I swapped out factory 275/65/18 wheels and tires on my 2015 xlt in exchange for some 17 inch raptor rims with new 285/70/17 bfg ko2 C LOAD. Even with the C loads the ride is terrible. I feel every single flaw in the pavement.
Anyone else make a similar swap or have any tips on how to improve the ride? I looked into the Billstiens but have read alot of reviews stating they make the ride stiffer so I feel like that would make my situation worse

 

Tire pressure is key. What are they at?

 

I have it down to 36 psi currently. It's better than it was at higher psi but I'm not sure if I should have it any lower than that.

 

If you consider that harsh then they may not be the tires for you. I find mine to be silky smooth (load range E) compared to the 10th gen they were on before. The only basis I had for comparison was the test drive where I was looking for issues.

 

Is there a leveling kit installed?

 

No leveling kit. Everything stock other than the wheels and tires.

 

That's because you are using a tire that the suspension is not tuned to operate with. Most manufacturers tune their suspension systems to act in harmony with specific tires. You may want to try some OEM Ford shocks for the Raptor. But then spring rates are an issue also.

 

I would have said you have too much air in the tires but 36psi should be close to the sweet spot. It won't hurt to give 34psi a shot to see if it helps.

Interestingly, everyone always says how much better the ride is with more sidewall....

 

Ride quality and tire selection is very subjective!

Theres a lot of tire reviews on here with many stating they get a smooth ride on LT tires.
If you have to drop the psi so much just to get a decent ride then its my position these are the wrong tires.

The KO2s seemed to have replaced the Duratracs for the "prefered" tire by truck owners.
Yes, they look good but in my view, but unless you're towing some heavy loads or driving through the desert with rocks...its overkill for most.

I run the General Grabber AT2 in a P rating on an 18 inch wheel and I will say my opinion is they are much smoother riding than the oem 20 inch Hankooks also in P rating.
The Grabbers are also almost identical to the BFGs in tread and looks.