Bouncy front end
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 33
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From: Port Murray, NJ
Bouncy front end
Just got my 53 on the Road. Installed the short & smooth stack front springs from MID-Fifty. Also installed a front stabilizer bar. Problem is that the ride is EXTREMELY bouncy. I have new shocks. Anyone with any suggestions?
How about coil-over shocks? or air shocks? Also what size should I get?
Thanks,
Gary
How about coil-over shocks? or air shocks? Also what size should I get?
Thanks,
Gary
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by hotroddoc
Just got my 53 on the Road. Installed the short & smooth stack front springs from MID-Fifty. Also installed a front stabilizer bar. Problem is that the ride is EXTREMELY bouncy. I have new shocks. Anyone with any suggestions?
How about coil-over shocks? or air shocks? Also what size should I get?
Thanks,
Gary
How about coil-over shocks? or air shocks? Also what size should I get?
Thanks,
Gary
I don't think I've heard that particular complaint yet. I know nothing about the short & smooth springs. What shocks did you use? Sounds like your shocks are not doing the job they should...kind of like you don't have any??? Perhaps you need some heavier shocks up front? How much air pressure are you running? Could some of it be tires? Are you running a heavier than stock engine?
Vern
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by hotroddoc
Vern,
I have a 351C, and the truck is lowered about 2". I have 225 x70R 15 tires
I think that the shocks may be too weak or do not have enough travel.
Gary
I have a 351C, and the truck is lowered about 2". I have 225 x70R 15 tires
I think that the shocks may be too weak or do not have enough travel.
Gary
I agree. I can't understand what else it could be. Are you using standard shocks? Perhaps some gas shocks would help. Did you use replacement shocks with the same travel as the originals?
Vern
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by hotroddoc
I did use replacement shocks with the same travel. I think that that may be the problem.
Do you know of any sources where I can Buy shorter shocks?
Gary
Do you know of any sources where I can Buy shorter shocks?
Gary
If you think travel is the problem, most good parts houses (like NAPA) have a specifications sheet on shocks that show total compressed and extended length. You need to determine how much travel you need on your particular truck and try to get a shock that will be close to the center of that travel as it sits. Maybe the folks you got the springs from can offer a suggestion on a shock. I think you just might need stiffer or bigger shocks rather than it being a travel problem. I would not think a two inch drop would be enough to take the stock shock that much out of it's normal travel position.
Vern
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
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From: Kansas City area
You should be able to get shorter shocks at your local NAPA or other auto parts store. Measure the length between the connection points when the truck is in its normal stance (not jacked up or altered) and see what they have to offer.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
If it was mine, I would just remove the shocks and go for a test drive down the street. If the symptom is gone, then the shocks are the cause. Shocks just keep the truck from bobbing up and down continually. If the problem remains then youe new springs are probably the culprit. How much air pressure are you running? I am sure that you won't need the max amount unless you are putting a lot of weight on the back. In answer to your question, I don't think air shocks will help your situation. They tend to cause an even stiffer ride. I would say they only are beneficial for rear axles where a heavy load is nescessary occassionally. Good luck, and let us know how it comes out. John 
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Edgewood, NM
I would go with a gas shock, that should solve your problem. I doubt removing the shocks and running the truck down the road is going to prove anything, it will only make your bouncy situation worse. it sounds like your springs are much softer than the originals and the gas shocks will stiffen things up a bit.
New User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 23
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From: Kansas USA
I used the same springs on my 54. Same problem. Local suspension guru told me to measure the total travel distance of the shock for the correct shock. Lifted the truck so axle was at full drop, measured distance from mount to mount for full shock extended length. With truck at normal stance measured distance from mount to mount less the space between the axle & frame bumperfor full compression of shock. Don't recall the exact number but was unable to get the correct length from napa in a gas shock that would allow correct compression & extension. Fabbed lower mounting brackets to extend length & was able to get correct gas shocks. Worked out very well.
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