stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

I recently switched out my air suspension system with coils and a 3 in torsion key lift. I also installed new pitman, idler,tie rod ends. Im running 37s for tires.

The steering was very loose and I ended up replacing the gearbox. The gearbox fixed 80% of the play. Any suggestions on what else to do for a tighter steering.

My other issue is the suspension. When I hit a pothole or go over the smallest bump in the road it feels and sounds like the truck is riding on the frame. I have been looking at stocks online and cant figure out which ones i need. Any advise would be great.

Thanks

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

The more you crank the torsion keys the harder it rides...

Forget about the OEM tierods, their a joke....and get-

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/pr..._Steering.html

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/pr...Hummer_H2.html

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/pr...Hummer_H2.html

I intentionally left out a solid center link as thats more expensive than all three of the above.

Inspect the steering shaft and everything else for play. Just get someone inside the truck, have them turn the wheel back and fourth while your looking at the steering components.

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

The torsion keys still have about a inch left of thread i was going to crank them a few more times to get the front end up a bit more but wont now. If I crank them back for a softer ride what can I do to level the front?

Have a buddy coming tonight to help with steering.

O and should I get a stabilizer?

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

You have probably reached the metal bump stops.....check how much clearance you have there.

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

MUD is correct...cranking those torsion keys makes the truck right like sh!t (just as you've described).

This will fix you right up for the 'riding on the frame' feel and to level the truck:
Cognito UCA Kit: http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_...roducts_id=324

I agree with MUD's rec on the Idler Pivot Assembly and Pitman, Idler Support Kit as preventative measures, but would caution you against the Cognito tie rods. I went with the Cogs at first, but they barely lastest 2 years before the dealer said they were becoming unsafe and the steering had become super sloppy. There's several threads on here about how the quality of the Cognito rods have gone downhill.

The Kryptonite rods tightened everything back up for me...and they're one of the heaviest, thickest tie rods I've seen for our trucks.
http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_...roducts_id=377

I had a Fabtech steering stabilizer put on and can honestly say that I see no difference what-so-ever in how the vehicle steers.

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

Hi when you installed the coil springs did you put the rubber insulators on the top and botton of the coil springs?

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

I did not install rubber insulators. The kit just had coils. Would shocks help?

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

Hi No, thats why it sounds like your riding on the frame. All Gm rear coil spring cars and trucks have them. Being that it was a conv. spring it should have came with them, i guess they are sold seperate. They MUST be installed. I got this part # from another members thread so hopefully its correct. They go on top and bottom so 4 are needed.


Part: 15765071*
Category: All
Description: INSULATOR
Min.Qty: 1
Unit Price: $5.84
Quantity: 4

Re: stiff ride and lose steering after coil spring install
 

Thanks everyone for the responses.
TRW-- I will order the insulators today . Those appear to be the right part numbers. thanks :)
GURUERROR-- The Kryptonite tie rods sound good.
INDY--- Where are the metal bump stops located?

And about shocks. Can anyone recommend anything. I see shocks with as little as 15 in full extended up to 30 in full extended. The coil spring lifted the rear at least 3 in and the front came up a few inches with the torsion keys. And the 37 tires gave a little lift. I have been looking and looking but cant figure it out, lol. Thanks again for all the help.