2017 F150 Poor Ride Quality?
12-13-2017, 10:23 PM
#31
For the record, the bilstiens are not softer, nor firmer, they are better valved, to prevent rebounds. The ride over bumps is on par with stock, without the extra wheel hops(rebounds) and have more travel to accommodate up to a 2" lift.
If you put them side by side and compress them, you will find the are pretty equal in how much force it required to compress them, but when you release them you will see the Bilstiens extends much faster than stock, and this is where they eliminate the rebounds by getting that wheel down to the pavement and keeping it there.
You really don't need to replace the fronts, I just did it since, well, since I needed to pull the tire to replace the stock rotors and pads, might as well do the shock up front too. There is enough weight on the front that the front shocks compensate well, it is just in the rear where it's lightest that the extra shock speed is needed, unless you want to drive with 200+ pounds in the bed all the time.
If you put them side by side and compress them, you will find the are pretty equal in how much force it required to compress them, but when you release them you will see the Bilstiens extends much faster than stock, and this is where they eliminate the rebounds by getting that wheel down to the pavement and keeping it there.
You really don't need to replace the fronts, I just did it since, well, since I needed to pull the tire to replace the stock rotors and pads, might as well do the shock up front too. There is enough weight on the front that the front shocks compensate well, it is just in the rear where it's lightest that the extra shock speed is needed, unless you want to drive with 200+ pounds in the bed all the time.
12-13-2017, 10:38 PM
#32
Yeah I forgot to mention if you replace your fronts you probably will be upset since it'll stiffen your ride, not make it softer. You can replace the rears without lifting your truck or removing a wheel... super simple, if you have power tools it'l take 15 minutes both sides... with a ratchet maybe 25.
12-13-2017, 11:08 PM
#33
Senior Member
two things are hurting you, th low profile tires, and the garbage shocks.
I replaced my shocks with less than 1k on them, and it really settled it down. I used the Bilstein 5100's. Tires you're just gonna have to live with unless you really want to replace them with ones with more sidewall.
I notice with mine, the first couple miles the tires ride rougher than when they warmup. Maybe check your pressures, 35#, cold, according to my door sticker.
I replaced my shocks with less than 1k on them, and it really settled it down. I used the Bilstein 5100's. Tires you're just gonna have to live with unless you really want to replace them with ones with more sidewall.
I notice with mine, the first couple miles the tires ride rougher than when they warmup. Maybe check your pressures, 35#, cold, according to my door sticker.
The following 2 users liked this post by BigDozer66:
johnday in BFE (12-13-2017),
w00t692 (01-12-2018)
01-11-2018, 11:04 PM
#34
I just wanted to post an update to all of this. After driving my brother-in-law's truck that was basically identical to mine I realized that I really did have a problem. I ended up taking it to the dealership and so far I have four new shocks, four new tires, and they are looking to check ride height in the front and make sure everything is okay. There were definitely suspension problems with the truck. I actually ordered the 5100 shocks and still plan on putting them on the rear, but I'm waiting until Ford is done with everything they're doing. As I mentioned before, the truck was a demo with 3200 miles on it when I bought it. Clearly, something happened in that short period of time. Unfortunately, I've been without my truck for a little over two weeks. That is very frustrating, but hopefully it'll be good to go after it's all done.
01-11-2018, 11:21 PM
#35
So a little heads up... 5100's are designed for lifted trucks. the 4600's are designed for stock trucks. Now, the Bilstein rep that I've worked with in the past has informed me that there is very little difference between the two (other than length, and MAYBE valving) If you have stock ride height, 4600's all day long.
I have 20's and FX4, surprisingly enjoyable ride. Usually I am not a fan of stock Ford shocks. (I don't have Goodyears, though... I have Hankooks, tires also make all the difference).
I have 20's and FX4, surprisingly enjoyable ride. Usually I am not a fan of stock Ford shocks. (I don't have Goodyears, though... I have Hankooks, tires also make all the difference).
Last edited by JigaWatt; 01-11-2018 at 11:37 PM.
01-11-2018, 11:38 PM
#36
It has to be the wheel/tire combo. I have the same truck with 17" tires and it rides sedan-smooth. 20s are for show and shines. You could never do any real off roading on them.
On the Bilstiens, as someone said, the 5100s are the same as 4600s but with an adjustable spring perch.
On the Bilstiens, as someone said, the 5100s are the same as 4600s but with an adjustable spring perch.
01-12-2018, 12:04 AM
#37
I have a 17 King Ranch 4x4 w 20" Goodyears Same power train as you. 3.5 EB with 10 speed. The ride is great on the highway. On bumpy country roads I keep my speed to around 30 and get a fairly good ride. Keeping the tire pressure at 35 is important. Any less and your mpg will go down, but smoother Any more, your ride becomes rougher. I also bought a digital air gauage to use with my air compressor. I check my tires about once a month, when they are cold. Surprisingly the dash reading and the gauge reading is the same.
01-12-2018, 06:53 AM
#40
Senior Member
No one mentioned that the 5100's are much prettier than stock.
