Notices
2017 - 2022 Super Duty The 2017-2022 Ford F250, F350, F450, F550 & F600 Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Really rough ride.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 12:26 AM
  #31  
Joe T's Avatar
Joe T
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
Add 1 or 2 degrees caster, maybe .3 more on the passenger side, a Fox IFP steering stabilizer, remove the airbags and consider tremor/2019 rear blocks (or maybe some 1 inch taller from someone like pmf). You probably don’t need airbags for a 12k trailer, its ok to squat some. The airbags always have some air in them.


The fox shocks should help the handling, and ride somewhat. If you just want a smoother ride use Rancho RS7MT.


Run 53 front psi and 45 rear psi unless you are towing.



Yes this is all spoken from experience on several trucks.


 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 06:29 AM
  #32  
zeroo's Avatar
zeroo
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 618
Your truck is either too soft and the shocks are too aggressive or your running air in the bags for lift to match the front. Airbags are stiff if running on them.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 08:33 AM
  #33  
url's Avatar
url
Tuned
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 106
From: Jackson, WY
What size wheel on 35" tire? I don't think you need 55psi in those tires. I'd start here: https://www.carlisuspension.com/tire...ffect-my-ride/
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 08:43 AM
  #34  
Joe T's Avatar
Joe T
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
Originally Posted by zeroo
Your truck is either too soft and the shocks are too aggressive or your running air in the bags for lift to match the front. Airbags are stiff if running on them.
They always have air in them that compresses.


I don’t understand how I can pull a 16k gooseneck in my 2017 that has 1.5” front lift springs on it and other people need airbags. Or a 15k conventional trailer. Perfectly balanced and yes it does squat some.


Base 10,000 gvwr F250 springs, no overloads. Same thing with my 2019 Platinum F250, same trailers same springs.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 09:21 AM
  #35  
scraprat's Avatar
scraprat
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,627
Likes: 4,710
From: Itinerant
Originally Posted by Joe T
They always have air in them that compresses.


I don’t understand how I can pull a 16k gooseneck in my 2017 that has 1.5” front lift springs on it and other people need airbags. Or a 15k conventional trailer. Perfectly balanced and yes it does squat some.


Base 10,000 gvwr F250 springs, no overloads. Same thing with my 2019 Platinum F250, same trailers same springs.
It's most likely that they don't need them 'but' want them for a level look when towing even though some sag is not going to hurt at all. Trade off is possible harsher ride when unloaded even at 5# minimum air in the bags.

I know my 16 dually doesn't need airbags towing my 16k # 5th wheel but the 1 3/4" drop when hooked up just touching the overload springs and bottoming out on some rough interstate roads was getting old. Airbags aired to just 12# when hooked up keeps it level and stops the bottoming out on the same interstate roads when loaded. Win win. Aired down to 5# when not hooked up.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 09:43 AM
  #36  
Beast 17's Avatar
Beast 17
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 241
Likes: 99
Ride

I wonder if it’s the shorter wheel base of the shorter beds that some on here complain about. I have a 17 SCLWB 6.2L 4X4, 4800 front springs, 3 leaf rear springs with Sumo Springs and all stock including tires. Best riding truck I’ve ever owned. Also Bilstein’s 5100 with steering stabilizer. Bilstein’s gave the truck a more compliant positive ride. 50/45 psi in the tires. My brother constantly complains about his truck ride and he has a SWB short bed.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 01:56 PM
  #37  
Mrwr3nch's Avatar
Mrwr3nch
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: lake havasu az
wow aint that the truth!!!
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 02:06 PM
  #38  
Mrwr3nch's Avatar
Mrwr3nch
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: lake havasu az
Originally Posted by Black Buzzard
At the risk of stating the obvious, many of the major interstate highways out there are in really bad shape. Drive one of the bad ones and yes the Superduty ride is awful.

I find myself slowing down and trying to dodge the potholes, retreads, etc while not vering too far into the next lane or shoulder.

Since I have spent years in a 3rd world country, I can say our roads are well on their way to Central America levels.
this is what i was referring to
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 07:38 PM
  #39  
jbwardfamily's Avatar
jbwardfamily
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 161
Likes: 52
Originally Posted by 4wd6.7L
They might change/improve the ride some, but I wouldn't expect any shock alone to make a dramatic change in the way it rides. Unless the existing shocks are really bad to begin with.
Just need it to take some of the jarring out of the potholes and I95 issues. The actual ride itself is nice enough.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 07:41 PM
  #40  
jbwardfamily's Avatar
jbwardfamily
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 161
Likes: 52
Originally Posted by scraprat
It's most likely that they don't need them 'but' want them for a level look when towing even though some sag is not going to hurt at all. Trade off is possible harsher ride when unloaded even at 5# minimum air in the bags.

I know my 16 dually doesn't need airbags towing my 16k # 5th wheel but the 1 3/4" drop when hooked up just touching the overload springs and bottoming out on some rough interstate roads was getting old. Airbags aired to just 12# when hooked up keeps it level and stops the bottoming out on the same interstate roads when loaded. Win win. Aired down to 5# when not hooked up.
Since I leveled the truck empty it sits 2 inches low in the back when loaded. Airbags at 30psi bring it to level. We tow a lot, but not enough to make me ok with the front squat from factory the other times. I run with them empty all other times and I'm going to try and put a valve depressor on there to let it empty more on bumps to see if that helps. When I installed the airbags they were a half inch lower and had to be pulled into place with the mounts so I really don't think at 0 psi they are affecting anything when unloaded.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 07:42 PM
  #41  
jbwardfamily's Avatar
jbwardfamily
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 161
Likes: 52
Originally Posted by url
What size wheel on 35" tire? I don't think you need 55psi in those tires. I'd start here: https://www.carlisuspension.com/tire...ffect-my-ride/
Stock 18s.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 07:45 PM
  #42  
jbwardfamily's Avatar
jbwardfamily
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 161
Likes: 52
Originally Posted by Vipersgts1
Quality single or daul steering stabilizer from pmf or fox and some shocks would likely help atleast a little I would hope. Rancho xl9000s are a cheap adjustable shock. If your k02's are 80 psi tires 55psi unloaded sounds good. If they are 65 psi tires I'd lower them more.
Yes, they are Load Range E2 so 80psi max. May lower the back to 50 and see how that feels.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 09:33 PM
  #43  
number9xd's Avatar
number9xd
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 810
Likes: 494
Originally Posted by Joe T
Add 1 or 2 degrees caster, maybe .3 more on the passenger side, a Fox IFP steering stabilizer, remove the airbags and consider tremor/2019 rear blocks (or maybe some 1 inch taller from someone like pmf). You probably don’t need airbags for a 12k trailer, its ok to squat some. The airbags always have some air in them.

The fox shocks should help the handling, and ride somewhat. If you just want a smoother ride use Rancho RS7MT.

Run 53 front psi and 45 rear psi unless you are towing.

Yes this is all spoken from experience on several trucks.
I've seen you mention those shocks a couple times in different threads. How many trucks have you ran them on and how long have you ran them? I've ran Bilstein 5100's on several of our trucks / SUV's and do find them a little rough on choppy / sharp edge hits (pot holes, bridge joints, etc). My truck at near 25,000mi still has the stock shocks and I'm not looking to replace them any time soon, but don't want to go with the 5100's on this truck when I do.

..
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 11:46 PM
  #44  
Joe T's Avatar
Joe T
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
If it squats 2 inches low I would run the Tremor blocks and no bags. Only caveat is if you tow a lot at night. Absolutely nothing wrong with a little squat.

Originally Posted by number9xd
I've seen you mention those shocks a couple times in different threads. How many trucks have you ran them on and how long have you ran them? I've ran Bilstein 5100's on several of our trucks / SUV's and do find them a little rough on choppy / sharp edge hits (pot holes, bridge joints, etc). My truck at near 25,000mi still has the stock shocks and I'm not looking to replace them any time soon, but don't want to go with the 5100's on this truck when I do.

..

Yeah I love them. I have about 16k miles on them now. I am pretty sure I have ran every popular shock brand/model except King and Falcon. I tow heavy occasionally (just dropped off a 15k conventional trailer right now actually long day). If it was a dedicated tow’r i would use the Bilstein.

You can also try the Rancho 5000 they ride smooth, little step below the RS7MT.
 
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2024 | 04:31 AM
  #45  
RadioRon's Avatar
RadioRon
Trailering
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: SE Wisconsin
Hi JB,
I'm coming from a 2018 F150 with a Max tow package with LT Cooper RANGE e TIRES. Following Goodyear/Cooper tire inflation to load spec sheet, I am at 42PSI. The truck rides a little tough but manageable. I tow a travel trailer (7550 lb) about 25% of the time.
Two weeks ago I purchased a 2023 F250 Super cab 6.8 ft box 7.3 V8 with a plow package included on the window sticker. This is a Lariat trim.
Toughest riding truck Ive driven since a military 1968 quad cab 4x4 Dodge Power Wagon when I was in the USAF,

I moved up to the 250 for the sake of towing. This sucker rides as tough as a cobb even with the over-stuffed leather seats, Very disappointed, I may sell it and get another late model F150 Max tow with very low miles or maybe new.
Also, I have driven late model GMC 3/4 ton HD pickups recently and they ride much better empty.

I really don't want to go to GM. Dont even mention Dodge/Rami-it to me.
Any suggestions? thinking of dropping a leaf from the rear and adding airbags.
Waste of money??
RadioRon

 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:50 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE