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Rough riding 2016 XLT Supercrew 4x4

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Old 04-23-2017, 10:22 AM
  #41  
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Here I go again . . .


The subject of ride quality is highly subjective. Everyone has their own opinion which is based on experience, driving style and expectation. That said, here's my OPINION and experience.


The stock FX4 system sucks. Period. In particular, the rear end is over sprung and under dampened. The front, while better balanced is simply inadequate to support the truck properly. After owning my 2015 FX4 Larry for a couple of months I began to dislike it. Due to an unrelated event, I was given a Chev Silverado (similarly equipped) to drive for 2 weeks. That was the "nail in the coffin" for the FX4. Having both trucks in the driveway for two weeks was a real eye opener! Even my wife said; "fix that 150!". I was actually thinking about trading the 150 for a Silverado at that point.


Here's my son with the FX4 shock with 10K on it:
You can see the shocks are not worn or defective in that the dampening is constant. The issue is, the fact that he can move them AT ALL. Imagine they're supposed to dampen a 1 ton pick-up truck. Conversely, he couldn't even BUDGE the 2.0s and forget the 2.5s!


Symptoms -
>Truck bounces over expansion joints and skips latterly when doing so.
>Truck does not hold line thru corners at speed = Understeers.
>Brake dive
>Acceleration squat
>Excessive body roll


First, I installed the Helwig rear bar. It was cheap and easy to install. It helped with the body roll and cornering a bit. Definitely a step in the right direction, but not a solution. I didn't care for the design much, particularly the passenger side axel attachment which should be mount outboard of the brake lines. Additionally, less than a year in the powder-coating is pealing off.


Next, I installed a set of Fox 2.0 in the rear. These were a huge improvement and some guys could have stopped here, but, there's those "expectations" I was talking about. Having the rear end behave only served to accentuate the front end's shortcomings to me.


I installed a set of ICON 2.5" units up front. (basic unit, no reservoir) Bottom line, they ROCK! I like them so much, I removed the Fox 2.0s and installed the ICON 2.5" CDCV units in the rear. My only regret is not going for the CDCV in the front as well. The CDCV allows you to make the shock ride WAY soft(softer than the non-CDCV unit I think) which may be an attraction to the "rides like a caddy" guys.


The truck handles firm, but quite and smooth. I'd liken it to an Audi as opposed to a "caddy". There are no squeaks or rattles from the units. There is no increased road noise in the cabin. YES, you can FEEL more of what you're driving on and the ride is firm. There's very little under-steer. There's no brake dive or accel squat. The expansion hop is pretty much gone. The truck corners at speed like a German sports sedan. I'm pretty happy and I think this is about as good as this rig is gonna ride, ever.


Getting back to expectations. If you're wanting a "riding on a cloud" type ride, this is not it. If you want that feeling, you're gonna have to live with body roll and under-steer, which translates into less control. That's FINE if your driving style allows for it. If you're super mellow behind the wheel, don't mind slowing down for corners on the highway and don't tow, you're great! Keep 'er stock or just go for the Fox 2.0s in the rear. Maybe the 5100s all around. My dad LOVES his 2000 Tundra(the "SS Tundra" my son calls it). The truck has 90K, but is MINT. It rides like a boat tho. He doesn't care. He takes his time. He rarely breaks 70 and he doesn't tow. He doesn't notice what I PERCEIVE as lousy performance. He didn't like my Ridgeline because it also had a firm ride.


Conversely, maybe you LIKE to drive, or maybe you commute with the rig. Where I'm at, we have these TIGHT WINDY parkways(search; Saw Mill Parkway, Taconic State Parkway) with no shoulders, just a guard rail or Jersey barrier a foot or less from the white line. The stock setup is a freekin white knuckle ride! In that case you may appreciate the firm ride which allows you to run with other "normal" handling cars on the road.



I'd suggest you seek out other guys and drive their rigs to see what you like. It'll save you time and money.

TomJV


I document the install and experience here:
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/quest...lovers-354265/

Last edited by tomjv; 04-23-2017 at 10:42 AM.
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Bug (04-23-2017)
Old 04-23-2017, 04:30 PM
  #42  
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I've never understood manufacturers to put Off Road packages on trucks with Tow packages. They don't play nice together.

When I'm towing a 30' Travel Trailer, I don't want the suspension soft and bouncing all over the place making the trailer porpoise. Never understood this.

And if someone does want a tow package with the Off Road package, there should be some towing limitations so the people buying know that these shocks are no good for towing.

My previous 2004 Off Road Nissan Titan was so bad, I often hit my head on the roof when hitting large dips in the road. Luckily I was only towing a pop up with that truck.

I test drove some Nissan SUVs with the Off road shocks and they were all squirrely on road compared their none off road versions.

What's even more funny, is that GM includes the tow package with their Off Road Z71 suspension packaged trucks even though they recommend their Z85 suspension for towing.

Last edited by Mike Up; 04-23-2017 at 04:34 PM.
Old 04-23-2017, 05:03 PM
  #43  
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Any vendors on here that sell fox shocks? Looking to order a set of front and rear fox 2.0 shocks for my 16 fx4. I also have a 2.25" ready lift leveling kit. Will this affect anything?
Old 04-23-2017, 05:08 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by JB 1 TIME
Any vendors on here that sell fox shocks? Looking to order a set of front and rear fox 2.0 shocks for my 16 fx4. I also have a 2.25" ready lift leveling kit. Will this affect anything?
Call Fox directlu1and ask them about the lift.

IGM Amazon

TomJV
Old 04-23-2017, 05:21 PM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by tomjv
Here I go again . . .


The subject of ride quality is highly subjective. Everyone has their own opinion which is based on experience, driving style and expectation. That said, here's my OPINION and experience.


The stock FX4 system sucks. Period. In particular, the rear end is over sprung and under dampened. The front, while better balanced is simply inadequate to support the truck properly. After owning my 2015 FX4 Larry for a couple of months I began to dislike it. Due to an unrelated event, I was given a Chev Silverado (similarly equipped) to drive for 2 weeks. That was the "nail in the coffin" for the FX4. Having both trucks in the driveway for two weeks was a real eye opener! Even my wife said; "fix that 150!". I was actually thinking about trading the 150 for a Silverado at that point.


Here's my son with the FX4 shock with 10K on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyMcLcKSMMc
You can see the shocks are not worn or defective in that the dampening is constant. The issue is, the fact that he can move them AT ALL. Imagine they're supposed to dampen a 1 ton pick-up truck. Conversely, he couldn't even BUDGE the 2.0s and forget the 2.5s!


Symptoms -
>Truck bounces over expansion joints and skips latterly when doing so.
>Truck does not hold line thru corners at speed = Understeers.
>Brake dive
>Acceleration squat
>Excessive body roll


First, I installed the Helwig rear bar. It was cheap and easy to install. It helped with the body roll and cornering a bit. Definitely a step in the right direction, but not a solution. I didn't care for the design much, particularly the passenger side axel attachment which should be mount outboard of the brake lines. Additionally, less than a year in the powder-coating is pealing off.


Next, I installed a set of Fox 2.0 in the rear. These were a huge improvement and some guys could have stopped here, but, there's those "expectations" I was talking about. Having the rear end behave only served to accentuate the front end's shortcomings to me.


I installed a set of ICON 2.5" units up front. (basic unit, no reservoir) Bottom line, they ROCK! I like them so much, I removed the Fox 2.0s and installed the ICON 2.5" CDCV units in the rear. My only regret is not going for the CDCV in the front as well. The CDCV allows you to make the shock ride WAY soft(softer than the non-CDCV unit I think) which may be an attraction to the "rides like a caddy" guys.


The truck handles firm, but quite and smooth. I'd liken it to an Audi as opposed to a "caddy". There are no squeaks or rattles from the units. There is no increased road noise in the cabin. YES, you can FEEL more of what you're driving on and the ride is firm. There's very little under-steer. There's no brake dive or accel squat. The expansion hop is pretty much gone. The truck corners at speed like a German sports sedan. I'm pretty happy and I think this is about as good as this rig is gonna ride, ever.


Getting back to expectations. If you're wanting a "riding on a cloud" type ride, this is not it. If you want that feeling, you're gonna have to live with body roll and under-steer, which translates into less control. That's FINE if your driving style allows for it. If you're super mellow behind the wheel, don't mind slowing down for corners on the highway and don't tow, you're great! Keep 'er stock or just go for the Fox 2.0s in the rear. Maybe the 5100s all around. My dad LOVES his 2000 Tundra(the "SS Tundra" my son calls it). The truck has 90K, but is MINT. It rides like a boat tho. He doesn't care. He takes his time. He rarely breaks 70 and he doesn't tow. He doesn't notice what I PERCEIVE as lousy performance. He didn't like my Ridgeline because it also had a firm ride.


Conversely, maybe you LIKE to drive, or maybe you commute with the rig. Where I'm at, we have these TIGHT WINDY parkways(search; Saw Mill Parkway, Taconic State Parkway) with no shoulders, just a guard rail or Jersey barrier a foot or less from the white line. The stock setup is a freekin white knuckle ride! In that case you may appreciate the firm ride which allows you to run with other "normal" handling cars on the road.



I'd suggest you seek out other guys and drive their rigs to see what you like. It'll save you time and money.

TomJV


I document the install and experience here:
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/quest...lovers-354265/
That shock is bad. No way around that. I'm surprised you didn't notice by hitting the bump stops all the time. When my 2010 F150 shock blew and was leaking everywhere, I sure did. I also was getting wheel hop on even the slightest of wheel slip. Most likely from hitting the bump stops and rebounding back and forth.

Last edited by Mike Up; 04-23-2017 at 08:00 PM.
Old 04-23-2017, 08:05 PM
  #46  
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Originally Posted by JB 1 TIME
Any vendors on here that sell fox shocks? Looking to order a set of front and rear fox 2.0 shocks for my 16 fx4. I also have a 2.25" ready lift leveling kit. Will this affect anything?
I just purchased the Fox 2.0's today for the rear of my truck after being partially thrown into another lane the other day on the freeway.

I got a pair shipped to my house for $239.77 from AutoAnything.
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Old 04-24-2017, 12:25 PM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by cdiddy4224
I just purchased the Fox 2.0's today for the rear of my truck after being partially thrown into another lane the other day on the freeway.

I got a pair shipped to my house for $239.77 from AutoAnything.
remember, jack from the frame, not the pumpkin.
save the boxes si you can sell them when you upgrade to 2.5s! ; )
TomJV
Old 02-03-2019, 03:45 AM
  #48  
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Originally Posted by tomjv
Here I go again . . .


The subject of ride quality is highly subjective. Everyone has their own opinion which is based on experience, driving style and expectation. That said, here's my OPINION and experience.


The stock FX4 system sucks. Period. In particular, the rear end is over sprung and under dampened. The front, while better balanced is simply inadequate to support the truck properly. After owning my 2015 FX4 Larry for a couple of months I began to dislike it. Due to an unrelated event, I was given a Chev Silverado (similarly equipped) to drive for 2 weeks. That was the "nail in the coffin" for the FX4. Having both trucks in the driveway for two weeks was a real eye opener! Even my wife said; "fix that 150!". I was actually thinking about trading the 150 for a Silverado at that point.


Here's my son with the FX4 shock with 10K on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyMcLcKSMMc
You can see the shocks are not worn or defective in that the dampening is constant. The issue is, the fact that he can move them AT ALL. Imagine they're supposed to dampen a 1 ton pick-up truck. Conversely, he couldn't even BUDGE the 2.0s and forget the 2.5s!


Symptoms -
>Truck bounces over expansion joints and skips latterly when doing so.
>Truck does not hold line thru corners at speed = Understeers.
>Brake dive
>Acceleration squat
>Excessive body roll


First, I installed the Helwig rear bar. It was cheap and easy to install. It helped with the body roll and cornering a bit. Definitely a step in the right direction, but not a solution. I didn't care for the design much, particularly the passenger side axel attachment which should be mount outboard of the brake lines. Additionally, less than a year in the powder-coating is pealing off.


Next, I installed a set of Fox 2.0 in the rear. These were a huge improvement and some guys could have stopped here, but, there's those "expectations" I was talking about. Having the rear end behave only served to accentuate the front end's shortcomings to me.


I installed a set of ICON 2.5" units up front. (basic unit, no reservoir) Bottom line, they ROCK! I like them so much, I removed the Fox 2.0s and installed the ICON 2.5" CDCV units in the rear. My only regret is not going for the CDCV in the front as well. The CDCV allows you to make the shock ride WAY soft(softer than the non-CDCV unit I think) which may be an attraction to the "rides like a caddy" guys.


The truck handles firm, but quite and smooth. I'd liken it to an Audi as opposed to a "caddy". There are no squeaks or rattles from the units. There is no increased road noise in the cabin. YES, you can FEEL more of what you're driving on and the ride is firm. There's very little under-steer. There's no brake dive or accel squat. The expansion hop is pretty much gone. The truck corners at speed like a German sports sedan. I'm pretty happy and I think this is about as good as this rig is gonna ride, ever.


Getting back to expectations. If you're wanting a "riding on a cloud" type ride, this is not it. If you want that feeling, you're gonna have to live with body roll and under-steer, which translates into less control. That's FINE if your driving style allows for it. If you're super mellow behind the wheel, don't mind slowing down for corners on the highway and don't tow, you're great! Keep 'er stock or just go for the Fox 2.0s in the rear. Maybe the 5100s all around. My dad LOVES his 2000 Tundra(the "SS Tundra" my son calls it). The truck has 90K, but is MINT. It rides like a boat tho. He doesn't care. He takes his time. He rarely breaks 70 and he doesn't tow. He doesn't notice what I PERCEIVE as lousy performance. He didn't like my Ridgeline because it also had a firm ride.


Conversely, maybe you LIKE to drive, or maybe you commute with the rig. Where I'm at, we have these TIGHT WINDY parkways(search; Saw Mill Parkway, Taconic State Parkway) with no shoulders, just a guard rail or Jersey barrier a foot or less from the white line. The stock setup is a freekin white knuckle ride! In that case you may appreciate the firm ride which allows you to run with other "normal" handling cars on the road.



I'd suggest you seek out other guys and drive their rigs to see what you like. It'll save you time and money.

TomJV


I document the install and experience here:
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/quest...lovers-354265/

FX4 shocks are junk, but he is holding it upside down. Most twin tube shocks lose their ability to dampen when upside down.



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