Shock absorbers?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Shock absorbers?
Well my dad went and bought a 2006 F150, 4x4 XLT, Super Crew, 5.4L Flex Fuel engine, 3.55 LS differential (I know, but that's what they had at the dealer...). Just took a trip today and the first tank of gas came out to 15.5 MPG. That was 2/3 in town driving and 1/3 highway. So that part's good. The truck runs great, has an insane amount of low end torque (nice in OD), and everything fits and functions perfectly. There's just one small nagging problem...
"It rides like a lumber wagon." Those were his exact words. I cant say I exactly disagree with him. His previous truck was a 2000 Silverado, and I need this Ford to make a good impression. So my question is this: Is there anyone that makes a nice set of SOFT shocks for a better ride?
"It rides like a lumber wagon." Those were his exact words. I cant say I exactly disagree with him. His previous truck was a 2000 Silverado, and I need this Ford to make a good impression. So my question is this: Is there anyone that makes a nice set of SOFT shocks for a better ride?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
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From: South Dakota
Wait till the truck gets broke in before getting worried about the mpg, it still does take a good oil change or so to break in.
What size tires are on the truck? If they are the larger rims, I hate to break the news, but they will cause a lousy ride. Also checking the tire psi is a good idea.
In all honesty, I'd try to make the dealer do something about it before slapping some shocks on. These trucks take alot of abuse when they are transported (really winched down, etc,). It might be a case that every thing just needs to be worked in yet.
What size tires are on the truck? If they are the larger rims, I hate to break the news, but they will cause a lousy ride. Also checking the tire psi is a good idea.
In all honesty, I'd try to make the dealer do something about it before slapping some shocks on. These trucks take alot of abuse when they are transported (really winched down, etc,). It might be a case that every thing just needs to be worked in yet.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Could be. I did check the tire pressures. They were about 45psi cold, where the sticker on the truck says 35. I reduced them to 35, with a barely noticeable improvement.
It has 17" steel rims and P255/70R17 tires.
I suppose I could talk to the dealer, but we test drove a different truck first and it rode the same as his new one. I doubt there's anything wrong with it.
He's said he could live with it, but this is the first Ford he's bought new in probably at least 40 years, so it needs to be good.
It has 17" steel rims and P255/70R17 tires.
I suppose I could talk to the dealer, but we test drove a different truck first and it rode the same as his new one. I doubt there's anything wrong with it.
He's said he could live with it, but this is the first Ford he's bought new in probably at least 40 years, so it needs to be good.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
I was actually thinking that he may have had the 20" rims.
45 psi is way to much air cold, that alone should make a good difference.
I bet you just need "borrow" the truck and break in the suspension "Old School Style".
45 mph across corn stubble should break it in real good.
You could try some Bilistiens, they really make a great shock and really tamed my F250 PSD when I owned it.
Most of the guys on this board really want firmer rides, so I really can't say too much about the F150 as I'm satisfied with my stockers so far.
45 psi is way to much air cold, that alone should make a good difference.
I bet you just need "borrow" the truck and break in the suspension "Old School Style".
45 mph across corn stubble should break it in real good.
You could try some Bilistiens, they really make a great shock and really tamed my F250 PSD when I owned it.
Most of the guys on this board really want firmer rides, so I really can't say too much about the F150 as I'm satisfied with my stockers so far.
Last edited by superrangerman2002; Apr 5, 2006 at 10:13 PM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Now you know I'm not going to do that. There are a few roads around here though that'd be just as good. I guess we'll wait and see if it improves. Not much else we can do at this point.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
That's good to hear.
I'm telling ya the "red neck tuneup" (what I refered to earlier) is the way to go!
I'm telling ya the "red neck tuneup" (what I refered to earlier) is the way to go!
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