2008-weaker suspension?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
2008-weaker suspension?
Is anyone else disappointed with the payload in the new F250s? I've got a S/C longbox with a 1,200 lb. dump box in the bed. Right away the truck was riding less than level and when I put 900 lbs. worth of trash in the back it was squatted out on the overloads. I traded in a '99 F250 PSD on this truck and I never had this much trouble with hauling a similar load. Are the longer leaf springs to blame or is the truck just lighter duty?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
I know the load ratings are less across the board for '08 than '07, but I figured that was due to heavier frame and/or weight of stuff like the DPF?
my '99 F250 4x4 was nowhere near the capacity of either the '08 or '07, so I'm pretty sure it's a feel thing or appearance thing, and not actual capacity...
my '99 F250 4x4 was nowhere near the capacity of either the '08 or '07, so I'm pretty sure it's a feel thing or appearance thing, and not actual capacity...
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
I have a similar problem. Ford has made their truck into a sissy trying to increase ride quality. I had a 2006 f250 s/c with a 9800# GVW (camper special package basically) and that truck could hall more weight with out squatting than the exact same package 2008 truck can. The 6ft long leaf springs are hurting the truck. They keep going and the Super Duty at this rate will be a Sissy Duty.
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Unfortunately that the way trucks are going. If you want a big work horse now you're gonna need the 450. Yea the 1 tons and under may sag a little more, but the ride is almost as smooth as a luxury car. They're just keeping up with the competition. As long as Ford keeps their solid front axle I'll be happy. Suspension upgrades don't cost too much.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
this truck was ordered with what was supposed to be a stronger suspension. For 40K you should'nt have to upgrade anything.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 1
From: Snohomish, Washington
Airbags. Fixes it all. My 2004 sagged when I had my trailer on it, I just added airbags to it and it was fine. Also have a 11'5" camper that goes in the back and I pull a 10,000 trailer too. The airbags originally were for this but I found that it helped for any kind of load. You then can deflate them to minimal air and get your ride back. I plan on putting them on my 2008 when it gets here. Oh, I just thought about it, its arriving today.......
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
You need to listen to Chris LeDoux and stop whining. Ford is delivering a very capable truck that is a pleasure to drive. It is slightly heavier than the 07 and the load and towing difference between the trucks is due to that heavier weight. If you want to brag about how you can drop 3 tons on the truck with no sag, buy a heavy duty chassis cab, hang some bull ***** on it, and have it. Ford is manufacturing a truck that appeals to the largest class of users and cannot please everyone.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 548
Likes: 7
I am with all of those guys who rely upon their trucks for work. The need to chase after the bozos who buy 8,800 plus GVW trucks and have no use for them has really harmed the product. Now we have a softer sprung truck with better ride quality- and the idiots install level kits so IF the truck is ever used for work, it looks like a Pinto pointing to the sky with with 1,000 lbs in the hatch.
So- yeah- the new truck has some impressive numbers. But in the effort to capture the largest consumer market, compromises continue to be made. Now we have trucks that drive like nice cars - and that is of no use to those of use buy trucks for work. The new truck sags more easily- like a dodge. And that sucks.
But I am sure if all you ever haul is a cooler and jet ski in your level-kitted truck, you will be happy.
Sure wish trucks had not become a fashion accessory for the leisure office crowd.
-mike
So- yeah- the new truck has some impressive numbers. But in the effort to capture the largest consumer market, compromises continue to be made. Now we have trucks that drive like nice cars - and that is of no use to those of use buy trucks for work. The new truck sags more easily- like a dodge. And that sucks.
But I am sure if all you ever haul is a cooler and jet ski in your level-kitted truck, you will be happy.
Sure wish trucks had not become a fashion accessory for the leisure office crowd.
-mike
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
IHBase is right: there are people who buy these trucks with no real need and then complain about the fuel mileage. However, if IHBase was replying to my message, you are not correct. As indicated on another post today in a new thread (which has generated little response as it is positive and most people who post on this site appear to be predisposed to be negative), my truck was just used as intended, to haul and tow a load within a few hundred pounds of the maximum payload rating. The truck was at least 3 inches off the snubber. Gee, I guess there must be something wrong as the truck was down a couple of inches in the rear and not exactly level. Lighten up you guys. If you are so unhappy, buy something else.
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
Do people really expect that when they load near maximum payload in their truck that they won't sag? thats sad. do the springs in you matress compress when you lay down on it? Same thing as the truck spring right. If keeping your truck level is such a problem, buy an air bag system.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Originally Posted by 4xFordFreak
this truck was ordered with what was supposed to be a stronger suspension. For 40K you should'nt have to upgrade anything.
People used to complain that trucks rode too rough empty. Ford rectified this for the majority of consumers - you obviously don't fall into that group.
The truck market has changed, and now thier are less customers that are purchasing thier truck to use it as a truck... that may frustrate you. But, its what keeps your work trucks (relatively) cheap.