My Shocks Are Too Stiff!
10-26-2014, 01:49 PM
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My Shocks Are Too Stiff!
Hello all, sorry in advance for the lengthy post...
I have a 2011 F-150 Supercrew 4WD Ecoboost 3.5L. I love the truck! Just put fiberglass fenders on it, 315/70/17 BFG A/Ts, Robby Gordon black wheels, and Bilstein 5100's all around.
I had the Bilsteins set to the third level (one down from the max) at least that's what I told the guy installing them at 4 wheel parts. They are way too stiff for my liking. They've been on for about 3 months now. I did not upgrade the control arms yet, the stock ones are still on there.
Im trying to figure out a way to improve the ride and make it softer. I haven't tried off road yet, but I mostly drive on the highway vs offroad so I would like to have a softer ride. I understand that because I have the shocks set on a higher setting (one down from the max) that its going to stiffen the ride. Here are my questions:
1. would upgrading the stock arms to uniball control arms make the ride softer or have any affect on the firmness or softness of the ride?
2. would dropping the shocks down to the next level make the ride noticeably softer?
3. by dropping the shocks down obviously the front end would go lower, and I like how it looks level now. Can I install a 2" leveling kit along with the Bilstein 5100's in the front so it will still be level (or even sit higher which would be fine) then I can set the shocks to the lowest setting? Will this make the ride softer?
4. what about changing the stock spring? Will that make it softer if I get a spring with a different spring rate?
Thanks in advance for the help
I have a 2011 F-150 Supercrew 4WD Ecoboost 3.5L. I love the truck! Just put fiberglass fenders on it, 315/70/17 BFG A/Ts, Robby Gordon black wheels, and Bilstein 5100's all around.
I had the Bilsteins set to the third level (one down from the max) at least that's what I told the guy installing them at 4 wheel parts. They are way too stiff for my liking. They've been on for about 3 months now. I did not upgrade the control arms yet, the stock ones are still on there.
Im trying to figure out a way to improve the ride and make it softer. I haven't tried off road yet, but I mostly drive on the highway vs offroad so I would like to have a softer ride. I understand that because I have the shocks set on a higher setting (one down from the max) that its going to stiffen the ride. Here are my questions:
1. would upgrading the stock arms to uniball control arms make the ride softer or have any affect on the firmness or softness of the ride?
2. would dropping the shocks down to the next level make the ride noticeably softer?
3. by dropping the shocks down obviously the front end would go lower, and I like how it looks level now. Can I install a 2" leveling kit along with the Bilstein 5100's in the front so it will still be level (or even sit higher which would be fine) then I can set the shocks to the lowest setting? Will this make the ride softer?
4. what about changing the stock spring? Will that make it softer if I get a spring with a different spring rate?
Thanks in advance for the help
Last edited by FX4KING2011; 10-26-2014 at 01:58 PM.
10-26-2014, 02:20 PM
#2
Cycle For Fun and Health
By lowering the number setting of the shocks should not affect the ride height - should only affect the ride stiffness. Lower the setting number more and feel the difference.
10-26-2014, 02:30 PM
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Is that right? I thought the settings on the shock (4 different settings I believe) was to adjust the height of the shock which would cause the front end to rise up or down...so the adjustment is for the preload/ride quality?
10-26-2014, 02:39 PM
#4
Cycle For Fun and Health
OK, There are ride adjustable and height adjustable shocks. From looking at the Bilstien 5100 info, it appears they are height adjustable. I don't know if they are also ride adjustable. The info does not indicate that.
10-26-2014, 02:44 PM
#5
Cycle For Fun and Health
Here's a example of ride adjustable shocks:
10-26-2014, 02:46 PM
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got it, thanks, yea I knew rancho had ride adjustable ones, I should have gone with those, but im stuck with the bilsteins so trying to figure out how to make the ride softer with what I got..thanks for the reply
10-26-2014, 02:58 PM
#7
Cycle For Fun and Health
Yea, I need new shocks and struts on mine. Don't really want to lift it tho. The adjustable Ranchos are on sale for just a couple dollars more than the Monroe Quick Struts. I believe the Ranchos to be much better than the Monroes, anyone know which are best?
Monroe:
Rancho:
Monroe:
Rancho: