Sierra SLT with X31 package ride quality

[gmcsierra71]

I am looking at SLTs for casual driving ( I don't need a truck for off road use). However,  I noticed a lot of SLT's have the X31 package.

Is there a noticeable difference of ride quality between an SLT without the X31 package versus and SLT with the X31 package?

[Phantom 4D]

I have a 2019 SLT X31. The ride can be a bit rough. On the interstate or good roads, it's not too bad. A bit stiff due to the off road shocks. There are two wheel drive SLE and SLT, but finding a dealer that has them is not easy. 

[ddc1279]

I have a 2023 GMC Sierra SLT 2wd.  Prior to that I was in a 2022 Chevy Silverado LT 4x4 and I notice the 2wd GMC is a little smoother ride.  I wouldn't say that it is terribly noticeable though.  The Chevy had Goodyear tires and the GMC has Bridgestone tires.. this could be another factor but Im pretty sure the size is the same between the 2 vehicle (both 20" wheels).

 

I just happened to find a 2wd SLT and jumped on it because it offered me everything I was looking for at a great price to replace the Silverado that was totaled out due to an accident.

 

If you aren't in need of the extras that the x31 package is going to give you (for the price of course), then get without if you can find.  

[Gangly]

The X31 is the equivalent of the Silverado Z71 package.  It will include Rancho "off road" shocks as factory standard, but they are a soft shock in my opinion.  However, I LOVED the ride of the factory Rancho shocks, until they took a dump at 20k miles.

 

The base 4x4 package (non X31 or Z71) will have an even softer shock as well, much more close to the 2WD shocks.  I don't know if the Sierra has a base 4x4 model like the Silverado, but look there if you want a 4x4 with a softer suspension without going aftermarket.

 

[newdude]

To me, they are a wash in terms of regular 4x4 vs Z71/X31.  I'm in them everyday more than just my truck.  

 

Wheel and tire package has a fair bit of play to ride quality as well and I feel like gets overlooked.  The 18s and the 20s (to me) offer the best ride.  

Edited September 14, 2023 by newdude

[Mark Scannura]

I have a 2022 SLT 4x4 crew cab short bed with the X31. I test drove one without the X31 and I thought the ride was mushy and not in a good way at all. Mushy not to be confused with plush. I also had the dealer install the 2-inch GM factory lift so it's the same as the AT4/TB. I like the ride even better. The on road experience is great. Its smooth, controlled and quiet. I kept the OE 275/60/20 wheels and Dueler ATs (barley at AT) P rated tires. This is a very road compliant set up. You can hear a pin drop inside this truck at 70. Of course, off road this set up has its limits but it's just okay for what I do. I am looking to upgrade the struts and shocks to address the off-road short comings of the OE dampers but I will keep the OE wheels and tire size. Wheels/tires have a huge impact on ride quality. 

[Dunn]

Had multiple variations of both and tires will play a bigger role

 

Like newdude said their isn't much between em

 

The Ranchos are garbage as an "offroad" shock....

 

X31/Z71 Is good for 2 spd transfer case, hill descent and bit more aggressive tire thats about it

 

Their definition of offroad is very very mild

[gmcsierra71]

I just test drove an SLT with the X31 package and an SLT with just the 4x4 option. Both trucks had the same of road tires. On the test drive, i thought the non X31 drove a little smoother (not as bouncy). Therefore, I preferred the 4x4. Issus is that I like the dual exhaust on the new trucks but I can only get that by buying a 6.2 engine or the X31 package.

[Ted Stryker]

I've had my new 2023 SLT 4x4 X31 with 3.0 for 2 weeks. I like the ride.  it is smooth and comfortable for my 30 mile commute.

[Dunn]

On 9/16/2023 at 12:04 PM, gmcsierra71 said:

I just test drove an SLT with the X31 package and an SLT with just the 4x4 option. Both trucks had the same of road tires. On the test drive, i thought the non X31 drove a little smoother (not as bouncy). Therefore, I preferred the 4x4. Issus is that I like the dual exhaust on the new trucks but I can only get that by buying a 6.2 engine or the X31 package.

X31 should have had a different tire....that is part of the pkg I believe....every one I've had did