A Shocking Thread
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 105
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From: Charlotte NC USA
A Shocking Thread
As an engineer by degree (although electrical, not mechanical) and as a former motorcycle and current sports car racer, I have a working knowledge of dampeners (shocks).
It seems to me that some of the poor ride problems in my (and your) new F150 may be due to a compromise (read built-to-a-price-point) in Ford’s selection of shocks.
After all, even a mega-buck company can make stupid mistakes. A simple selection of shocks can denigrate an otherwise modern design of rack and pinion steering, aluminum A-arm, stiff frame AND a relatively heavy 18” wheel and rim.
To illustrate, I cured my 65 – 75 mph nibble with a trade-in of my new BFGs for new Kumhos. Occasionally, depending on the road surface and speed, I sometimes experience a barely imperceptible steering wheel oscillation, which I attribute to the inability of the shocks to dampen-out road irregularities. At speed, on a new and smooth surface, the truck drives and rides like a limo.
Plus, it is my thinking that the shocks are entirely unable to dampen-out small, regularly spaced bumps. Accelerating from a stand-still, especially on asphalt city streets, I sense a shake that originates from the road surface, and is directly transmitted from the tire sidewalls, up through the suspension, onto the frame, and into the cabin and steering shaft / wheel.
Maybe a higher-quality set of dampeners, with proper design and valving, would eliminate the shake, and improve the ride.
But then, maybe I’m all wet.
It seems to me that some of the poor ride problems in my (and your) new F150 may be due to a compromise (read built-to-a-price-point) in Ford’s selection of shocks.
After all, even a mega-buck company can make stupid mistakes. A simple selection of shocks can denigrate an otherwise modern design of rack and pinion steering, aluminum A-arm, stiff frame AND a relatively heavy 18” wheel and rim.
To illustrate, I cured my 65 – 75 mph nibble with a trade-in of my new BFGs for new Kumhos. Occasionally, depending on the road surface and speed, I sometimes experience a barely imperceptible steering wheel oscillation, which I attribute to the inability of the shocks to dampen-out road irregularities. At speed, on a new and smooth surface, the truck drives and rides like a limo.
Plus, it is my thinking that the shocks are entirely unable to dampen-out small, regularly spaced bumps. Accelerating from a stand-still, especially on asphalt city streets, I sense a shake that originates from the road surface, and is directly transmitted from the tire sidewalls, up through the suspension, onto the frame, and into the cabin and steering shaft / wheel.
Maybe a higher-quality set of dampeners, with proper design and valving, would eliminate the shake, and improve the ride.
But then, maybe I’m all wet.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
NewtoF150.....
I think your thinking is right on target.....and that you hit the "nail" squarely on the head!!! Upgraded suspension components, starting with BETTER than O.E.M. shocks (whatever they might be) can't help but improve an already superb riding truck.
And, as stated in previous posts.....I have NOT had ANY vibration or road noise problems from my truck with the stock BFG P265/6018 Radial Long Trail T/A's.
But because I want more of an agressive "sport truck" look and better ride and handling....I am taking off the BFG's and putting on a set of Yokohama 285/6018 "Geolandar" H/T-S, G052, raised black letter, Uni-directional Radials.
Fred
I think your thinking is right on target.....and that you hit the "nail" squarely on the head!!! Upgraded suspension components, starting with BETTER than O.E.M. shocks (whatever they might be) can't help but improve an already superb riding truck.
And, as stated in previous posts.....I have NOT had ANY vibration or road noise problems from my truck with the stock BFG P265/6018 Radial Long Trail T/A's.
But because I want more of an agressive "sport truck" look and better ride and handling....I am taking off the BFG's and putting on a set of Yokohama 285/6018 "Geolandar" H/T-S, G052, raised black letter, Uni-directional Radials.
Fred
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl.
newtof150, I've had my S-Crew for about a week and I came to the same conclusion on day 2. Mine is particularly bad if the left front is the bumped wheel; I get lots of jarring through the steering, like a broken shock.
I'm going to let Ford Service have a shot at it first, and if that doesn't help, I'll start looking for shocks.
I have the 17" Continental Contitrac tire (a Mud and Snow tire for here in Fla.-????). From what I've read here, the vibe problem does not seem to be with a specific tire. I also want some sportier wheels and tires, but I think I'll wait and see about the vibes and shakes first.
I'm going to let Ford Service have a shot at it first, and if that doesn't help, I'll start looking for shocks.
I have the 17" Continental Contitrac tire (a Mud and Snow tire for here in Fla.-????). From what I've read here, the vibe problem does not seem to be with a specific tire. I also want some sportier wheels and tires, but I think I'll wait and see about the vibes and shakes first.
