So I'm almost ready to buy a 2011 F-250 supercrew FX4. The only problem is the freeway ride is way too rough for my wife and we have a baby on the way. The truck is going to be used for commuting as well as towing a 30' toyhauler and carrying fuel drums and trophy truck tires for the race team that I chase for. Can I soften up the rear suspension and and maybe add airbags for carrying loads.
I realize the truck rides rough because its a truck, not an SUV, and I'm probably going to get some ***** for even suggesting this but the wife makes a lot more $ than me and is paying for it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Hey Bajachaser-
You might get a better response in the Super Duty forums where they discuss your type of truck. I'll let the moderator know and he should help you out on this. Good luck!

 

It's a truck, not an SUV, it's going to ride rough! Sorry, I couldn't help it.

You'll experience two things with an F250 - rough and rigid. Two different, related issues.
Rough - if you aren't carrying any weight in the back, the suspension barely moves on most bumps. Add about 500lbs. of weight to the back and it'll ride much better. My '05 F350 was pretty rough when I bought it... added about 1500lbs. in the back and it rode like a Cadillac.
Rigid - the suspension on a Super Duty is stiffer and firmer, to deal with the significantly increased load capacities. It's always going to feel more rigid. To some people, this is a problem... I actually like a rigid suspension.

The Super Duty forum would be the best place for this thread, but there's my two cents. I'd suggest looking at an F150, but I suspect the weight you're looking at puts you well into Super Duty territory.

 

Thanks for the responses, sorry for posting in the wrong spot. Can I move it or just delete and repost?

 

Thread moved to the Super Duty forum. WELCOME to FTE!

You're going to get a LOT of answers saying "it's a truck, get used to it" but ... hopefully you get some answers.

 

raptor(maybe)

 

Look into a system that replaces the rear leafs with a air bag system I've heard they smooth out the ride, check out airbagit.com.
I would love a F250 that would ride like a car especially with all the potholes and frost heaves in the roads around me

 

The ride in a truck like that is going to be firm. Did you check and see what the tire pressure was at in the truck you test drove? Tire pressure plays a large role in how a vehicle rides. Also, a set of adjustable shocks can help. When I put the 9000XLs on my truck and turned them down a bit the ride was so much nicer.

 

How much air are you running in the tires? You may try airing them down some when you're not loaded. It does make quite abit of difference.

You should have seen the look on the wife's face the first time she rode in the F-450(It's a truck dear...lol)...PRICELESS!!!

Good Luck.

 

I would tell the wife the truth. This truck will haul your load better than any other truck on the planet which will become a much safer vehicle for your family and because of that you will have to sacrifice a bit of ride comfort. If she doesnt care about your reasoning than you should find another wife (only kidding, or am i?). If she loves and cares about you she should trust your judgement on selecting the proper vehicle for your application. Consider building/ordering your truck instead of "off the lot". Pick some nice little options she may like or maybe include her in helping you order some of the options...ohhh never mind that idea, It probably wont work, lol. As mentioned, consider a F150 if you can get away with the lower towing capacity.

 

Wondering if the OP would mind telling us what he currently drives (or what the wife is used to riding in). Just wondering if you were rolling with a half-ton now, and she was dissatisfied with the ride difference. I'm thinking of making the half-ton-to-F250 jump in the spring, but I am concerned whether the ride will be family-friendly for unladen trips around town or like you mentioned, freeway rides. Subscribing to the thread - great question and thanks for sticking your neck out to ask it.