2006 International 7500 Unbearable Ride

Yes it should have a gap. Maybe @Heavyd can give a idea of how much.

 

Those rubber auxiliary "springs" are a factory option and do not have much of a gap from what I see, if they do it is minimal. With those trucks, the heavier they are, the nicer they ride. If this doesn't cab suspension, it will ride rough.

 

One place I worked had a 4x4 7600 service truck. IIRC it ran on the stops as well.

 

Some are just tough bricks running down the road. If you don't run heavy, remove the auxiliary rubbers.

 

I've had this EXACT issue with a Freightliner M2106 24' Flatbed as well. I've driven it for 2 Years hauling Underground Utility piping (including Layers of Iron ductile pipe).

That seat shock is a MAJOR, MAJOR issue. Obviously. The one on my truck was useless. I complained to high heavens and my Manager poo poo'd me off continually. Thought I just wanted a new truck and a cushy ride. Managers like this suck...,,,,,m...k..y balls !

Prior 2 years before my current job hauled pallets of shingles with exact same setup M2106 but with Princeton forklifts. I currently drive a truck exactly like yours (except mine is a 2007).

Couple things come to mind with the ####ty ride you're experiencing.

1) Does your truck have rear Air Ride springs, Leaves or that other spring configuration (not sure what it's called) ?

2) How many miles on your truck and how was it used before you bought it ?

3) Single rear axle or tandems ?

4) Got pics of it for us ?

5) Was your InterSmashable a converted (stretched) Day Cab ? Meaning was the day cab frame extended to it's current length ? Ours is. The rear tandems sit way back near the end of the truck. The center of gravity when loaded puts way to much weight on the front springs IMHO. Our's rides ok.

My thought is your front and maybe rear springs (not air ride springs) are whipped. Worn out. Shocks most likely toast as well.