Help from the gurus: '01 Lightning has the Hotchkiss lowering kit, sway bars, etc... Just installed the Hotchkis Bilstein shocks also. Truck still bounces too much for my taste.

I don't mind starting over again, but would like to hear recommedations. This is what I would like:

1) lowered look
2) better freeway handling (the rear still feels too light for me)
3) keep the bouncing a minimum.

I don't track the truck, don't plan on dragging it either. I have tried QA1's, never found the right settings to my liking.....

So, I want a lowered truck while getting the smoothest ride possible. Is that too much to ask?

 

Yes, you are asking too much. You don't describe "bouncy" in much detail, and that could mean too much suspension, or too little. But since I have personal experience with setups very similar to yours, I think that "bouncy" here means that the truck is upset by variations in the road.

The Hotchkis springs are stiff. Rough roads will upset the truck. That's the price one pays for handling. I know that it's not what you want to hear, but you will never have a smooth ride on uneven surfaces unless you go to a softer spring.

After all, why doesn't grandma's full-size handle well? Because the components were chosen for ride quality.

I would replace the stock leaves, and lower with hangers and shackles. In the front, I would go with FRPP springs, or trim the stockers. For shocks, I would try the Hotchkis Bilsteins with new springs before looking elsewhere. I would leave the anti-sways alone. Stiff anti-sways give a great handling payoff for the loss in ride quality.

 

Tim:

Glad you responded, I have checked your site ever since I got my L. Yes, your right, "bouncy" indeed does mean I feel like someone is jostling my body just crossing over a railroad crossing. And yes, a small pot hole jolts the truck seemingly pretty sharp.

So, when I purchased the Hotchkis setup; I knew the truck would handle better, especially thru the turns, but never would have imagined the truck would get so upset on anything but smooth pavement.

I agree also changing too many things at one time can never give a baseline. So, I installed the Hotchkis "system", but at that time there were no Hotchkis/Bilstein shocks, but they do now. So, I started with stock shocks, then QA1's, now Hotchkis/Bilstein. So now trying to improve the ride while keeping the truck lowered. I dont' care "how" the truck is lowered, but I agree the sway bars should stay.

Do you think FRPP springs are a better ride than the Hotchkis springs? If yes, what FRPP springs would you recommend... I am seeing "b" and "k" types...not sure what's the difference.