Best Magnetic Ride Replacement for Motion Sickness Prone Family

[K2xxSteve]

Hi everybody, first post. Glad I found this forum with a suspension specific sub. Makes it so much easier to research and read up.

2018 Suburban Premier 4WD owner here at 96K miles with (drumroll) you guessed it Magneride shocks needing replacement. I know there's about a zillion threads on this in here already, but I'm looking for some very specific feedback due to a few motion sickness prone family members. I'd like to not spend $3-4k if I don't have to, but can't afford to screw this up either.

I'm wondering if there's an aftermarket suspension option that's maybe 75% as firm with about 75% the body control as the OEM magnetic ride shocks and springs, but going to a passive conversion and without all of the expense? Have been looking at MAGDELETE with Bilstein 4600 or 5100, Arnott, and others.

For perspective, we've loved the OEM Magnetic Ride suspension. Amazing control, almost no body roll in corners, and no nose diving on hard braking, etc. Zero complaints from the motion sickness prone family members all these years, but man is it firm. And especially unladen just on the work commute, the ride is really harsh and unrefined also. We don't need it to be quite this firm.

I test drove an LT with Premium Ride suspension before buying, and that was the opposite extreme feeling way to boaty and soft. I'm not motion sickness prone, but even I was starting to feel a little motion sick on the test drive, so that was a no go and we got the Premier with the Magnetic Ride.

So I'm trying to understand what some good options might be going the magnetic ride delete route, but unlike the OEM premium ride option, would still land on the firm side. I'm looking for something that's still firm, but not harsh like the magnetic ride has been. A little body roll is okay as long as it's well controlled, but cannot be wallowy. I'm guessing I need to stick with a digressive valved shock? Not interested in changing ride height, but understand some of these kits might result in a slight lift on the front end, which I guess is fine.

Additional notes: No towing with this vehicle, but it does have the max tow package and would like to keep the rear air-leveling suspension active also, as I occasionally load it up with heavy cargo.

Thanks for any feedback and help! (still reading and learning a ton here)

 

[Doubeleive]

the ride with bilsteins is decent, you would need to either buy the shock and have it installed in the oem front strut (spring compressor) or just buy a whole strut
the rear will need a slightly stiffer spring with the bilstein
then of course resistors
if you put a leveling kit on the front then you could increase the tire size and that may help also cushion the ride
other things you can add are Hellwig front and rear sway bars, that will help a little with overall control/sway when turning, cornering or having to make a quick lane change, etc

i make everyone car sick just from the way I drive

 

[Doubeleive]

and welcome to the forum!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

If you have 22" wheels on the truck, many members here have found this wheel/tire combination to be significantly harsher than the 20" wheel option. If you do have 22" wheels, this may be a better option to achieve what you desire.

 

[frank1]

Drag a short piece of chain, from frame to touching the road with a couple of links draging.

 

[K2xxSteve]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

If you have 22" wheels on the truck, many members here have found this wheel/tire combination to be significantly harsher than the 20" wheel option. If you do have 22" wheels, this may be a better option to achieve what you desire.

Thanks! It does have the 22's. I had actually intended to buy an identical truck but with the 20's, but it was sold the day before so picked up this one with the chrome dubs. It was a closeout 2018 as the 2019's were starting to hit the lots. It actually handles amazing. Fun to surprise the crap out of BMW and Honda drivers in corners, but the tire prices are ridiculous also, in addition to the lousy ride unladen. Not a bad idea to convert back to 20's, especially since my tires are nearing end of life anyways. Good thing to consider for sure.

 

[K2xxSteve]

the ride with bilsteins is decent, you would need to either buy the shock and have it installed in the oem front strut (spring compressor) or just buy a whole strut
the rear will need a slightly stiffer spring with the bilstein
then of course resistors
if you put a leveling kit on the front then you could increase the tire size and that may help also cushion the ride
other things you can add are Hellwig front and rear sway bars, that will help a little with overall control/sway when turning, cornering or having to make a quick lane change, etc

i make everyone car sick just from the way I drive

Thanks for the suggestions. Did not realize FSB/RSB were available for these trucks, so good to know.

 

[gtrslngrchris]

The Fox 2.0 coilovers in the front seem to be the plush option from my limited experience and reading others. I opted for air-only rear AC Delco shocks and have been pleased with front and rear so far. I think in general the sway bar upgrade makes the truck feel much tighter without actually making the ride worse but it does make anything you roll over on one side but not the other feel more harsh (think rough road or pot holes) but the ride overall should still be softer than magride.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Thanks! It does have the 22's. I had actually intended to buy an identical truck but with the 20's, but it was sold the day before so picked up this one with the chrome dubs. It was a closeout 2018 as the 2019's were starting to hit the lots. It actually handles amazing. Fun to surprise the crap out of BMW and Honda drivers in corners, but the tire prices are ridiculous also, in addition to the lousy ride unladen. Not a bad idea to convert back to 20's, especially since my tires are nearing end of life anyways. Good thing to consider for sure.

If you drive predominantly on pavement, I suggest that you consider Michelin Defender tires. They are pricey, but they are warrantied for 70,000 miles, and they have taken everything that the NH winters can throw at them.

Also as stated above, the Hellwig sway bars are incredible, and would deliver an improved handling experience well over what you have now.

 

[K2xxSteve]

I figured I would write in to MagDelete and ask them directly about what I basically posted in here, which option would have about 75% the stiffness and body roll control as the OEM Magneride. Their response was perplexing to say the least. Is this not completely opposite? The OEM Magneride shocks and springs are much more FIRM than the "premium ride" passive suspension, and the whole point of Magneride is to REDUCE body roll and pitching while having some dynamic adaptability on the shocks. I've always been amazed at how flat the cornering is with this 6000lb SUV, and how little (zero) nose dive there is even in panic stops. It's a night and day difference vs the standard premium ride. What on earth is this guy talking about? The Magneride suspension is super soft and has tons of body roll???? What?

Anyways, totally not helpful and now I'm even more confused. Does not instill confidence in purchasing one of these kits to say the least, even though I've seen some positive reports on them.

 

[K2xxSteve]

If you drive predominantly on pavement, I suggest that you consider Michelin Defender tires. They are pricey, but they are warrantied for 70,000 miles, and they have taken everything that the NH winters can throw at them.

Also as stated above, the Hellwig sway bars are incredible, and would deliver an improved handling experience well over what you have now.

I ditched the factory Bridgestones at 10k miles due to both highway resonance/buffeting sound issues (known platform issue) and also because one of them bubbled out. Have been on Michelin Premier tires ever since. Great tires. Will need a new set of them soon, but also considering ditching the 22's which came on this truck and going back to the 20's which I know will definitely help the ride quality. Will keep the FSB/RSB in mind, depending on which way I go.

 

[petethepug]

1) Family first
2) Safety has Zero regrets
3) OEM / BWI units w/ lifetime guarantee.
4) Hellwig Sway bars.

If it worked well when you got it, it’ll be even better with OEM replacements and Hellwig’s. Tricking an active suspension vehicle to read 100% everything is OK when it’s trying to right itself, with family, may carry some regrets.

 

[gtrslngrchris]

Tricking an active suspension vehicle to read 100% everything is OK when it’s trying to right itself, with family, may carry some regrets.

How exactly would it act upon the vehicle if the suspension is no longer active? This is nonsense.

 

[Eighthtry]

As a now former owner of a 204,000 mile 2011 Yukon Denali XL All Wheel Drive with the factory 4 wheel MagneRides with the Auto adjust rear air, I am amazed that you want to change them out. That set up, coupled with an upgraded Helwig front sway bar and an added Helwig rear sway bar, is "bar" none, the best suspension I have EVER had under a passenger car. I tow nothing. It was a pure road car. It was as stable at 95 as it was at 65. It made no difference if there were 6 adults in it, or just 2, which was the usual. It was dead straight down the road. No erasing. My Bridgestones typically ran 60,000 miles before I got tired of looking at them.

I just replaced it with a 2023 Yukon Denali XL Four Wheel Drive, same set up EXCEPT, it has Air Ride instead of springs. We have had it on the road. Every bit as good as the 2011, except quieter. Same Bridgestones from the factory as I have been running on the 2011. Very controlled ride.

Good luck with the changes. You will not like them. Guaranteed.

 

[Eighthtry]

By the way, tires are huge. Michelin Defenders and Bridgestone Duelers are all I ever run. You can sacrifice some ride and move up to 22" and reduce some erase action, but I don't think enough to make any difference.

 

[Doubeleive]

I figured I would write in to MagDelete and ask them directly about what I basically posted in here, which option would have about 75% the stiffness and body roll control as the OEM Magneride. Their response was perplexing to say the least. Is this not completely opposite? The OEM Magneride shocks and springs are much more FIRM than the "premium ride" passive suspension, and the whole point of Magneride is to REDUCE body roll and pitching while having some dynamic adaptability on the shocks. I've always been amazed at how flat the cornering is with this 6000lb SUV, and how little (zero) nose dive there is even in panic stops. It's a night and day difference vs the standard premium ride. What on earth is this guy talking about? The Magneride suspension is super soft and has tons of body roll???? What?

Anyways, totally not helpful and now I'm even more confused. Does not instill confidence in purchasing one of these kits to say the least, even though I've seen some positive reports on them.

he's not wrong it is the best when "working as designed" it's total crap when it fails

 

[Doubeleive]

I put Bilsteins on the silverado + airlift 5000's, airlift wireless pump, hellwig sway bar on the front, with 33" tires the thing rides like a couch no complaints

 

[Fifty]

I chased looking for a decent shock. Arnotts sagged and the ride was eh.

I wouldn’t waste the money on the fox 2.0

If you are going that route do the mag ride foolers and get a proper shock like a carbon shock or king.
Carbon will tune the shock for you and are more affordable.

If you get kings, order through filthy motorsports and pay to have them tuned. The generic tune they send the shocks with are just ok and leave a lot to be desired.

 

[gtrslngrchris]

I put Bilsteins on the silverado + airlift 5000's, airlift wireless pump, hellwig sway bar on the front, with 33" tires the thing rides like a couch no complaints

FWIW we have a 2014 Sierra with the same Fox 2.0 coilovers I have on my 2015 Yukon and her Sierra rides SO much nicer than my Yukon both before and after hotchkis sway bars. I really wish my Yukon Denali rode as nice as that SLE Sierra does...

 

[K2xxSteve]

Ended up trading the Burb rather than repairing. It was mostly sitting and we don't really need the space anymore, so decided to trade it while it was still below 100k miles and had some value. Thanks for all of the feedback here!