Suspension Questions
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Largo, FL
Suspension Questions
I'm trying to get my truck to handle a tad bit better. I'm in to that whole sport-truck thing and I guess I wish my truck handled a little bit more like my road race car. I was wondering what the best modifications to do are to improve the handling characteristics of these trucks in particular.
Also, the truck creaks and seems the have un-solid rattle-like dampning characteristics. I changed the front shocks over to Rancho's last weekend, but didn't notice much other than on large bumps. I'm thinking the creaks are from the rivits, but not sure what other things could be causing the "jittery" ride quality.
As far as suspension thoughts are as of right now, I'm going to grab a factory front sway bar this weekend at the junkyard or buy an aftermarket one (any suggestions???). I'm looking to buy either a Hellwig or Addco rear sway bar (which is better???). I'm also going with 18's and some fat rubber underneath (285/50-18's Bridgestones probably). I'm considering urathane body mounts if it doesn't destroy the ride comfort of the truck. And am also looking at the best way to level the back end down to the height of the front end, but installing load-helper springs to compensate for sag when I tow, though I hear those make the ride stiff as heck. Unfortunately, I have a heavy Leer fiberglass topper that throws gravity way off. Lastly, any recommendations on the best shocks out there?
I little off topic, I was also looking into the rear low-buck disc brake conversion from Ford Racing, but just having the rotors re-drilled to 5x5-1/2". Anybody have this set-up?
Any thoughts, replies, or recommendations are much welcomed. Thanks.
Also, the truck creaks and seems the have un-solid rattle-like dampning characteristics. I changed the front shocks over to Rancho's last weekend, but didn't notice much other than on large bumps. I'm thinking the creaks are from the rivits, but not sure what other things could be causing the "jittery" ride quality.
As far as suspension thoughts are as of right now, I'm going to grab a factory front sway bar this weekend at the junkyard or buy an aftermarket one (any suggestions???). I'm looking to buy either a Hellwig or Addco rear sway bar (which is better???). I'm also going with 18's and some fat rubber underneath (285/50-18's Bridgestones probably). I'm considering urathane body mounts if it doesn't destroy the ride comfort of the truck. And am also looking at the best way to level the back end down to the height of the front end, but installing load-helper springs to compensate for sag when I tow, though I hear those make the ride stiff as heck. Unfortunately, I have a heavy Leer fiberglass topper that throws gravity way off. Lastly, any recommendations on the best shocks out there?
I little off topic, I was also looking into the rear low-buck disc brake conversion from Ford Racing, but just having the rotors re-drilled to 5x5-1/2". Anybody have this set-up?
Any thoughts, replies, or recommendations are much welcomed. Thanks.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
Basically you have the skeleton of a lightening or the svt models. Lots of potential there. I just sold some rancho torque rods that would've really helped stiffen up the rearend and end wheel hop too. Brake upgrades are a must if you plan to put on the bigger rims. Check out e-bay for some of the older lightening models parts. Some are no longer on the road and are being parted out for cheap.
