Improving the ride
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Joined: Jun 2018
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Improving the ride
I mentioned to a friend of mine that my truck (92 F-150 2wd 302) rides a LOT better when it has a load in the bed. It feels planted and steady and much more secure. When empty it rides like a truck. That's not necessarily bad. But, when loaded it is much more pleasant. My friend said they design them to ride well when loaded, so when it is empty its a little rougher or a little looser.
Other than driving around with sand bags in the bed, what else could I do to improve the ride. I do think my rear shocks might need to be replaced. When it is empty and I step on the bumper it is a little soft. It doesn't take much to make it bounce. The truck has 150,000 miles and new tires.
I just tested the shocks again. On the rear, it is pretty easy to push down the bed by standing on the bumper. BUT, it rebounds pretty quickly with only 1 bounce. The front is much firmer, but when it rebounds, it takes 2-3 bounces before it stops.
Other than driving around with sand bags in the bed, what else could I do to improve the ride. I do think my rear shocks might need to be replaced. When it is empty and I step on the bumper it is a little soft. It doesn't take much to make it bounce. The truck has 150,000 miles and new tires.
I just tested the shocks again. On the rear, it is pretty easy to push down the bed by standing on the bumper. BUT, it rebounds pretty quickly with only 1 bounce. The front is much firmer, but when it rebounds, it takes 2-3 bounces before it stops.
Last edited by Lawsnook; Jun 14, 2018 at 01:57 PM. Reason: more information
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 289
Likes: 4
I have a 95 2wd with the 8 foot bed. It definitely rides better with a load in the rear. If you are the second or third owner of your truck. I would definitely replace the shocks. 2-3 bounces in the front isn't bad. New coil springs up front make a world of difference. I still have the old leafs in the rear, which I know are terrible.
Otherwise it is a truck. My truck still rides better than my brother 2008 F250 powerstroke Lariat. That bench seat does the trick!
As for suggested parts. I have bilsteins up front and KYB monotone Gas A Just in the rear. I would love to have bilsteins in the rear but the KYBs do the trick for now. I found new coil springs on amazon and they are great! Can't complain.
Hope this helps!
I have a YouTube channel dedicated to these years of trucks It's called The Minute Masters: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT0...93jHqbEFt5qD0w
Otherwise it is a truck. My truck still rides better than my brother 2008 F250 powerstroke Lariat. That bench seat does the trick!
As for suggested parts. I have bilsteins up front and KYB monotone Gas A Just in the rear. I would love to have bilsteins in the rear but the KYBs do the trick for now. I found new coil springs on amazon and they are great! Can't complain.
Hope this helps!
I have a YouTube channel dedicated to these years of trucks It's called The Minute Masters: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT0...93jHqbEFt5qD0w
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 400
Likes: 57
From: Saskatchewan
Trucks are made for hauling stuff, so you would expect them to ride better with a load. The springs carry the load and the shocks (dampers) control the release of the energy from the springs. Good shocks will not permit any bounce when you compress a corner, stand on the bumper, and release it. The rebound damping on the shock should allow the spring to rise back up and not bounce. It sounds like your shocks need replacing and you'd think that with the spring rebound under better control the empty ride quality should improve.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I have a 95 2wd with the 8 foot bed. It definitely rides better with a load in the rear. If you are the second or third owner of your truck. I would definitely replace the shocks. 2-3 bounces in the front isn't bad. New coil springs up front make a world of difference. I still have the old leafs in the rear, which I know are terrible.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Trucks are made for hauling stuff, so you would expect them to ride better with a load. The springs carry the load and the shocks (dampers) control the release of the energy from the springs. Good shocks will not permit any bounce when you compress a corner, stand on the bumper, and release it. The rebound damping on the shock should allow the spring to rise back up and not bounce. It sounds like your shocks need replacing and you'd think that with the spring rebound under better control the empty ride quality should improve.
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