ride problems and I am "suspension stupid"

[Lindsay007s]

Let me start off by saying that I am not completely vehicle stupid, I can do most basic maintenance myself, but I have very little suspension knowledge (what parts do what and how to tell what's going bad). My truck is an '03 Z71 Tahoe on 265/65 18's. My most quizzical problem is that while driving on the highway (60-65 mph) and in a left curve my truck has a lot of what I describe as "corner to corner roll or rocking". What I mean by that is it feels like when the left rear goes down the right front comes up, dramatically, and vice versa. This is not an exaggerated front &/or rear bounce like bad shocks, I know what that is and they were replaced already (yes, they were bad). I can also feel it a little when driving on a straight but dippy road, only not so scary. This doesn't happen so much when in a right hand curve at highway speeds, although its still not rock solid. I do have a warranty on my truck and have asked to have this issue checked out only to be told that everything is fine. I am really starting to feel like~ silly me for thinking anyone would take a girly girl seriously when he says her truck has a problem. Any ideas as to what could be causing this type of ride problem would be greatly appreciated since it seems as though I may be dealing with parts replacers instead of problem solvers. Diagrams and links are appreciated, I am not just looking for an answer I want to learn.

 

[livingez_123]

Shocks, sway bar end links would be first on my list, when was the last front end alignment? could possibly have a bad body mount but that would be one of the last things I would check. Tire pressure.
New shocks doesn't mean one could have been bad or gone out.
girls just have a different way describing/explaining what is happening. People just have to learn to listen whats being said and not who it's coming from.

 

[imi4tth3w]

i would start with the alignment and have the front end checked out.

 

[WHITEOUT]

Sounds like you're describing, boat sway. I used to get that also, mainly highway driving, over dips in road. Would check shocks first. Just push down on bumper and see how many times it bounces. Ypu want it to only bounce like once, maybe twice, then return. Like EZ said, coulda got a bad one. Also check all connections, nuts/bolts, bushings. Sway bar brackets, end links, lower/upper control arms. Could have something loose. Especially at sway bar. EZ hit it, sway bar bushings could be shot, or have a loose nut/bolt.

Are you stock? Lowered? Lifted?

 

[Lindsay007s]

Thank you very much for the replies. My truck is stock except for upgrading to 18's. When I bought it the front end had been lowered as far as the tortion bars would go, we did re-adjust them to bring it back up just a little higher than stock, not level. Yes the alignment was redone after the adjustment and a "settling period". I have noticed it gradually starting to pull to the right recently, definitely need a realignment but the rocking came first. I have also recently started hearing a single loud pop when in a slow tight turn, like pulling into a parking place. When this happens it will usually pop once more while backing out and turning the opposite direction (didn't think about this in my initial post because it isn't happening a lot). And the front end is sqeaky. Thought having a lube job done at my last inspection would help with the squeaky ride but it didn't. Could all of these be linked or is she just starting to show her age? 123k miles.

 

[livingez_123]

I think she is starting to show her age. You cant grease the ball joints because they are sealed. (could be your popping noise) I have 130k on my Denali, and I'm getting a little play in the lower ball joints now. I also get a weird hop in the front end when turning into a tight parking spot. More often turning to the left then the right. It doesn't do it all the time, but I know it's time for new ball joints and all of the tie rod ends.