer springs, add extra leaves for increased support or choose a custom-tuned set for the perfect balance of comfort and appearance. 

Why Trust Us?

With nearly 60 years of specialized experience in truck suspension systems, General Spring has helped countless drivers solve their ride quality challenges across every type of terrain and driving condition. Our expertise comes from decades of analyzing suspension systems across all truck makes and models, giving us deep insight into what makes a difference in ride quality.

The General Spring team has diagnosed and resolved thousands of ride quality issues, giving us uncommon insight into improving truck ride quality. Our experience with diverse suspension setups and ride quality improvements has shown us the most effective methods for achieving a smooth ride in your truck.

Give Your Truck a Smoother Ride With General Spring

Achieving a smooth, comfortable ride in your truck is simpler than you think. You can improve your truck's ride quality by reducing unsprung mass, softening your suspension, replacing your leaf springs, optimizing your wheel and tire setup, modifying chassis components and reducing vibrations.

If you're ready to experience a smoother ride, shop premium leaf springs and suspension solutions from General Spring, backed by our one-year warranty.