For you suspension experts, I'm posting the following, recently posted to the 2004 F150 Forum, and am soliciting comments / advice.

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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 (road force balanced). 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.

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If I am indeed correct in my analysis, can you recommend a set of shocks, maybe Monroe, Bilstein, Edelbrock, etc.

TIA

 

Could it be that coil-overs just ride like that? Some magazines seem to think the ride is great. I'm sure you know that the previous years used torsion bars. The new fully boxed frame and hydroformed front rails might be someting to consider, meaning stiffer ride, not so much "slop" throughout the chassis. Four Wheeler magazine tested the new F150 and claimed it offered an alarming amount of understeer around corners.

"Both 4x4 and 4x2 models use a new front suspension setup with coilover shocks and a long-spindle, double wishbone arrangement with cast aluminum lower control arms, a first in the pickup truck segment. The suspension reduces unsprung weight to help provide better ride and stability on choppy, broken surfaces. The F-150 has a front suspension system that readily absorbs bumps.
The Hotchkiss-designed rear suspension has been optimzed with rear shock absorbers now placed outboard of the frame rails for improved control of body lean and a smoother ride."
That was out of a magazine installing a suspension lift.
The suspension-lift companies have already came out with adjutable front coilovers, and also adjustable shocks. Companies such as Rancho, and Pro-comp offer them.

Maybe that'll help, maybe not.

I've always heard positive things about Bilsteins, and if I can ever afford them, I'm going to get a set.

 

Yep, it just might be characteristic of the Ford.

But, it feels like my race car traveling across the stutter-bumps at the track.

Maybe I'm just used to the boulevard ride of previously owned Chev C1500 and Tahoes. I'm **** that way.

 

Yeah, some people like Chebby's because they ride like freaking cars!