Rough ride?

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Nov 25, 2009 | 07:26 PM

#16

Toto

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 69

Likes: 0

From: Mississauga

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck BB62

Here's a common problem: The tires are inflated to the max when the truck is empty. No need.

Bingo...we have a winner!

Inflate to the load chart that comes with your truck according to load or inflate to the door sticker.
My 09 XLT with 18 inch tires rides like a limo...
BTW when I bought my 04 Cummins 2500, the back wheel were inflated to 70 psi by the dealer to cover their *** if I loaded heavy.
The inflation chart said 40 psi and 50 psi rear unloaded speeds over 60
Completely changed the ride of the truck from bouncing all over the road to very nice.
So check that preasure and good luck.

Nov 26, 2009 | 03:19 AM

#17

stephen.osborne1

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 2,976

Likes: 911

From: Montana

2wd or 4wd?

I didn't catch if you said your truck was 2wd or 4x4. 4x4 traditionally rides stiffer than 2wd, normally because of taller/stiffer springs.
Also, these newer trucks are using bigger wheels ( I think up to 22" now?) the taller the wheel, the better the truck will handle as far as turning and such, but since the taller wheel limits the maximum sidewall width, the tires must be "thinner". Obviously, with less sidewall, the tire has less "cushion". so if you have tall wheels and low profile tires, you might try a smaller wheel, bigger profile tire combo. you could test drive a similar truck with different wheel packages to see if you notice a difference.
Personally, I don't want any wheels over about 17 or 18", not because of the stiffer ride, but my trucks are both 4x4, and I want the added sidewall in to hit rocks and such off road, rather than my over priced huge wheels.
I haven't taken delivery of my '10 fx4 yet (January sometime they say) but my 2000 4x4 rides pretty well, and the 06-07's I have test driven in the past rode really well. None had over 17's on them. Good luck and congrats graduating from the civic to a "Man-toy".

Dec 4, 2009 | 05:04 PM

#18

roegs

New User

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 2

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Wow...I'm glad I found this post. My 2010 F150 Screw is my first Ford. I have the same concerns about ride. In my case, it seems every small road variation is felt in the floor. Overall, the ride is very smooth compared to my previous 3/4 ton truck, but it seems that small varations are not absorbed by the tires. To me its almost like a vibration that comes and goes based on road conditions. I have the 18 inch Goodyear Wrangers on mine. The dealer rebalanced with a Hunter road force balancer, and that helped some. In my case, the tires are P rated, which I would have assumed to have softer sidewalls. I've found that increasing tire pressure has actuall helped some. The dealer suggested driving another truck, which I'll do in the next week or so. In the end, I think a switch to a better tire like Michelin LTX would help.

Dec 21, 2009 | 06:17 PM

#19

CountryBudTX

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 35

Likes: 0

From: Austin, TX

It smooths out

I had a 2007 Ranger and now have a 2009 F-150 Crew Cab. I noticed the same harshness that you are mentioning. In both trucks at around 9-10k mi it seems to relax a little bit and gives you more of that smooth ride. I rode in a buddy's 08 Silverado and it rode very squishy... I've come to appreciate the firmness and feel of my Fords.

Dec 21, 2009 | 10:59 PM

#20

roegs

New User

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 2

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I lowered my tire air pressure from 35 lbs to 31 lbs and have noticed a significant increase in ride quality. It may sacrifice some MPG, but its worth it to me.