New to the forum but not to Ford. I have a 1998 F-150 XL V6 and am not sure what is best as far as a smooth ride. The shocks I have on it now are the original stock shocks and I have 53K miles. I don't do any off roading with it and it is a 2WD. My ride has gotten rougher over the past year and I'm wondering what would be the best way to go as far as getting the smoothest ride I can get. I've heard that air shocks are good, I've heard that gas shocks are better, and I've heard that Air Ride is even better. I'll probably never do any off roading with my truck but being in Texas ther are plenty of times when I go over railroad tracks and it is an unpleasant experience. As far as money goes, that doesn't matter much to me, I'm just looking for the BEST ride I can have with my truck. I've also heard of suspension seating, would that also be an option to add or is that overkill? Is suspension seating mainly for 4 wheeling?

Thanks,

Tim

 

I don't know of an air-ride suspension for F150's but they do have them for larger trucks (350-750). They are ALOT of money. I imagine one could put air-ride seats in, though that would be alot of money too unless you acquired the seats used for real cheap. Either way, you need an on-board air system. I would start out by trying some new shocks on it first, as I imagine your stockers are about wore out.

I like the Rancho 9000X adjustable shocks. You can dial in the damping with 9 different settings and change the damping setting for times when you are loaded or unloaded. They are easy to adjust on the shock, and they also sell an in-cab adjustment control kit for it. I don't have the in-cab control, but I do have the 9000X shocks on the rear of my F350 4x4 and am very happy with them. They adjust from plush to super firm. The shocks cost me $75 each at www.offroadwarehouse.com, here in southern California.

I also like Bilstein shocks, have them on the front of the F350 and had them on my last Baja bug, but they are not a real plush ride. They do help alot with handling though, especially with leaning in corners. I have also heard good things about the Monroe Sensatracs, though I have never tried them. The air shocks you talk about are for load carrying and wont do much for smoothing out your ride. Gas shocks are good.

 

With 53k and TX heat, I would look at replacing all your OEM rubber, especially the sway bar rubber and links. I would replace them with OEM rubber and not poly for your needs. Then a nitro gas shock for a smooth ride on a street driven 2x4.

> I've also heard of suspension seating, would that also be an option to add or is
> that overkill? Is suspension seating mainly for 4 wheeling?

If you mean air seats, I would not recommend them in a light truck, they will actually give you a bumpier ride and are dangerous without limit straps. I know, I have bonked my head on the roof a few times on big bumps in some (Isuzu) lt duty trucks

If you mean off-road seats from people such as http://www.mastercraftseats.com/

it can be a nice but a very pricey upgrade. I think it would be overkill compared to newer tires and alloy rims, especially since the Ford OEM seats are so nice. imo.

 

Off roading seats are suspension seats. they are suspended in the middle by a slightly elastic material, and are very expensive...
Yes its over kill...

 

Great info guys! I've been thinking about getting new tires and wheels too. So, what I'll probably do is go with gas shocks, new wheels and tires, skip the suspension seating and check the rubber to see if it needs replacing as well.

Thanks for the help, you guys have given me some good tips to use. I appreciate it.

Tim

 

Second up from el cheapo Sears shocks made a big diff on my '85........your mileage may vary.