So I was at a parking lot a week and a half ago and another dually, roughly same generation was sitting beside my truck. This truck was much lower than mine but looked normal. I have a 98.5. The tires are barely inside the wheel wells. I have this brutal thought that it rides like crap, loaded or unloaded because its jacked 3in. I've been searching the net on spacer that the rear end is supposed to look like. Anyone able to help on diagnosing the height and what it actually should be?

 

These 2ng gen 4wd trucks sit very tall from the factory so unless its blatantly obvious that there's a lift on your truck, its likely that its just factory.

But that said, common lifts installed on these trucks are the 2" leveling kit which usually is identified by an approximately 2" round spacer found sitting on top of the coil springs. If the coils are flat black color and go all the way to the spring mounts then its likely stock height. The 2" leveling kit just brings the front of the truck up more in line with the rear height. Not really a "lift".

The rear springs have blocks from the factory. The factory blocks are around 4" tall and they have a perch jetting out to the inside for bump stops. If you have something different then you may have a lift.

The best way to tell is if you can post some pictures of your suspension.

 

Ok... Not sure if pics will work.

Front from chrome wheel well to top of tire is 8.5 and back, same deal is almost 10.

The back block is 5in tall, looks like stock block that you were describing.

I'm a bit frustrated with the beast, the front right shock is starting to make noise(as if it's been maxing) and it's new, like all around, except for front springs and rear spring leafs and she is solid, loaded to the **** or not. Like the ride just breaks ya.

What do you think?

 

Not sure why pic insert isn't working.

 

The pictures worked. They're just located in your photo gallery instead of showing up in the post.

And yes, the suspension looks completely stock. These year 4wd trucks just sit tall.

As for ride condition, I would suggest a couple things. First off, if the shocks are in poor condition then you're going to feel it and you may want to look at a new set. Bilsteins shocks are very popular in these forums. They definitely not the cheapest chocks either but they're one of the best shocks available for these trucks. I have Rancho 9000's which are adjustable and I like them a lot. I wouldn't choose any shock brand beside those two I mentioned either. Lots of cheap garbage that isnt capable of holding the weight of the Cummins for very long.

Other than that, check the air pressure in your tires. Dually's will ALWAYS ride more firm than a SRW truck simply because of the added tire mass on the rear axle. But unless you're towing heavy, there is no reason to have the tire air pressure maxed out, and having a lot of air pressure in them will only make the ride terrible. There are tire pressure charts you can use to more accurately calculate what pressure is best for your vehicles weight and sometimes you'd be shocked how little air you need in them when compared to the maximum air pressure on the tire.

Lastly, if the tires are old then there isnt much you can do about them running firm because old tires get harder with age and the tread wears thinner which both leads to them absorbing the road bumps less.

 

Fudge, was really hoping it was lifted..

Will try the air pressure. Had already replaced the shocks all around. Thanks.

 

What is your tire pressures? And what shocks did you get? Surprisingly, shocks that are too soft will allow the tires to travel farther into the progressively stiffer part of the suspension and can cause harsh rides just as much as stocks that are too stiff.

 

It's a one ton, it is going to ride like a buck board due to the springs which were designed to carry a heavy load...shocks aren't going to soften it any....

 

Sounds like a stock 1 ton truck to me.
They are not designed to be a soft, smooth ride.

 

Granted.....I agree that 1 tons tend to ride more rigid but they dont ride so bad that you're chipping teeth. Especially if you have any weight in the back. So if its jarring enough to cause reason for concern then its either shocks, old tires, overly high air pressure, or a combination of all those listed.

 

Can't remember shocks, but the air is was pretty much the primary problem. Now running 65 in front and 45 on back. Almost feels like a normal truck now.

I'll try the Rancho shocks in a year, lots of good comments about them.

 

Thanks for the update.

 

Thuren and Carli offer some soft riding front coils for your truck.
They also offer some longer shocks.
https://www.thurenfabrication.com/2-...nce-coils.html

 

It's funny, my truck is bone stock and sits level with a buddies 93 GMC sitting on a 4 inch lift, and he swears up and down that my truck is lifted.

 

^^same here. The 2nd Gens just have generous wheelwells...