Upgrading the ride quality of your Duramax isn’t just about making it off-road capable or giving it a tough look, it’s about creating a driving experience that even your passengers (yes, including your wife) will appreciate. Whether you’re navigating rugged backroads or gliding down the highway, combining performance and comfort starts with the right modifications. Here’s a complete guide to dialing in your Duramax for a smoother, more enjoyable ride.

Suspension Upgrades, Where Comfort Meets Control

• Torsion Bars, Control Arms, Leveling Kits, and Lift Kits

  • If your torsion bars are cranked, you’re sacrificing ride quality for height. This raises the spring rate and reduces droop travel, which can cause a harsh, jarring ride. The fix? Reset them to factory settings or upgrade to Cognito Comfort Ride torsion bars for improved ride quality.

  • If you are wanting the leveled look, make sure you at least upgrade your Upper Control Arms to Kryptonite so they don't bottom out on every bump in the road. If you have not leveled the truck yet and want to, we have you covered with the softest riding leveling kit in the market.

  • For lift kits, we always recommend going with a larger lift kit than you think is necessary. Most people will move to lift kits when they are searching for a larger wheel and tire set up however they will make the mistake of going a little too small on the lift and then they are required to crank the torsion keys/bars to fit the wheels and tires they have selected. With the larger wheels and tires, this may ride even worse than your Amazon leveling kit. When selecting a lift, you should refer to the manufacturers wheel and tire fitment guides and find one that fits your desired Wheel and Tire at the lowest height setting possible. This will allow the suspension to be "relaxed" which creates a much more desirable ride. For example, on the 2007.5-2010 LMM Duramax, most 4-6" lift kits say they will fit 35's, however that is the max fitment of that lift, meaning you would need to crank the torsion bars to get there. A much better option for this application would be a 7-9" Lift Kit so you can leave the suspension relaxed. 

• Shock Absorbers: Your factory shocks weren’t built with premium ride quality in mind. An upgrade here can dramatically transform how your truck handles and feels on the road.

  • Bilstein 5100: Offers a softer, more comfortable ride when operating under a budget. They will also out perform your stock shocks when it comes to body sway.

  • Fox 2.0 Performance: Adds control and support, great for trucks that see both road and trail. Plus the silver body is a perfect addition to the aesthetics of any truck!

  • Fox 2.5 Performance Elite or KING 2.5 OEM series: The gold standard. These high-end shocks offer unmatched damping and control, ideal for those who want the best.

• Progressive Leaf Springs & Sulastic Shackles

  • To improve rear suspension ride, consider progressive leaf springs like those from Deaver. These are fantastic, especially in lifted application where you can remove the rear lift blocks. They’re smoother but may reduce load capacity—add airbags if you tow frequently.

  • For a quick rear-end upgrade, Sulastic shackles reduce bounce and harshness, improving comfort over bumps.

Tire and Wheel Considerations

• Wheel Selection

  • The wider the wheel, the rougher the ride.

  • The taller the sidewall of the tire, the better the ride. We suggest going smaller on the wheel diameter which will allow for a taller tire sidewall. "More Rubber" which can absorb bumps in the road easier.

• Tire Selection

  • Tires are your truck’s first contact with the road, and they play a major role in ride quality. For everyday driving, avoid aggressive tread patterns unless you’re doing serious off-roading. Choose trusted brands like:

    • BFG

    • Toyo

    • Nitto

    • Michelin

  • Tires with less aggressive treads offer a quieter, smoother ride.

• Tire Pressure

  • Running your tires at max PSI when the truck is unloaded makes the ride unnecessarily stiff. For example, with 35” tires on 20” wheels, aim for 45–55 PSI when not towing. This reduces center tread wear and improves comfort. Remember, when towing, inflate to the tire’s rated PSI to match the weight demand.

Steering and Alignment: The Overlooked Essentials

• Steering Stabilizer

  • Steering Stabilizers can wear just like shocks and may cause bump steer or a pull in your steering.

  • Starting in 2016, GM stopped including a steering stabilizer on Duramax trucks—but that doesn’t mean you don’t need one. If you’ve added bigger tires, this upgrade is essential. Kryptonite’s Steering Stabilizer Bracket allows for easy installation of a stabilizer, reducing steering wheel vibration and improving control—especially helpful on rough terrain or at highway speeds.

• Wheel Alignment & Balancing

  • Misalignment and unbalanced wheels cause vibrations, uneven wear, and a rough ride. Regular checks ensure your suspension works as intended and that your tires wear evenly.

• Final Checks: Don’t Ignore Wear and Tear

  • Even with the best parts, worn components can compromise everything. Inspect your entire suspension and steering system regularly, ball joints, bushings, tie rods, and shocks for signs of wear. Replacing worn parts restores ride quality and prevents further damage.

Conclusion

• Build the Ride You Deserve

  • Elevating your Duramax’s ride quality is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about transforming your truck into a daily driver that balances performance and comfort. From choosing the right tires and adjusting PSI, to upgrading shocks, control arms, and shackles, each change contributes to a smoother, more refined driving experience.

With the right setup, your Duramax can handle weekend towing, weekday commuting, and everything in between without punishing your spine. Trust the process, invest in the right parts, and enjoy every mile of the journey.

Ready to upgrade your ride? Your back and your passengers will thank you.