Suspension question - re: rough ride
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 856
Likes: 3
From: Livonia, MI
Suspension question - re: rough ride
I have a 96 F150 Eddie Bauer. Love the truck, but i feel every little bump. If anyone has been to Michigan (Detroit area), you know that the roads are famous for just being horrible. The roads here are just completely chewed up, especially after the severe winter we just had. The problem with my truck is that every little bump in the road just rattles the truck. I can't even have a cup of coffee on the console because it shakes so much it spills out - even with a lid! I did put a 2" levelling kit on the front (basically just a new coil spring). new tires - 31" - all around, and I also replaced all four shocks when I first got the truck last fall. One of the rear springs sags a bit, so I'll be replacing those soon. I'm just wondering what part of the suspension controls this rough ride so that I can make it smooth? I'm thinking of looking at those air shocks - something like this:
Ford, F150, Air Lift, Air Suspension, Parts, AirLift 1000, Ride Control 59000, Air Spring Kit, Air Ride Suspension Parts, Helper Springs, Load Support - Suncore Industries.
or this:
RideTech CoolRide Air Spring & Bracket Builders Kit - 11009500 by RideTech by Air Ride
Do you think these aftermarket kits are needed?
Ford, F150, Air Lift, Air Suspension, Parts, AirLift 1000, Ride Control 59000, Air Spring Kit, Air Ride Suspension Parts, Helper Springs, Load Support - Suncore Industries.
or this:
RideTech CoolRide Air Spring & Bracket Builders Kit - 11009500 by RideTech by Air Ride
Do you think these aftermarket kits are needed?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Your rough ride is basically due springs that are in effect too strong for the vehicle weight and whatever load its carrying.
Since you've added those huge gumby tires that exaggerates the rough ride. Any tire/wheel combo larger than OEM tends to exhibit this same effect. I just replaced 225R75-16's with 245's (both E-Rated) and I can feel quite a difference with that small size increase.
No idea what valving your shocks have but those probably also contribute. Your approach with increasingly stiffer or heavier duty suspension parts leads you further and further from a soft comfy ride. MI roads are rough indeed but parts of OH are equally are up too---we'll feel the bumps, ruts and potholes with our larger, heavier sprung vehicles---sad fact of life.
Since you've added those huge gumby tires that exaggerates the rough ride. Any tire/wheel combo larger than OEM tends to exhibit this same effect. I just replaced 225R75-16's with 245's (both E-Rated) and I can feel quite a difference with that small size increase.
No idea what valving your shocks have but those probably also contribute. Your approach with increasingly stiffer or heavier duty suspension parts leads you further and further from a soft comfy ride. MI roads are rough indeed but parts of OH are equally are up too---we'll feel the bumps, ruts and potholes with our larger, heavier sprung vehicles---sad fact of life.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 856
Likes: 3
From: Livonia, MI
This makes sense because when it is hauling a load (either a trailer or towing something) it rides much smoother. I wonder if a stronger set of springs was installed by the owner. is there a way to tell if the current springs are original - or at least rated the same as original?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Sadly I can't answer that for you---I'm somewhat dealing with a rear spring issue myself! 
I've replaced the front coils with Moog along with new Michelin LTX's and suddenly its apparent my rear springs are at best weak. They're aren't sagging too significantly however the fishtailing of my E250 extended body is almost dangerous.
Airlift bags have partially restored my handling so next step is getting estimates to replace the rear springs with stock or slightly increased load handling capabilities.
Sorry I can't be more specific for you!
I've replaced the front coils with Moog along with new Michelin LTX's and suddenly its apparent my rear springs are at best weak. They're aren't sagging too significantly however the fishtailing of my E250 extended body is almost dangerous.
Airlift bags have partially restored my handling so next step is getting estimates to replace the rear springs with stock or slightly increased load handling capabilities.
Sorry I can't be more specific for you!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
In fact Airlift has a nice rebate running for a while---I'm waiting for my check in the mail as we speak!
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