Softening the Ride
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 134
From: Burleson, Tx
Buy an avalanche? I can tell you my truck rides better than my neighbors avalanche ever did.
Or, a Cadillac. It is a truck, meant to do truck things which require a slightly more firm suspension, Part of that means you're going to get a truck like ride.
Or, a Cadillac. It is a truck, meant to do truck things which require a slightly more firm suspension, Part of that means you're going to get a truck like ride.
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New User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Obvious things aside, like, yeah I know it's a truck, but what do they do to the Expedition that makes it ride better, that can maybe be done to the F-150. I like the F-150, but being older, I would like not to rattle these here old bones around that much! :-) And if your Ford rides better than an Avalanche, you had to do something to it.....
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
Make sure you’re tires are not over inflated...that’s probably the only thing you can do without any mods. Or add some weight to the bed of the truck.
If you’re willing to spend some money, maybe Rancho’s adjustable shocks will make a difference. It’s possible the lighter settings will be softer than stock. Or if you’re running 20” rims you can downsize to 18” for more tire sidewall.
If you’re willing to spend some money, maybe Rancho’s adjustable shocks will make a difference. It’s possible the lighter settings will be softer than stock. Or if you’re running 20” rims you can downsize to 18” for more tire sidewall.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
Obvious things aside, like, yeah I know it's a truck, but what do they do to the Expedition that makes it ride better, that can maybe be done to the F-150. I like the F-150, but being older, I would like not to rattle these here old bones around that much! :-) And if your Ford rides better than an Avalanche, you had to do something to it.....
An independent rear suspension has a much better and smoother ride than a leaf spring rear suspension but it also gives up payload and towing ability.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 134
From: Burleson, Tx
Weight does help some too. But I come from driving trucks from the 70-80's and later trucks I've owned were 3/4 ton and then sports cars, so to me the factory F-150 is awesome.
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Moderator
Joined: May 2005
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From: San Antonio, TX
The Avalanche had coil springs in the rear and was built on a Suburban chassis. It was not a truck that was biased towards work. The Expedition has had a coil sprung independent rear suspension since ‘03.
Like was mentioned above, you can go with Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. Also as suggested, move to 18” wheels if you currently have 20s.
You can also try these
Sulastic. Leaf Spring Shackle
Like was mentioned above, you can go with Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. Also as suggested, move to 18” wheels if you currently have 20s.
You can also try these
Sulastic. Leaf Spring Shackle
New User
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Also, putting something heavy in the back will help a bit, especially when the truck is new. I can tell the smoothness difference even after the weight of a full tank of gas. The rear end is really, really light.
Sand or water jugs work well.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
You can see why it must be hard to manufacture trucks these days. There are pages of threads on Payload and what options to avoid to keep it high. Then there are pages asking how to make their truck have a softer ride. The two do not work well together.
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