What Makes My 1994 GMC Sierra Truck Hit Bumps Hard?

When driving around in your 1994 GMC Sierra, you definitely expect a smooth ride. But if that's not what you're getting, there may be something wrong. Two major things to look at if this is the case; the shock absorbers and the tires.

Overinflated Tires

The tires don't quite play as large a role in this issue as the shocks do, but they can certainly make a difference. If your tires have more pressure in them than what they're rated for, then they will hit bumps harder.

Stiff Shocks

Some shocks are designed to have springs that are more stiff than others. You will typically find these applications in trucks, much like the Sierra. They are designed this way so they will be able to carry heavy loads without the tires hitting the frame of the truck. If you don't typically carry heavy loads, you can have these adjusted by a professional.

Bad Shocks

Finally you may want to have your shocks checked at your local mechanic. Somewhat hard bumps are normal in a truck due to their shock construction, but if it's too hard then you may have bad shocks. Upon replacement, you can get softer shocks as well, making for a more smooth ride.

References

• "Auto Repair for Dummies"; Deanna Sclar; 2008