Suspension Help
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Suspension Help
I have a 95 F150 4x4 and I would like to get some advice on making the ride on rough roads much smother. I have no interest in a lift kit or suspension upgrade that makes the truck stiffer. I want something much smoother and more compliant...something like the race trucks...but I don't have that budget. As far as I can tell, it is stock now. I don't carry much weight as a rule. Any advice out there? Thanks much!!
Russ
Russ
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Taller tires will help. I would also change the shocks for some other type (softer than stock). Monroe sensatracs worked good for me. If your truck has some mileage on it, I would also look into changing most bushings (including radius arm and body mounts) for new poly (Energy Suspension worked for me) bushings.
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Originally Posted by Popa Tim
poly wouldn't be a good choice for a smoother ride would it?
I'd use rubber myself, its much 'softer' than poly.
just my $.02
Tim
I'd use rubber myself, its much 'softer' than poly.
just my $.02
Tim
Regardless, taking into account the labor involved in swapping just the front end bushings in a F150 4X4, I would try a more durable solution than using rubber again, and if this solution can be just as soft as OE parts, all the better.
The matter of the fact is that I can not understand why Ford did not use Poly bushings at the radius arms at the very least. the OE rubber components do not stand even moderate off road use. One of mine failed during a camping trip.
As a sidenote, I have personally tried poly bushings (energy suspension) in both my 95 F150 4X4 and my 97 Z28 with no perceptible ride harshness increase.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Bastrop, LA
I own a '96 F150 4X4 I installed a 6" lift with rear springs,extended radius arms and skyjacker nitro shocks. The overall ride and performance was much smoother than in stock form. Bushings are not going to make a smoother ride. Your ride depends on the spring rate. The stiffer the spring the stiffer the ride. If you want a smoother ride I would suggest a softer rear springs and more travel in the front and rear.
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I was thinking of bilstein shocks. Any comments. I don't want to lift the truck 6". 2 to 3 is about all I want to go. The problem doesn't seam to be the rear as much as it is the front. Becides some times I haul a prety heavy load.
Russ
Russ
