Better ride quality
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2014
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From: Kearney
Better ride quality
So I bought a 1976 Ford F150 2WD with a 300 inline 6 and 4 spd in it. I've been working on it just to make it ride a little better since it is my daily driver. The shocks that were in it were completely destroyed and it handled terribly so I replaced all the shocks on it. It has four shocks in the front also. Now it handles better but it is stiff, especially when on dirt roads when you hit some wash boards. I feel like the truck is going to rattle to pieces. Keep in mind I bought the cheapest shocks I could, which is my issue I know, but I'm also in college and on a budget. Does anyone know any better shocks that could improve my ride quality?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
So I bought a 1976 Ford F150 2WD with a 300 inline 6 and 4 spd in it. I've been working on it just to make it ride a little better since it is my daily driver. The shocks that were in it were completely destroyed and it handled terribly so I replaced all the shocks on it. It has four shocks in the front also.
Now it handles better but it is stiff, especially when on dirt roads when you hit some wash boards. I feel like the truck is going to rattle to pieces. Keep in mind I bought the cheapest shocks I could, which is my issue I know, but I'm also in college and on a budget. Does anyone know any better shocks that could improve my ride quality?
Now it handles better but it is stiff, especially when on dirt roads when you hit some wash boards. I feel like the truck is going to rattle to pieces. Keep in mind I bought the cheapest shocks I could, which is my issue I know, but I'm also in college and on a budget. Does anyone know any better shocks that could improve my ride quality?
I suggest removing the two "non-stock" shocks.
... and you're driving a truck that was built to work designed for mostly utilitarian purposes. It would take mods ($$$) if you were to attempt to make it ride like today's luxo-trucks.
The "best" approach are progressive coil springs and shocks like Monroe Gas Magnums, and out back softer leaf springs. Still, it's gonna ride like a 40-year old truck unless it's equipped with a full air bag system.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,974
Likes: 4,132
From: Angier, NC
Four? Sounds like someone modded it...
I suggest removing the two "non-stock" shocks.
... and you're driving a truck that was built to work designed for mostly utilitarian purposes. It would take mods ($$$) if you were to attempt to make it ride like today's luxo-trucks.
The "best" approach are progressive coil springs and shocks like Monroe Gas Magnums, and out back softer leaf springs. Still, it's gonna ride like a 40-year old truck unless it's equipped with a full air bag system.
I suggest removing the two "non-stock" shocks.
... and you're driving a truck that was built to work designed for mostly utilitarian purposes. It would take mods ($$$) if you were to attempt to make it ride like today's luxo-trucks.
The "best" approach are progressive coil springs and shocks like Monroe Gas Magnums, and out back softer leaf springs. Still, it's gonna ride like a 40-year old truck unless it's equipped with a full air bag system.
Was a "quad" shock an option for them back then? If not how would he have gotten 4 shocks for the truck?
If you think he just got 4 of the stock 2 shock set up then the shock valving could make for a stiff ride and removing 1 on each side may help?
Dave ----
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 992
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From: Dallas, OR
I am reading two on each side on the front for a total of four. I just can't fathom someone putting quad shocks on a 2WD. Wasn't dual shocks in front a Ford option in the 78-79? Maybe someone mixed and matched some parts?
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 559
Likes: 4
From: Australian Outback
I would look into suspension bushings, these wear out and if not replaced contribute to poor/harsh ride. I replaced the front end bushings and shocks on my '79 Chrysler and was rewarded with a *much* better ride as a result. It might not be an easy option (suspension work rarely is) but it will help.
You may also want to look at the cab mounts - degraded mounts will rattle the bejesus out of you for sure.
Lastly, I know this isn't what you complained about... but the engine and transmission mounts will contribute to smoothness of ride as well.
Cheers - boingk
You may also want to look at the cab mounts - degraded mounts will rattle the bejesus out of you for sure.
Lastly, I know this isn't what you complained about... but the engine and transmission mounts will contribute to smoothness of ride as well.
Cheers - boingk
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
I agree ditch the extra front shocks. Single stock replacement shocks in the stock location will help ride. Doubling up shocks will hurt.
Also agree check over the rest of the suspension joints and bushings... looseness there can create harshness and noise.
These trucks were good riding in their day and still today IMO. Even my F250 after I ditched the aftermarket rear overload springs and installed new shocks.
Also agree check over the rest of the suspension joints and bushings... looseness there can create harshness and noise.
These trucks were good riding in their day and still today IMO. Even my F250 after I ditched the aftermarket rear overload springs and installed new shocks.
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Fleet Owner
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Great American SouthWest
My 78 F150 4x4 came with factory quad shocks up front. I replaced the shocks, and the factory steering stabilizer, with Rancho Suspension. RS-5000s, I think. Rides a lot better 
In the past, I put an aftermarket stabilizer on a 79 F250 4x2, but I don't believe there was a factory quad option for 4x2s
In the past, I put an aftermarket stabilizer on a 79 F250 4x2, but I don't believe there was a factory quad option for 4x2s
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