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Joined: Dec 2012
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2012
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obviously, not trying to make it ride like a car, but any ideas on improvements?
i have had the truck for 14 years. lately, it seems to be riding very rough. i put Bilstein shocks on it and the ride may have gotten worse. certainly didn't improve.
thanks, ked
Last edited by keith_dunlap; 06/04/13.
if a man speaks, and there isn't a woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Sell it and buy a half ton
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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That would do it. LOL
Were you ever really satisfied with the ride? Provided your springs are in decent shape you can start by replacing all suspension and body mount bushings with high quality rubber ones. Those Bilsteins are pressurized to 300psi so your right about it feeling worse. Maybe someone can recommend a good tire that would help. One more thing to consider is your seat. They do wear out.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 1,927 |
I put new front springs made by Deaver (in So Cal) in my 2003 F250 4x4. The spring packs are 13 thin leaves (and 6" of lift) and they ride like a dream. I believe Bilsteins are gas shocks, which are rough riding by design.
Ken
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 860 |
All shocks are gas shocks, Bilsteins are a high-pressure monotube. I don't think the shocks are your problem, whens the last time you replaced any bushings in the front end? How do the springs look?
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Joined: Mar 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I like the big Monroe shocks or Les Schwab heavy-duty shocks on my Ford 350. Don't run too much air in your tires say 55 and 60 pounds, unless you have a load on. Make sure the suspension is functioning as it is supposed to. Driving style makes a difference. Be careful where you put your wheels and don't go too fast. I wouldn't trade the F-350 diesel for 2 F150 gas trucks.
The only cure for life and death is to enjoy the interval. George Santayana
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Posts: 18,881 |
If you've had it 14 yrs., I would suspect the springs might need replacing. Some of the lift kits have softer, longer travel springs that might work. You may loose some load carrying capacity however with different springs. I understood that at least some of the Bilstein shocks get stiffer the harder they are worked. At low speeds, they shouldn't be really stiff. You might check and see just what they are doing. Tires do make a difference. You probably are running E range tires that do fine with alot less air in them. E
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Campfire Regular
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On the front of those Fords, the shackle is in front of the spring. You can get a kit called a RSK or Rear Shackle Kit for it and runs factory Super Duty springs. These kits will raise the front of the truck by 2-3 inches. You will likely need to do something to the rear like changing to a taller block, adding a mini spring pack, or replacing the rear leaves.
to get a kit contact PMF fab in Tucson Arizona or you can contact Cary at CTperformanceinc.com and he can get you everything you need to make you truck ride as nice or nicer than a brand new leaf sprung Super Duty.
micky
Last edited by micky; 06/10/13.
“Lighten up Francis”
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Campfire Outfitter
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Remove a leaf from the springs.
"There's more to optics than meets the eye."--anon
"...most of us would be better off losing half a pound around the waist than half a pound on our rifle."--dhg
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Hang a boss V plow on the front and fill the bed with green maple firewood. she'll ride soooo nice.
Something clever here.
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my buddy has a bout 4/6 rail road Rails top with a sheet of plywood i want to say its a smaller rail as I have seen 20lb rail and 80lb rail...his fell somewhere in between
I work harder than a ugly stripper....
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