Help with 2009 PPV Harsh Ride

[balln2k11]

Hello forum!

I have read many different threads on this topic without a defined answer.

I just purchased a 2009 PPV and love many aspects of it (I’m kind of making it into an LTZ) but hate the harsh ride. I’m not trying to make this into my new body Yukon Denali, but some improvement.

Currently when driving it, I feel every bump and the truck feels like it’s falling apart and rattles. I currently have about 110K miles and assume its the original shocks and struts.

What have others done to soften the ride? I don’t want to change the look by changing the coil springs to civian models (unless I have to). I see some have gone with Belstein shocks (no clue on what model), but don’t know if they are changing the front or rear coils. Anyway... any help would be amazing

 

[Denslow Burhans]

Initially after I purchased my 2011 PPV, I changed the suspension to the standard truck version of the suspension, front and rear, springs and shocks. I've since decided that I prefer the original ride and have replaced everything again to original. Now I have a complete set of shocks and springs for the non-PPV (assembled) sitting in boxes, all factory parts (dealer AC Delco) - if you're interested. The ride was considerably softer but still handled well. I just drive mine aggressively and wanted the firmness back. PM me if interested. I can put together some photos for you.

 

[BourbonNcigars]

Since you just got it, make sure the tire pressure isn't too high. That seems to be a common thing with dealers.

 

[RichardCranium]

Hands down, the best thing you can do is get rid of those Goodyear RSA's, and when you do go up on the profile size. I did just that, and replaced the tired suspension with Belltech Suspension kit (I am actually lower than PPV height, but the ride is much better). Even if you replace your stock suspension with factory replacement struts/shocks, the ride will be night and day difference with the tires. They are going to be the most important factor when trying to get a smoother ride.

My tire choice/size is in my sig below. I've got about 7k miles on these Conti's and Belltech stuff, haven't looked back....

 

[balln2k11]

Thank you all for the great recommendations. Decided to replace front and rear shocks with Monroe 39106 for fronts and 911545 for rears. Still a crazy firm ride.

I did also replace strut mounts as i learned one reason for the horrible ride was a damaged strut mount on the drivers side. Now i know why it shook the truck every time i hit a tiny bump.

I did reuse the springs as I didn’t want to alter the ride height.

 

[RichardCranium]

Remember the front springs are stock, same as any 2WD Tahoe. And you're gonna need to get rid of those tires for something with more sidewall for a better ride, but keep in mind that is going to bring you to stock Tahoe height. If you want the same ride height you'll have to put lowering springs on it like I did.

 

[balln2k11]

So just a quick update on my hash ride... i did all the above and still rides like crap.

Both front and rear shocks were replaced as listed in my previous post. I also changed my tires to OEM 20” wheel and tires. Same boat

The ride is firm, but what is scary, it’s so firm that when driving the speed limit on the freeway and hitting the smallest of bumps, throws my Tahoe all over (and also rattles). Any ideas or is this just what it is?

I did have the tires balanced and truck aligned after shock install.

 

[ChrisSRT]

Have you checked all of the other bushings in the suspension and steering systems, sounds more like worn parts else where. I would recheck every pivot point in both systems, don't forget to check tie rod ball joints as well.

 

[kbuskill]

So just a quick update on my hash ride... i did all the above and still rides like crap.

Both front and rear shocks were replaced as listed in my previous post. I also changed my tires to OEM 20” wheel and tires. Same boat

The ride is firm, but what is scary, it’s so firm that when driving the speed limit on the freeway and hitting the smallest of bumps, throws my Tahoe all over (and also rattles). Any ideas or is this just what it is?

I did have the tires balanced and truck aligned after shock install.

If you wanted a smoother ride you shouldn't have replaced the struts/shocks with the PPV stuff. If you would have went with the non auto ride standard stuff it would be a softer ride.

The PPV suspension is designed to be stiffer for less body roll and better handling.

 

[balln2k11]

If you wanted a smoother ride you shouldn't have replaced the struts/shocks with the PPV stuff. If you would have went with the non auto ride standard stuff it would be a softer ride.

The PPV suspension is designed to be stiffer for less body roll and better handling.

I wish I would have know that the civilian shocks would have worked with the PPVs and kept the same ride height. If anyone is looking for a deal on like new front and rear shocks (and maybe coils) please PM me. I'm going to switch to the Belltech suspension system.

 

[RichardCranium]

So just a quick update on my hash ride... i did all the above and still rides like crap.

Both front and rear shocks were replaced as listed in my previous post. I also changed my tires to OEM 20” wheel and tires. Same boat

The ride is firm, but what is scary, it’s so firm that when driving the speed limit on the freeway and hitting the smallest of bumps, throws my Tahoe all over (and also rattles). Any ideas or is this just what it is?

I did have the tires balanced and truck aligned after shock install.

What size tires are on those 20" OEM wheels?

 

[balln2k11]

Wanted to give everyone an update on my PPV harsh ride with some additional work done.

New Struts and Shocks: Went with the Belltech ProStreet (Part #9505 height adjustable) for the front and rear. Much better ride than the PPV Monroes.

Front and rear sway bar bushings and end-links

Rear coil spring insulation/pad (top and bottom)

Tie rod ends

Though my ride is a little nicer, I still get that horrible banging/shake in my dash, steering wheel, and rear when I hit small bumps. Can’t figure out why it’s so bad.

I had an idea that my motor and transmission mounts had to be bad, causing everything to lift when hitting a bump, then hit the frame. The driver engine mount was destroyed. Unfortunately that didn’t help (I did need to change them anyway).

Any ideas on what could be causing the horrible banging/shaking in my suspension? Even on rough roads, feels like my Tahoe is shaking apart.

 

[iLikeEggs]

Tires, being pneumatic are the first line of suspension. Going to larger rims and reducing sidewall height results in a more rigid, less flexible sidewall. Yes, low profile tires and large rims may look cool and be unpractical but they offer very little in the way of ride comfort for a 6000lb vehicle. As stated above, PPV/SSV shocks are different from non PPV/SSV shocks. They are designed for handling and not comfort. They have different dampening rates than the civilian counterparts.

 

[balln2k11]

Update to my original post:

I finally got around to the final idea to soften my PPV ride... changing out the rear springs.

i ordered a set of Eibach 2” lowering springs as I learned the PPV rear springs are the main cause of the firm ride (along with the Monroe shocks/struts).

check out the difference between the lowering springs and the PPV springs:

Crazy that the PPV springs are shorter, yet ride about a 1/2” higher when installed.

overall made a big difference in the ride comfort without losing the PPV lowered look and handling. My front and rear stance is close to level as possible.

 

[wjburken]

Update to my original post:

I finally got around to the final idea to soften my PPV ride... changing out the rear springs.

i ordered a set of Eibach 2” lowering springs as I learned the PPV rear springs are the main cause of the firm ride (along with the Monroe shocks/struts).

check out the difference between the lowering springs and the PPV springs:

View attachment 234251

Crazy that the PPV springs are shorter, yet ride about a 1/2” higher when installed.

overall made a big difference in the ride comfort without losing the PPV lowered look and handling. My front and rear stance is close to level as possible.

I bet the variable coil design and smaller wire would have a much softer ride.

 

[balln2k11]

Still chasing down ways to soften my harsh ride. Done a lot of the past 1 1/2 years:

Belltech Street Performance struts and shocks
Eibach 2" drop springs (rear)
Sway bar end links & bushings (front & back)
Tie rods
Strut housing
New Bridgestone Alenza tires 275/55/20 (dumped my generic Achilles tires with only 4k miles)
Bunch of other stuff

Anyway, it get better with ever upgrade.

Question, has anyone changed out the PPV sway bars (front & rear) with civilian style or performance aftermarket? Did it make the ride softer? How about changing out the front springs? I heard the front springs on the PPV are like the civilian versions, but know for sure the rear springs are different than the civilian versions.

I'm really looking to remove the horrible shacking over bumps. Feels like my dash and doors are going to come off LOL.

 

[GreyStone]

What load range are your tires and what air pressure are you running them at? I have seen tire shops simply inflate the tires to the max psi instead of recommended pressure.

 

[kylers2k]

I’ve done a decent amount of what you listed and still have a horrible ride. Feels like the truck is going to rattle itself apart one of these days.
Since I just sold my BMW I plan to dive back into the ride quality, I’ll keep you posted.

 

[balln2k11]

What load range are your tires and what air pressure are you running them at? I have seen tire shops simply inflate the tires to the max psi instead of recommended pressure.

I’m running at 33 psi. It’s not the tires. I have the most expensive and nice tires (did make a difference switching from generic tires). This is my 3rd set of tires in 1 1/2 years, chasing down ways to soften the ride based on people’s feedback.

Hope my thread gets solved one day and helps others save money and address the same issue

 

[GreyStone]

I’m running at 33 psi. It’s not the tires. I have the most expensive and nice tires (did make a difference switching from generic tires). This is my 3rd set of tires in 1 1/2 years, chasing down ways to soften the ride based on people’s feedback.

Hope my thread gets solved one day and helps others save money and address the same issue

GL