ajandersen

I have a 2012 Platinum with 20" tires (tires and suspension are stock). It has been an unbelievable truck but I'm upgrading to the new 2018 and selling my truck to my parents.

My mom is older and has had back surgeries, etc. It is difficult for her to ride in many vehicles because the ride is too harsh. My truck does really well for performance but I'd like to make the ride as smooth as possible. I was thinking about switching from 20" to 17 or 18" tires. Do you think that will make a big difference and is worth doing? Anything else I should consider?

Dad is a farmer (retiring) and will do light work with it. They really haven't ever had a nice vehicle and it would be fun for them to have the F150 if it would work out for Mom.

antony1103

You'll probably get the best results going with a 17" passenger tire. I noticed that a little weight in the bed helps keep the rear end from hopping around on crappy roads.

IMO, I think the newer f150s are the smoothest riding truck I've ever felt. Definitely doesn't ride like a truck to me.

ajandersen

I agree that they're really great riding trucks. I'm currently looking into SULASTIC shock absorbers ($~400) based on some posts I'm reading on this forum. Maybe a combo of this and 17" tires...

paintballdude05

I found that going from 18's to 20's made a big difference in the harshness of the ride. I think you're on the right track going down in wheel size.

Johnny_bravo00

Longer wheelbase changes ride dramatically.

RLXXI

More sidewall/less rim=smoother ride. That is a fact, also stay in the C load range.
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Eduskator

I'd go with the 17s. More sidewall = more cushion. lol

ajandersen

Unfortunately, I have a 5 1/2 foot bed (which I love but is the shorter wheelbase).

Are you guys familiar with the Sulastic shock absorbers? Would you do that first or the tires first? Or both? Also, it sounds like some of you are suggesting even 17" over 18" tires. Are there also tires that are meant to ride with less PSI so they ride smoother or are they all about the same as far as psi is concerned?

Blown F-150

Pick up a set of used Raptor 17" wheels and put a stock diameter tire on them. I recommend going with a "P" rated tire. They will have the softest sidewalls and the most compliant ride, yet have enough of a rating for anything they would tow or load in the bed.

Eduskator

They should all run the same PSI. It's just that there is more air space to absorb shocks... Less sidewall = rim absorbs more, more sidewall = rubbers absorb more.


I'd really go with the tires first. Should be less expensive as well (unless you just changed your 20s).