4x2 harsh ride problems help
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4x2 harsh ride problems help
I have a 2002 4x2 xlt stock height with 100k miles. ive installed a rear sway bar, air assist bags in rear and bilstein shocks.
Im looking for a smoother ride. It doesnt take the large bumps and train tracks very well. It feels like if the front end bottoms out. Ive been reading here on the forums about the rancho 9000 adjustable series giving a better ride, but most of those are for the 4x4 ex's they sit higher and more travel on the front end. So im wondering if rancho's helping with a smoother ride but not the front end bottoming out, maybe a 4" lift with the rancho's would give me both a smooth ride and no more bottoming out.
Hopefully those of you who have done this would share your experience. Thanks in advance for your help.
Im looking for a smoother ride. It doesnt take the large bumps and train tracks very well. It feels like if the front end bottoms out. Ive been reading here on the forums about the rancho 9000 adjustable series giving a better ride, but most of those are for the 4x4 ex's they sit higher and more travel on the front end. So im wondering if rancho's helping with a smoother ride but not the front end bottoming out, maybe a 4" lift with the rancho's would give me both a smooth ride and no more bottoming out.
Hopefully those of you who have done this would share your experience. Thanks in advance for your help.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,885
Likes: 25
From: Chino, California
You're suppose to cross the railroad at the crossings with the gate/arm, not in between crossings, LOL.
Anyway, I have the model you have, but I only have Monroe shocks (el cheapo) and they work fine. My front end does not bottom out. Maybe try to inflate your tires to what is on the door jam if you're not towing.
Anyway, I have the model you have, but I only have Monroe shocks (el cheapo) and they work fine. My front end does not bottom out. Maybe try to inflate your tires to what is on the door jam if you're not towing.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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I have the 4x2, v10, '01, 118k miles. All stock.
I recently replaced the front sway bar links and frame bushings with moogs. That helped a little with some of the rough riding over bumps.
Then I replaced the stock shocks with Rancho 9000XL and wow, what a difference. All of my reading/research led me to believe the Bilstiens would be rougher and I wanted a smoother ride and many said that the 9000xl set on a low setting would provide that and it did.
You may also check your tire pressure. If they are real high, then that can make the ride harsher as well.
Also check the distance between the frame stops and the front suspension parts. Mine is 1.75". I have heard of some that had less than 1" and that probably means time for new springs.
I recently replaced the front sway bar links and frame bushings with moogs. That helped a little with some of the rough riding over bumps.
Then I replaced the stock shocks with Rancho 9000XL and wow, what a difference. All of my reading/research led me to believe the Bilstiens would be rougher and I wanted a smoother ride and many said that the 9000xl set on a low setting would provide that and it did.
You may also check your tire pressure. If they are real high, then that can make the ride harsher as well.
Also check the distance between the frame stops and the front suspension parts. Mine is 1.75". I have heard of some that had less than 1" and that probably means time for new springs.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 214
Likes: 7
From: East Tenn
I have the Rancho 9000s on my 4x2 and have zero complaints with the ride. I love the adjustability for laden and unladen travels, towing or not. No bottoming over anything that New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Ohio roads throw at me.
Added the Hellwig rear bar about the same time and that makes a HUGE difference for handling, too, but you shouldn't notice it over railroad tracks or anything.
Added the Hellwig rear bar about the same time and that makes a HUGE difference for handling, too, but you shouldn't notice it over railroad tracks or anything.
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Freshman User
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mgmoore7 - I had a spring co. re-arc my rear springs since they were weak. it helped with the rear bottoming out. they also placed a front 2" spring spacer to give more travel. Now I have a 2.5" passenger side and 3" driver side travel space between bump stop and frame. Still having a harsh ride. Im wondering if i change to the rancho 9000 adj series if it would be the answer. See image of front spacer.
http://media2.miqlive.com/media/dcS_...jpg?1280377824
http://media2.miqlive.com/media/dcS_...jpg?1280377824
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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Ok
I've since replaced the front springs with the F350 spring swap
Replaced the ball joints and tie rods
*The ride is still not a smooth one. What else can i look for?
*Also the rear bounces to much. Has air bags in rear.
It handles great on smooth highway but is real harsh on not so smooth roads. It does not ride smooth over small pot hole or rough road .
Have rancho 9000 adj shocks
I've since replaced the front springs with the F350 spring swap
Replaced the ball joints and tie rods
*The ride is still not a smooth one. What else can i look for?
*Also the rear bounces to much. Has air bags in rear.
It handles great on smooth highway but is real harsh on not so smooth roads. It does not ride smooth over small pot hole or rough road .
Have rancho 9000 adj shocks
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New User
Joined: Feb 2011
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I haven't been happy with the ride/control of my 2000 EX 7.3 2WD for years. been studying a lot around here. Think I am going to air helpers in front (front is about 2 inches lower in the front). It has to shift some to the back plus they fit in the coils and are only about a hundred bucks.
Not sure which to do on the rear. Trying to decide between Air ride in rear or RAS.
Any comments on rear choices?
Trying to keep it smooth, wifeys ride you know!
Highway ride, carrying mostly family, occaisinally a big boat
Not sure which to do on the rear. Trying to decide between Air ride in rear or RAS.
Any comments on rear choices?
Trying to keep it smooth, wifeys ride you know!
Highway ride, carrying mostly family, occaisinally a big boat
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I haven't been happy with the ride/control of my 2000 EX 7.3 2WD for years. been studying a lot around here. Think I am going to air helpers in front (front is about 2 inches lower in the front). It has to shift some to the back plus they fit in the coils and are only about a hundred bucks.
Not sure which to do on the rear. Trying to decide between Air ride in rear or RAS.
Any comments on rear choices?
Trying to keep it smooth, wifeys ride you know!
Highway ride, carrying mostly family, occaisinally a big boat
Not sure which to do on the rear. Trying to decide between Air ride in rear or RAS.
Any comments on rear choices?
Trying to keep it smooth, wifeys ride you know!
Highway ride, carrying mostly family, occaisinally a big boat
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...onversion.html
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Gotta make a move soon. Gonna do Air bag helpers in front. Cheap enough ad they have to lift /beef the front up some.
Really surprised that I have found no one in Houston area shops that have a clue about a replacement spring or alternative for 2wd EX. Only a bunch of head scratchers and "hhmmmmnnns" I am in truck country too, the lift shops/ after market dudes, nothing! Only one person wanted to put on a spacer for $395.00 and that will only make my mushy springs taller right?
Let you know how it turns out.
Really surprised that I have found no one in Houston area shops that have a clue about a replacement spring or alternative for 2wd EX. Only a bunch of head scratchers and "hhmmmmnnns" I am in truck country too, the lift shops/ after market dudes, nothing! Only one person wanted to put on a spacer for $395.00 and that will only make my mushy springs taller right?
Let you know how it turns out.
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