So I've been reading the posts and one of last ones on parts preferences caught my attention....

My truck rides like a 70's Cadillac Brougham, I mean this thing floats like Muhammad Ali, so my question is how stiff are the Bilsteins? I tend to haul firewood often as well as pull my 17' bass boat and I was just wondering how the ride would be... I'm getting new tires today and I'm looking to replace the shocks later on this week. Any help or comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

The following in based on my opinion and my opinion only so take it for what it is worth to you.

The bilesteins give a very controlled ride. They definitely firm up from stock. For better or worse the T100 rides like a truck on the rear end. I didn't notice a difference when I swapped to bilesteins when the bed is unloaded, well actually I think I have less axle wrap. Loaded the ride is much better and much more controlled. I would get them again hands down and when the time comes, the other two vehicles will be getting them.

Yes, the nose is remarkably squishy.

I don't think shocks alone is the answer. I've got Rancho 9000's up front on my truck. I got them cheap and they are adjustable. At their stiffest, the front end is harsher, but still bobbs tremendously over speedbumps and such.

I really think you need stiffer front springs, coupled with better shocks, to make the front end behave. On another thread recently there were postings by members about the different aftermarket front springs, their size and effect, as several had them.

The rear isn't harsh and truck like if it's lubricated. Most folks neglect to lubricate their leaves, and the spring binds. Jack the truck up, letting the axle hang. Spray a lubricant into the spring between each leaf. You can use anything, but I'd suggest a rust solvent first, and then a thicker chain and cable lube next. Now take the truck for a ride, and you'll be amazed at how different it feels.

In stock form, squishy nose and all, the truck handles a ton + trailer load with ease. No problems with braking or stability. The only area I distinctly feel it is power wise. The 3.4 is a fine engine, but it is not a massively powerfull towing engine. Don't mistake me, it will pull that load up the hills at interstate speed, just that you'll be floored doing it.

Does lubing the springs help reduce the axle wrap or is that a completely different subject?

Lubing does prevent some binding up of the springs and probably affects axle wrap by a very little. Not enough to matter if it does. Lubing stops squeaks, which my T develops every couple of months.