Need help softening the ride...
#1
Need help softening the ride...
I have a question I would like to pose to the group. I currently own a 2006 Expedition. However, my wife is looking to replace her car so I am willing to give it up for her to drive.
I have a F250 at work that I can have if I want it. It is an FX4 2005 with 123,600 miles on it. It has a brand new transmission and not a scratch on it. All in all, it looks great. The only problem I have is the rigid ride in it. I have searched through the forums and have come up with a post titled: FX4 is a waste (post2702400).
I am wondering if changing the shocks is going to give it a good ride? Are there any other options? Would I need to look at replacing the springs as well? Would air suspension do it for me? I am budgeting about $2000 for ride improvement.
I am looking for a ride that will allow me to sip on a cup of coffee without a lid on it in the mornings driving down Alabama Interstates (poor condition concrete and old asphalt...Alabama should say enough).
Any suggestions will be appreciated!
John Wyatt
I have a F250 at work that I can have if I want it. It is an FX4 2005 with 123,600 miles on it. It has a brand new transmission and not a scratch on it. All in all, it looks great. The only problem I have is the rigid ride in it. I have searched through the forums and have come up with a post titled: FX4 is a waste (post2702400).
I am wondering if changing the shocks is going to give it a good ride? Are there any other options? Would I need to look at replacing the springs as well? Would air suspension do it for me? I am budgeting about $2000 for ride improvement.
I am looking for a ride that will allow me to sip on a cup of coffee without a lid on it in the mornings driving down Alabama Interstates (poor condition concrete and old asphalt...Alabama should say enough).
Any suggestions will be appreciated!
John Wyatt
#2
its a heavy duty truck..
its never gunna ride like a pillow..
but good quality shocks can go along ways to making the ride better..personaly i luv the stiff spring ride of the super duties..its what makes it a truck after all..
if u want a car-like ride buy a GM truck, they are basicly overgrown cars anyways..
8-)
its never gunna ride like a pillow..
but good quality shocks can go along ways to making the ride better..personaly i luv the stiff spring ride of the super duties..its what makes it a truck after all..
if u want a car-like ride buy a GM truck, they are basicly overgrown cars anyways..
8-)
#6
Thanks for the input all.
I guess I will try the Bilsteins. It sounds like they have a good reputation. Is changing shocks a do-it-yourself project? The most complicated project I have ever done is changed brakes.
As far as air-ride, that will probably be last resort and overkill for me (probably will not happen). If I were going that way I would look into the Talon air ride. Heard any good or bad on that?
I will also check on the #s. I like free!
JW
I guess I will try the Bilsteins. It sounds like they have a good reputation. Is changing shocks a do-it-yourself project? The most complicated project I have ever done is changed brakes.
As far as air-ride, that will probably be last resort and overkill for me (probably will not happen). If I were going that way I would look into the Talon air ride. Heard any good or bad on that?
I will also check on the #s. I like free!
JW
#7
Trending Topics
#8
Maybe you should consider these. I have never tried them myself, but from what I've read here on the forums, they seem to provide positive results.
#9
#10
With the Bilstien silvers the ride on my Chevy went from firm and harsh to firm but very controlled. After a few months the ride got noticeably smoother. Bilstien tunes shocks for a loaded truck. The ride will feel very firm driving empty but you won't bounce or skitter on most roads.
I don't know about other brands, but I'm sure somebody can chime in about a type of shock that has the buoyant feel. In this case you will have a more floaty ride driving empty, but less control loaded and towing.
Often times the front rides fine but the rear is harsh. You might look into a set of Sulastic springs. They install between the rear leaf hanger and the chassis. The purpose is to provide a short range of motion with a soft spring rate so the truck rides smoother on paved roads. However, the Sulastics are rated for only a few years and have to be serviced with new rubber.
At the end of the day a 3/4 ton truck is going to have a firm ride. If you want a smoother ride it might be more sensible to get an F150. The tow ratings are getting awfully good and you will have the better ride and off-road capability of a 1/2 ton truck.
#11
Get the spring code from the door sticker and post it here. I suspect you might have a snow-plow prep package, or heavy-service suspension package.
If they are a heavier front spring, you might get some relief with a softer front spring.
It all depends on what you mean by "rough". When you hit a bump, does the truck jump up? Or does it just vibrate the whole truck? If it's just vibration, shocks will help that a lot. If the truck actually jumps up quick, that's the springs being too stiff.
Tire pressure helps a lot too
If they are a heavier front spring, you might get some relief with a softer front spring.
It all depends on what you mean by "rough". When you hit a bump, does the truck jump up? Or does it just vibrate the whole truck? If it's just vibration, shocks will help that a lot. If the truck actually jumps up quick, that's the springs being too stiff.
Tire pressure helps a lot too
#12
Thanks for the input all.
I guess I will try the Bilsteins. It sounds like they have a good reputation. Is changing shocks a do-it-yourself project? The most complicated project I have ever done is changed brakes.
As far as air-ride, that will probably be last resort and overkill for me (probably will not happen). If I were going that way I would look into the Talon air ride. Heard any good or bad on that?
I will also check on the #s. I like free!
JW
I guess I will try the Bilsteins. It sounds like they have a good reputation. Is changing shocks a do-it-yourself project? The most complicated project I have ever done is changed brakes.
As far as air-ride, that will probably be last resort and overkill for me (probably will not happen). If I were going that way I would look into the Talon air ride. Heard any good or bad on that?
I will also check on the #s. I like free!
JW
I don't recommend Load Range D tires, unless you absolutely need to swap. I run 60 psi in my ATZs and it rides more comfortable than at 65psi.
#13
#14
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post