It could also be subjective too. No early hot rod is going to ride like a brand new Caddy, regardless of how we hot rodders think they do, so maybe you are just expecting it to be something it can't ever be. But as Jack said, with something like a Posies Superslide spring and the proper rate shocks, it should ride very well.

Tires are also a big factor here, you might have to play with pressure front and back to get a good balance.

One thing that puts my ears up is the rack you intalled. How and where did you attach it? I am not a fan of racks on straight axles, but that is just me.

Don