ride problems (expansion joints)
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ride problems (expansion joints)
I own a 2002 crewcab superduty with a powerstoke. I love the truck with few exceptions. One is the ride quality. Now I realize this is a 3/4 ton vehicle but I am still hoping that I can improve the ride quality. An example of this is expansion joints on the highway. The ride quality on the highway if expasion joints are present is very bumpy at 65 MPH. I am hoping that after market shocks that are progressive in nature could correct this. Are other people experiencing this problem with expansion joints? Does anyone have any shock suggestions that will alliviate this. Thank for any help that you can provide.
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From: Bann, Germany
Well after all it is a truck that RIDES like a truck, unlike the F150s that ride like a car. I suppose you could get some shocks with a lot more dampening and smooth it out. Unfortunately I can't recommend any shock brands (though I am thinking about a set of Bilsteins when the current ones crap out.) Surely others will come along with better ideas.
Last edited by hughesm1; Dec 22, 2003 at 12:24 PM.
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From: Back in the TX Coast
maddog7,
I have no answer as far as correcting this goes but I know what you mean about the expansion joint on the hwy
. My 16month old daughter enjoys it though thinks it's a blast. 
Someone will come along and offer something better hopefully.
Manny
I have no answer as far as correcting this goes but I know what you mean about the expansion joint on the hwy
. My 16month old daughter enjoys it though thinks it's a blast. Someone will come along and offer something better hopefully.
Manny
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From: Newport Beach
Oh yeah, same issue here. Those aging So-Cal concrete freeways are curling at the cold joints and the velocity, wheel base, and frequency add up to "who dropped a quarter in the cheap hotel bed?" Asphalt highways seem so smooth in comparison.
I have a '01 F250 4x4 LB Xcab with 4.5" Edge lift on 35s and 6 Bilsteins, not any improvement over stock in this situation, still bumpy.
I have found that if you hover around 80mph when safe, that it smoothes out. Loading the bed and towing a trailer are sure bets, also. I guess the price we pay for driving big machines.
I have a '01 F250 4x4 LB Xcab with 4.5" Edge lift on 35s and 6 Bilsteins, not any improvement over stock in this situation, still bumpy.
I have found that if you hover around 80mph when safe, that it smoothes out. Loading the bed and towing a trailer are sure bets, also. I guess the price we pay for driving big machines.
Last edited by Tlattin; Dec 22, 2003 at 06:29 PM.
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From: Fayetteville, NC
Maybe check your tire pressure. If you're always running empty, you can get by with lower pressure...will help some.
Bert
Bert
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Re: expansion joint boogy
Originally posted by maddog7
Thanks guys, I sure was hoping that something like aftermarket shocks or the 4.5 edge would smooth these out. Any suggestions from any other members?
Thanks guys, I sure was hoping that something like aftermarket shocks or the 4.5 edge would smooth these out. Any suggestions from any other members?
Abendx should comment on this one
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From: Oxnard, CA
Re: expansion joint boogy
Originally posted by maddog7
Thanks guys, I sure was hoping that something like aftermarket shocks or the 4.5 edge would smooth these out. Any suggestions from any other members?
Thanks guys, I sure was hoping that something like aftermarket shocks or the 4.5 edge would smooth these out. Any suggestions from any other members?
Originally posted by 99f350sd
Abendx should comment on this one
Abendx should comment on this one
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From: NorCal, CA
I remember a thread like this a few months ago. Therer were a lot of replies from guys who said that the problem went away when they installed Rancho shocks. And, the guys with the FX4 package (Rancho Shocks included) never complained about it. Just some info.
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expansion joint boogy
Do Rancho schocks really help? I am surprised that Ranchos help and as someone said earlier, Bilsteens do not. I would like to know before I invest in aftermarket shocks, although I will if I can find any that will help.
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Maddog7, even though I have an '03 dually 4x4, your results will be similar. Within the first week (I'm on the 101 lots in Ventura), I dreaded being on ANY concrete fwy. Well, bought a new Lance camper and everyone said to get the Rancho 9000's to keep the sway down. These are adjustable from 1-9 (1 being softest). Didn't believe I needed to spend MORE on this rig, but gave in. Set 'em on 1 and within the first mile I noticed how much softer the suspension was! The back is going to be stiff until you put some weight in there but now I can feel the front springs working like they should. Now the truck is civilized and don't mind it. The freeway is much better, although still bouncy if the speed is wrong. In my case, 55-65 I get the bad rythym, but at 70 it smoothes out. I don't like to run over this anyway. It is well worth the 70 some bucks per shock! Get them! Neil Blanchard
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From: IL, USA
I currently run the Rancho 9000s (old ones with the five settings) and the in cab controller. Overall, I don't like the shocks. When I let all the air out of the lines and have them on the softest settings it does ride pretty good on the interstates around here......until you hit a good sized pothole or rough section with that setting.
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Still confused
Thanks for all the advice and opinions guys, I appreciate it. Although it looks like we still have some disagreement. Maybe if we get enough input on this subject, we can come to an agreement. Before I put out the money, I would like to be fairly sure that I am buying a fix.
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From: CA
Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but, I heard that Ford offered some "soft ride" update. I would assume different shocks and other suspension stuff. The guy that told me this may have been pulling my leg.
Anyone ever heard of this because I was thinking about going to Ford and asking for it. I don't want to look like an idiot in my Volvo uniform.
Pete
Anyone ever heard of this because I was thinking about going to Ford and asking for it. I don't want to look like an idiot in my Volvo uniform.
Pete