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Improving empty ride quality

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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 08:01 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Ron94150
Do you just live with the tpms light on all the time and having to reset the display every time you start the truck?
The placard pressure can be changed. Mine has been changed to 50psi. I run 50 f/r on my 2016 with 285/70R17. The best part is that you can do it yourself with FORScan.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 08:51 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by phillips91
Good info on the springs Tom. Just from giving it the eyeball test, the 2011-current generation does look like they sag a lot more than the previous generation does though. Could be a difference in initial ride level giving the impression that it's sagging more.
Dunno, Josh. I didn't think my '11 sagged any more or less than my '08 did. I think most people complaining of sag aren't aware of the actual weight they're placing on the truck. Topic for a different thread, I suppose.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 09:10 AM
  #18  
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I would start with just adding some weight. Add in 100 pound increments until you get the ride you want. Because you may have to unload that weight if you ever need to haul something.


I bought Rancho 9000 for my Jeep for the same reason. They do help because the shocks are valved for mass capacity. Problem is you have to climb under there to adjust them. You will not want to tow at the valving you find comfortable as a daily driver. If you do go that route I suggest you look into a system that is adjustable from inside the cab.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 09:21 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Toolman76
The placard pressure can be changed. Mine has been changed to 50psi. I run 50 f/r on my 2016 with 285/70R17. The best part is that you can do it yourself with FORScan.
Is the FORScan difficult to use for a person that is computer stupid? I'm tired of dealing with my light.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 10:44 AM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Ron94150
Is the FORScan difficult to use for a person that is computer stupid? I'm tired of dealing with my light.
It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Everything is in a menu that can be modified. It's either enable/disable or checking boxes. Tire pressure placard has a list of available options and you select what you want. You will need a laptop with Bluetooth and one of these.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/KW902-Mini-Bluetooth-Wireless-OBD-II-Car-Auto-Diagnostic-Scan-Tools-For-Android-/131788100584?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253 DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202348%2 526meid%253D5009c56b17ba43849749b0c6034e0183%2526p id%253D100408%2526rk%253D3%2526rkt%253D25%2526sd%2 53D121501151085&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460&var Id=431157305539
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 11:24 AM
  #21  
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So far lots of good info. I am going to start with changing the stock FX 4 Shocks out to Billetstein 5100. Any experience with these? I am confused on airbags though?? I thought airbags were for a better ride with a 5th wheel hooked up? Empty wouldnt the air bags make the truck ride even rougher?

It think when folks say these are trucks and they are supposed to ride rough...I agree to a certain point. But I cannot run two trucks....and I need the diesel for towing my 5th wheel...So for me I want best unloaded ride I can get as I drive unloaded mon-fri and then need to tow on weekends.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 11:41 AM
  #22  
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If you think an empty 3/4 or 1 ton rides rough empty, go sit in the back seat and take a ride.

Ridiculous that people buy these trucks and have to buy hundreds of dollars worth of junk to have put on. Responsibility lies directly with the manufacturer but I think a leveling kit is a cause of the sag.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 11:44 AM
  #23  
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.....and a diesel up front just makes it hit that much harder on the bumps and RR tracks
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 11:47 AM
  #24  
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I have a 2wd F-250 and my brother has the 4wd version.
His 4 wd rides much stiffer then my truck. I think you have to look at the front suspension as the biggest component to your ride, not the rear.
Maybe softer coils?
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 11:57 AM
  #25  
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I added 4 - 60 lb tube sand bags from Home Depot to the rear of the bed. Appears to improve the ride considerably. Also have Bilstein 5100s.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 12:14 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Toolman76
It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Everything is in a menu that can be modified. It's either enable/disable or checking boxes. Tire pressure placard has a list of available options and you select what you want. You will need a laptop with Bluetooth and one of these.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/KW902-Mini-Blu...d=431157305539
Any idea if the iPhone version will work on the tpms? Sorry OP for the hijack, but if you drop air pressure, it could relate directly to you.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 01:10 PM
  #27  
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I would not suggest going to a 4 ply tire. Most states that would not even be legal. Not so sure about removing a leaf either. I may go with some weight in the bed. Silly to lug around the extra weight, but if it fixes a problem. Better than hauling the boat around everywhere. Adding air bags is a good idea. You could put a leveling kit on the front, many guys say it helps ride as it shifts vehicle toward the rear (can't claim the truth of that, but makes sense). The air bags can keep you from squatting while you are loaded and towing.
Also play with air pressure some. Go down when not working, bump psi back up when loaded.
Seems to be the only down fall to these trucks that can carry so much weight. It requires extra steps to get a better unloaded ride then have it ready for a heavy load.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 01:40 PM
  #28  
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I called Bilestein and they recomened the 4600. They told me the 5100 was for lifting the truck and or leveling the front?
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 02:08 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Ron94150
Any idea if the iPhone version will work on the tpms? Sorry OP for the hijack, but if you drop air pressure, it could relate directly to you.
I think only a Windows based PC will work with the program. You might look around of Forscan.org to be sure.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 06:42 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Tom
Seems like I've heard more positive things about replacing the shocks than just about anything else. Rancho and Bilstein are both good choices, and are fairly inexpensive and easy mods to start with. Don't recommend removing a leaf from the suspension...there are only three in the primary pack, and you will have serious axle control issues if you remove them. This will negatively impact trailer sway as well as unloaded handling. You can swap them for softer springs if you don't have the lowest GAWR, but don't modify the spring pack.



Not only unhelpful, but false. Spring rates between the 2011+ trucks are identical to the previous generation, see attached.

Ford can put down whatever they like on them spec sheets, real world clearly proves it's false
 
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