Need help with Shocks
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Need help with Shocks
I have a 99 F350 with a 2.5" leveling kit. I use the truck for work and play. I use to tow trailers and boat. The ride is very rough and I sway. I am thinking of replacing both front and rear sway bars along with new shocks. Need help. What should I do? I wnat to add bigger tires also. I have LT285 R16 right now. What do you suggest? Thanks.
Senior User
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From: California
I would suggest first deciding on how much of a lift you want and what size tire/rim combination and then add shocks that fit that profile. I personally recommend getting adjustable shocks like the Rancho 9000x.
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I have a 2.5" leveling kit from susoension connection, basically just a spring leaf insert. I have the rancho rsx shocks on now. They have been on for about a year. The ride is terrible. I was thinking of going to 305 or 315 tires. What do you think will make the ride as smooth as possible since I do tow a boat on long trips, plus I have a new born the bounces all around and my wife gets nervous when I have to drive the baby anywhere.
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From: California
You may also want to look into velvet ride shackles. They are on backorder currently, but the allow the ride to smooth out and for you also to still tow at full capacity. I have the same issues with the bounce and have put in for a order of the shackles due to many recommendations for them.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Ventura County, CA
Originally Posted by Bitt19
where can i order them from? How hard are they to install?
You can order them from Lord's Corporation.
www.lords.com
DS
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Lead Driver
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From: Gilbert
Doesn't look like it anymore:
http://www.lord.com/Default.aspx?tabid=872
Looks like drivetrain.com is selling some for $159:
http://www.drivetrain.com/velvetride.html
http://www.lord.com/Default.aspx?tabid=872
Looks like drivetrain.com is selling some for $159:
http://www.drivetrain.com/velvetride.html
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Brett Foote
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From: Ventura County, CA
Originally Posted by 2000silverbullet
Doesn't look like it anymore:
http://www.lord.com/Default.aspx?tabid=872
Looks like drivetrain.com is selling some for $159:
http://www.drivetrain.com/velvetride.html
http://www.lord.com/Default.aspx?tabid=872
Looks like drivetrain.com is selling some for $159:
http://www.drivetrain.com/velvetride.html
DS
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Joined: Apr 2005
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If I remember right they are a shackle replacement with a extra joint or hinge that helps smooth out the ride, but I don't know if they can be installed on front leaf springs if that's what your asking.
IMO alot of your rough ride is due to your add-a-leafs. Every add-a-leaf spring I have had has ridden horrible. Larger tires may help a little from the extra flex in sidewalls but it wouldn't make a huge difference.
IMO alot of your rough ride is due to your add-a-leafs. Every add-a-leaf spring I have had has ridden horrible. Larger tires may help a little from the extra flex in sidewalls but it wouldn't make a huge difference.
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
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Originally Posted by Bitt19
I have a 99 F350 with a 2.5" leveling kit. I use the truck for work and play. I use to tow trailers and boat. The ride is very rough and I sway. I am thinking of replacing both front and rear sway bars along with new shocks. Need help. What should I do? I wnat to add bigger tires also. I have LT285 R16 right now. What do you suggest? Thanks.
Are you bouncing or swaying... there is a difference and your post above says swaying.
From what I have learned is that heavy duty sway bars (Hellwig is a popular brand) on the front and rear - some trucks come with fronts already, but they may not be as stiff as aftermarket ones. Your shocks are probably fine as they are aftermarket Rancho's (good quality)... but due to your slight lift, your center of gravity is higher and "swaying" has increased.
Correct me if I am wrong, but the shackles will reduce "bouncing" due to a lighter load than what the truck wants to have in it for a smooth ride... but again he said "swaying" which sounds like a sway bar questions and/or solution.
So Bit... does this help or better define your original question.. or I just want to make sure your getting the right answer for the right problem?
Thanks,
Jeff
Senior User
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From: California
what beachbumcook stated is correct. The shackles will reduce bouncing but not swaying. Most of these vehicles come with the larger/heavy duty sway bar already installed (6.0 PSD's) but I am not sure of the 99' year models. As for utilizing the shackles on the front of the vehicle yes you can add them to both the front and rear. My truck is a 05 so that is not an option for me.
As for where to get the shackles currently, the only place I know of is to back order them from http://www.drivetrain.com/velvetride.html
I have a set on order currently, have only been in a Pre-Coilover F350 and the ride was pretty nice (only installed in the rear). If anyone has current info with these shackles on a 05' or newer please let me know your experience.
As for where to get the shackles currently, the only place I know of is to back order them from http://www.drivetrain.com/velvetride.html
I have a set on order currently, have only been in a Pre-Coilover F350 and the ride was pretty nice (only installed in the rear). If anyone has current info with these shackles on a 05' or newer please let me know your experience.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,646
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
I would consider calling Drivetrain before installing them on the front springs and see if this is recommended, my gut instinct tells me no. The amount of lateral forces being put on the front springs and shackles when turning might not be a good thing for the Velvet-Ride's design. You will experience a loss of rear-end height with Velvet-Rides of between 1/2"-3/4".