Remove a leaf for smooth ride?
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Remove a leaf for smooth ride?
I test drove 6 trucks last year and the fords both rode the worst with obvious tail hop.
I'd hate to buy a ram based on ride and comfort alone when I trust fords drivetrains so let me bring up an idea to help Ford's ride other than the mandatory shock swap.
I only see leaf 1 connected to the truck. Leaf 2 is floating in the middle. Leaf 3 is the overload and doesn't appear in play unloaded.
I tow and carry nothing. What if I added ladder bars to locate the axle and control axle warp and remove leaf 2 for a softer ride and rear leveling?
I'd hate to buy a ram based on ride and comfort alone when I trust fords drivetrains so let me bring up an idea to help Ford's ride other than the mandatory shock swap.
I only see leaf 1 connected to the truck. Leaf 2 is floating in the middle. Leaf 3 is the overload and doesn't appear in play unloaded.
I tow and carry nothing. What if I added ladder bars to locate the axle and control axle warp and remove leaf 2 for a softer ride and rear leveling?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,634
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Another option is to buy a set of the lightest rear spring packs that Ford offers for the F150.
They are not all the same. I don't know if the Ford spring would be more or less expensive than Deaver...or which would ride better.
They are not all the same. I don't know if the Ford spring would be more or less expensive than Deaver...or which would ride better.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I test drove 6 trucks last year and the fords both rode the worst with obvious tail hop.
I'd hate to buy a ram based on ride and comfort alone when I trust fords drivetrains so let me bring up an idea to help Ford's ride other than the mandatory shock swap.
I only see leaf 1 connected to the truck. Leaf 2 is floating in the middle. Leaf 3 is the overload and doesn't appear in play unloaded.
I tow and carry nothing. What if I added ladder bars to locate the axle and control axle warp and remove leaf 2 for a softer ride and rear leveling?
I'd hate to buy a ram based on ride and comfort alone when I trust fords drivetrains so let me bring up an idea to help Ford's ride other than the mandatory shock swap.
I only see leaf 1 connected to the truck. Leaf 2 is floating in the middle. Leaf 3 is the overload and doesn't appear in play unloaded.
I tow and carry nothing. What if I added ladder bars to locate the axle and control axle warp and remove leaf 2 for a softer ride and rear leveling?
Adding ladder bars may exacerbate the problem as well because you would be increasing unsprung weight.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 103
From: FL
I would check the tire pressure, then address rear shocks (as mentioned) and consider a rear anti-sway bar. There is none from the factory and some other brands come with one stock.
Hellwig makes a kit that I've been eyeing for a while. Those that install report vastly improved stability.
Hellwig makes a kit that I've been eyeing for a while. Those that install report vastly improved stability.
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 94
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From: Lincoln, NE
Based on this statement I guess I will ask the obvious(to me) question...Why are you looking to buy a truck if your biggest complaint is the ride quality and you don't tow or carry anything? I mean I love my truck, but I really only drive it and use it when I need it. When I am not hauling or towing anything I drive one of my other vehicles. Suum cuique.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
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From: N. Texas
Based on this statement I guess I will ask the obvious(to me) question...Why are you looking to buy a truck if your biggest complaint is the ride quality and you don't tow or carry anything? I mean I love my truck, but I really only drive it and use it when I need it. When I am not hauling or towing anything I drive one of my other vehicles. Suum cuique.
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Because I often need to carry 5ft long gun cases that would take up the entire rear seat.
occasionally lumber.
Occasionally dead dear.
Occasional lawn mower.
dogs.
None of which is heavy.... some won't fit in a suburban.... but a Ridgeline is so...
even though it fits the bill.
occasionally lumber.
Occasionally dead dear.
Occasional lawn mower.
dogs.
None of which is heavy.... some won't fit in a suburban.... but a Ridgeline is so...
even though it fits the bill.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,226
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From: San Antonio, TX
What tires are on your truck and what air pressure? I think the F150 is one of the better riding trucks on the road. The 1/2 ton Ram probably rides the best though. Like others have said here, replace the rear shocks. Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks are probably the best for ride comfort. I would not remove a leaf as these trucks sag a bit with just a few hundred poi ds near the tailgate or on the hitch. However, weight does make it ride much better. You can put a tool box on the truck or maybe a couple of sand bags or something similar behind each rear wheel near the tailgate. They would be easy to remove if needed. A heavy aftermarket rear bumper, like a Ranch Hand, can improve the ride too.
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Loveland, CO
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
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Dodge (Ram) and Chevy are currently kicking Ford's *** in ride quality. I drive and ride frequently in all 3 brands, and it's not even close. I think part of it is the aluminum body. These are really light trucks, and a light pickup never rides very good. Ford's shock valving sucks, too. I replaced my rear shocks with Rancho adjustable shocks. It helped, but still doesn't ride as nice as a new Ram or Chevy.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Freehold
There is nothing wrong with a nice riding truck, as long as it can still haul as much as the rough riding truck. Did you ever ride in an old semi-tractor with torsion springs? They sucked to drive, and were not any more capable than the newer air ride trucks.
Dodge (Ram) and Chevy are currently kicking Ford's *** in ride quality. I drive and ride frequently in all 3 brands, and it's not even close. I think part of it is the aluminum body. These are really light trucks, and a light pickup never rides very good. Ford's shock valving sucks, too. I replaced my rear shocks with Rancho adjustable shocks. It helped, but still doesn't ride as nice as a new Ram or Chevy.
Dodge (Ram) and Chevy are currently kicking Ford's *** in ride quality. I drive and ride frequently in all 3 brands, and it's not even close. I think part of it is the aluminum body. These are really light trucks, and a light pickup never rides very good. Ford's shock valving sucks, too. I replaced my rear shocks with Rancho adjustable shocks. It helped, but still doesn't ride as nice as a new Ram or Chevy.
People want a truck that drives like a car, F150 aint the truck for them. Fords never ride soft, owned and driven plenty.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
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From: N. Texas
I agree with CJM above. My old 07 fully loaded Sierra was soft as well. My XLT rides like, well, a truck. I feel every little bump, pavement separation, expansion joint, etc. It's a damn truck. And it handles way better than the Sierra. I do plan on replacing the rear shocks. Haven't quite decided on which brand yet.