Ford4Matt

Greetings All,

I am new to the forum but I've been reading a lot of posts related to the ride quality of these trucks. I have a 2017 F 150 4X4 Super Crew Cab with the 5.5 box. 3.5 Eco & 10 speed. There is no tow package at all just the 7000#GVWR package which is stock I believe. 275/55R20 Goodyear Wrangler tires and stock 20" Ford Rims. I've noticed that the ride seems to be very bumpy on the slightest of "normal" bumps. I bought the truck as a demo model that had three thousand miles on it. Got a great deal on it so I couldn't pass it up with the the options I liked. It was just a female sales manager that drove it for the 3k miles. Not to be stereotypical, but I don't think she beat the hell out of it off roading. I test drove a used 2015 prior and​​​​​the ride seemed a lot smoother. I drove my buddies brand new 2018, and again, seems like a much smoother ride. Granted, none of those trucks had 20 inch rims on them, but I'm not sure how much of a difference that really makes. I'm not sure if I should take it to the dealership because everything in the truck seems mint, so it's hard to believe the shocks or struts are malfunctioning. The only service record on the truck was an oil change and a four-wheel balance that they did because the sales manager that drove it as the demo reported some vibration when driving. I actually don't notice any vibration just a stiff ride. The smallest of bumps seem to bounce the truck around where, ironically, bigger bumps seem to be handled better. I guess I am just looking for your thoughts and suggestions on what I've described. Again, not as bad in the other trucks I drove. I've seen some guys post about installing a Hellwig sway bar, but I'm not sure how much that would improve ride quality (shock absorbing ) versus better handling? I appreciate your help in advance thank you.

platinum99

Put a set of bilsteins shocks call it good. Search the threads

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

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.

stdr04

I had a 2016 xlt supercrew, but now my company has me in a '15 Silverado. I could do a lengthy write up about the differences...but to answer your question, I think it's the aluminum body. I believe the f150 bounces like crazy because of the lighter weight. It doesn't 'sink in' like the heavier Silverado or any other truck I owned. I noticed it right away when I got my f150 and felt every little crack in the road.

I agree that it handles big bumps really well. I installed the Fox rear shocks and did help quite a bit. Give that a try and see what happens.

Also, I had the 18" wheels and still thought it was very jittery.

grayjaxx

The bumpy ride you're noticing is 80% in the rear shocks, 15% in having 20s with a lower profile sidewall, and 5% in your head.

Get some fox 2.0 or bilsteins and the squishy feeling and wheel hop will mostly go away. Get a taller tire to wrap around your 20s will also have a dramatic affect on that cloud feel you're after.

Delavan

Try to add a few sandbags or weight in the back for confirmation.
Its a little jumpy when empty.

For me its fine, but I can't compare much, I drove my 1993 F-150 and a few 3/4 tons before, so my F-150 seems comfy and compliant.

I might do the shock later, but I don't know. I haven't towed with it yet.

idrive

iTrader: (3)

As mentioned, check the air pressure. Air them down to 35-36 and it will improve the ride.

caperJ

Bilsteins and weight will solve your issue. I had the shocks and 8 55LB bags in the back off road barely used 4WD.

BubbaKen

THIS. Put them at exactly what the door jam calls for. Mine was delivered at 42lbs and lowering them to 35 (my recommended PSI) changed everything to include slight bed hop. I can't see upgrading shocks at this point but was considering it before. On a side note I don't have any harsh ride with my "low profile" 275x55x20 tires.

If you are already at recommended pressure then I guess I'd start with the back shocks.

Good luck!

Polar Bear F150

I'll give another nod to the Bilstein taking care of the ride. Before I put the 5100's on, going over a bump felt like I was on a see saw. My wife got sea sick towing the boat to the lake...... not on the lake! The Bilsteins made the ride while towing much smoother too. Unfortunately, it's just one of those things that they blew in the design/specification phase, but I understand the issue has been corrected on the 18's.


You can get away with just replacing the rears pretty economically by doing it yourself. Piece of cake swap as you only need to remove 4 bolts - 2 on each side. You don't even have to jack up the truck.