soften the ride?
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 442
From: Eastern Washington
soften the ride?
2000 f350 4x4 CC LB, tow a 38' goose, other details in sig.
I'd like to tame the leaf springs, give it a more Cadillac-like ride (for whatever thats worth!).
My first thought was Deaver springs and bilstiens, Deaver said they need to go with at least a 4" lift on the front to get the geometry right. Still thinking about that, but that will be, in my mind, as high if not higher than I can go and still comfortably fit my trailer. And, I'm looking at $1800 + shipping for the springs, plus box kit and shocks. I'd guess total about $2400-2600, not including tires (gonna have to buy tires regardless).
Another option is Air-Ride. Ohhh.... I like that. Don't like Airbagit's front kit using leaf spring for locating duties... anyone have any experience with it?
Most rear kits are $2k+. Outta my budget.
How about a '05 front end conversion (coil spring) and airbag conversion? Has it been done?
Well, shucks. What am I missing? I have a drop-bracket leveling kit and a firestone airbag helper kit waiting to be installed... don't see these helping the ride much.
I'd like to tame the leaf springs, give it a more Cadillac-like ride (for whatever thats worth!).
My first thought was Deaver springs and bilstiens, Deaver said they need to go with at least a 4" lift on the front to get the geometry right. Still thinking about that, but that will be, in my mind, as high if not higher than I can go and still comfortably fit my trailer. And, I'm looking at $1800 + shipping for the springs, plus box kit and shocks. I'd guess total about $2400-2600, not including tires (gonna have to buy tires regardless).
Another option is Air-Ride. Ohhh.... I like that. Don't like Airbagit's front kit using leaf spring for locating duties... anyone have any experience with it?
Most rear kits are $2k+. Outta my budget.
How about a '05 front end conversion (coil spring) and airbag conversion? Has it been done?
Well, shucks. What am I missing? I have a drop-bracket leveling kit and a firestone airbag helper kit waiting to be installed... don't see these helping the ride much.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 571
Likes: 8
Coil springs for the fron twould be good coils ride better than leafs as for the rear they make those velvet ride shackles can't remember the name of what they are called now. Just a heads up though usually aftermarket lift springs are stiffer than stock. Air bags for the rear might be your best bet considering you already have them.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 442
From: Eastern Washington
I'm pretty sure the shackles were called velvet-ride. Thought they dissapeared, but haven't checked.
Aftermarket springs are usually stiffer than stock because aftermarket springs are usually cheaper and of a higher arch than stock. I've ran Deavers on 2 rigs now, both taller than stock and softer that stock. You get what you pay for.
I'm an advocate of coil-springs, I've had jeeps and super-duties both ways (does that sound dirty?) Having said that, I'm not impressed with our 05+ SuperDuty work trucks. Stiff ride and horrible deathwobble. My truck rides tons nicer than the coil sprung work truck (granted, work truck is 5.4 and my truck is 7.3, but IMHO spring rates should have been adjusted to compensate).
Aftermarket springs are usually stiffer than stock because aftermarket springs are usually cheaper and of a higher arch than stock. I've ran Deavers on 2 rigs now, both taller than stock and softer that stock. You get what you pay for.
I'm an advocate of coil-springs, I've had jeeps and super-duties both ways (does that sound dirty?) Having said that, I'm not impressed with our 05+ SuperDuty work trucks. Stiff ride and horrible deathwobble. My truck rides tons nicer than the coil sprung work truck (granted, work truck is 5.4 and my truck is 7.3, but IMHO spring rates should have been adjusted to compensate).
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Rogers, MN
I put Bilsteins in my last truck, and they made the ride much rougher (stiffer). I sold that truck and got an Excursion (I know it isn't a truck, but hear me out). The stock ride left much to be desired. The front leaf springs were shot (Looked like W), so I replaced them with V codes (there are 4 or 5 different front leaf springs/rates available for the SD chassis). Apparently which spring you have makes a huge difference (ex. X codes are much stiffer than V codes). So, I put the new springs on, and I also put some Rancho 9000XL Adjustable shocks. What a difference. I leave the shocks on #1 (the softest setting) and it rides like a chevy. When I tow, I up the setting to #5 and it stiffens the suspension right up. I haven't even gone to #9 yet, but I am pretty sure that will be like the Bilsteins on my last truck. I don't remember what the cost was for that, but it was under $1,000.
You could always add some seats like these: Truck Seats, Truck Seat by National Seating
I don't know if they would fit, but I always thought they would be pretty nice if they would work!
You could always add some seats like these: Truck Seats, Truck Seat by National Seating
I don't know if they would fit, but I always thought they would be pretty nice if they would work!
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 442
From: Eastern Washington
you obviously have never had good springs or airbags.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 2
From: Bend Oregon
I hear you about the ride, I have pretty much the same truck and after a couple of thousand miles empty I'm looking for the chiropractor. Tires make the biggest difference for me. I air up for when I'm towing and drop the pressure down when empty but if you find something that works better please let us know!!
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