Improving empty ride quality
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 90
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Improving empty ride quality
I just bought a 2017 F-250 SRW Reg Bed with the FX4 Package. Although I've had 3/4 ton trucks for work and play for years, they were all GM's, this is my first Ford. I love the truck but the empty ride is killing my back and neck. It's not that it "hits" so hard so much as I have a constant bed chatter and bouncing that I just can't live with. I'm running the stock Michelian AT'2's and running them with an with 53PSI. What are my options? I'm considering adding 400-500 pounds of weight to bed? Can I change out the shocks? What about removing a leaf and adding air bags ( I do tow 3,000 boat weekly, and a 14,000 pound 5th wheel a half dozen times a year)
I know this is a Truck and not a grocery getter..But It's my daily driver as well and I want a ride I can live with. My 3/4 Duramax's rode much better, but I am impressed with all other elements of the Ford, except for the ride.
I know this is a Truck and not a grocery getter..But It's my daily driver as well and I want a ride I can live with. My 3/4 Duramax's rode much better, but I am impressed with all other elements of the Ford, except for the ride.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 137
Likes: 2
From: Northern NY State
I had a half ton that did that until I overloaded it one day after that the ride was a lot softer. My brother refereed to it as riding like a buck board. Change the tires to P rated tires but I wouldn't recommend towing your 5th wheel with those tires. The P rated tires have a softer sidewall and absorb some of the ride.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 633
Likes: 2
From: So. Utah
The weight will help as will removing a leaf with the air bags. I would really stress the leaf be done by a good shop as they will know which one is best to remove .....or they may have a better idea.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
Mine rides a lot better when it has some weight in the bed, but I just drop the tire pressure down to 55 psi and don't worry about it. The bumps on paved roads don't bother me, but my road and driveway are gravel and it will about beat you to death.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 137
Likes: 2
From: Northern NY State
Taking the Leaf out kind of defeats the purpose of buying an F 250 and when you tow that 5th wheel you might not like that you did it. I would try adding the weight first if you don't use the bed to haul things. If your determined to take a leaf out go to a good reputable shop and get it done right.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 32
From: Maryville, TN
Taller tires and some quality adjustable shocks should do the trick. These trucks are known to have junk shocks from the factory, including the fx4, no reason to think 2017's would be any better.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 43
From: Land of Taxes
It is what it is. Its not a Cadillac and never will be. No junk IFS front end for a cushy ride. Only a manly beefy solid axle as an HD truck should have. If you bought it for anything other then a work horse you will be disappointed. An 8' plow will mellow it out...lol
9000 series adjustable Ranchos could improve it but not a ton. Shock Warehouse has the best prices. You will get used to the ride.
9000 series adjustable Ranchos could improve it but not a ton. Shock Warehouse has the best prices. You will get used to the ride.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: South Jersey
I'm sorry but I'm gonna be that one who says it. first ive driven in older and newer model trucks from gm Ford and Dodge and THEY ALL RIDE LIKE TRUCKS PERIOD. Second this kind of bs is why Ford has ruined the trucks after 2010 models with super soft sprung heavy duty trucks and why they sag the worst out of any truck on the road today! it's a truck and it's made to work if that's not what you need it for go trade it in and buy a 1/2 ton.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
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.
I'm sorry but I'm gonna be that one who says it. first ive driven in older and newer model trucks from gm Ford and Dodge and THEY ALL RIDE LIKE TRUCKS PERIOD. Second this kind of bs is why Ford has ruined the trucks after 2010 models with super soft sprung heavy duty trucks and why they sag the worst out of any truck on the road today! it's a truck and it's made to work if that's not what you need it for go trade it in and buy a 1/2 ton.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
Likes: 255
From: Livermore Ca.
What you need is air bags. it will do 2 things.
First it will help to level the load when the 5th wheel is hooked up.
Second it will cushion the ride when the truck is unloaded.
Adding weight will cushion the ride but do you really want to do that then unload it to go camping.
I to had this problem and solved it with Firestone air bags from Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts | SD Truck Springs
I would also suggest getting the on board pump at the same time. I have to add one to my truck now because its a pain to air up and down from a separate air pump all the time.
The shocks are designed for a combination of driving conditions but mostly for a loaded truck. Thats why the harsh ride. Also it may be because the suspension needs to settle a bit. Or loosen up some.
First it will help to level the load when the 5th wheel is hooked up.
Second it will cushion the ride when the truck is unloaded.
Adding weight will cushion the ride but do you really want to do that then unload it to go camping.
I to had this problem and solved it with Firestone air bags from Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts | SD Truck Springs
I would also suggest getting the on board pump at the same time. I have to add one to my truck now because its a pain to air up and down from a separate air pump all the time.
The shocks are designed for a combination of driving conditions but mostly for a loaded truck. Thats why the harsh ride. Also it may be because the suspension needs to settle a bit. Or loosen up some.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 85
Likes: 8
From: Pennsylvania
I'd start by adding some weight in the bed. Mine rides hard too when it's empty (which I expected), but just some weight on the hitch from my boat (I'm guessing about 200-250lbs of tongue weight) makes a noticeable difference in ride. Adjusting air pressure may help as well, but I haven't tried that yet.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 32
From: Maryville, TN
Originally Posted by Chuck's First Ford
50 front and 45 rear. add some weight. but I have 17 inch wheels. so taller sidewall tires.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
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.