Shocks
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
Sport tuned is ad-speak for stiff, as in stiffer than a "plush" tuned shock.
Theoretically, the ride will be harsher but more "in control" than a softer shock would provide since the tire should regain contact with the road quicker. The stiffer shock should also reduce body roll in quick cornering manuevers, but an F150 is a heavy truck after all.
With highway driving, you may feel the expansion cracks a little more with a stiffer shock, but then again, you may not be able to tell the difference between what a particular manufacturer calls a stiff and soft shock without really working the suspension over some substantial bumps either.
Theoretically, the ride will be harsher but more "in control" than a softer shock would provide since the tire should regain contact with the road quicker. The stiffer shock should also reduce body roll in quick cornering manuevers, but an F150 is a heavy truck after all.
With highway driving, you may feel the expansion cracks a little more with a stiffer shock, but then again, you may not be able to tell the difference between what a particular manufacturer calls a stiff and soft shock without really working the suspension over some substantial bumps either.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
Better is very subjective. I don't think I can answer that for you with what I have to go on.
As I've said before, though, with an '04, it's not hard to guess that the original shocks are getting pretty tired. I've seen lots of folks rave about Bilsteins, Ranchos, and Monroe Reflexes just to name a few.
If you like an old Cadillac tuna-boat type of ride, you probably want a softer shock than what they call "Sport Tuned". If you like to keep the tires in contact with the road as much as possible and don't mind a bit more harshness as a result, then certainly go with the sport shocks.
As I've said before, though, with an '04, it's not hard to guess that the original shocks are getting pretty tired. I've seen lots of folks rave about Bilsteins, Ranchos, and Monroe Reflexes just to name a few.
If you like an old Cadillac tuna-boat type of ride, you probably want a softer shock than what they call "Sport Tuned". If you like to keep the tires in contact with the road as much as possible and don't mind a bit more harshness as a result, then certainly go with the sport shocks.
