Porpoise Effect

[Ken1]

Just completed a round trip to Memphis, some of the roads are not as great as they should be. But The New X samed to dipping down in the front, up in the rear.

Should I be thinking about twin shocks on the front?

Thanks
Ken

[POLR BR]

Ken1

You have discovered the one serious shortcoming of the X. The stock suspension is awful but fortunately is fairly easily correctable.

Firstly, change the shocks. The stock Ford shocks are, bluntly, dangerous. Edelbrock IAS or Bilsteins are the preferred shocks.

Secondly, change the steering stabilizer. The stock stabilizer is undersized and inadequate. Rancho or procomp both make a good upgrade. You will observe an immediate improvement.

Thirdly, add a Helwig rear stabilizer bar. Ford amazingly did not use a rear stabilizer for an 8000 lb. truck. Some members have also changed the front stabilizer to a heavier Helwig bar and have reported good results. I have not changed the front stabilizer bar because I am not yet persuaded that the effort is worthwhile.

In addition to the above changes, I also mounted BFG 295R75 16 tires to the stock rims. My X now handles very well. I just returned this evening from a ski trip using back roads that are heavily damaged from a deep frost. The X handled very well allowing me to drive hard over some terrible roads.

The only suspension modification still needed is the addition of 550 springs. I need the 1 1/2" lift so the my 295's won't rub the mud flaps and so the X won't bottom out as much on the frost heaves. If you look at your spring and bumper stop you will see there is only a 1/2" clearance! A greater clearance is obviously need.

If you make the changes outlined above, you will be very pleased with the improvement and your X will handle safely and comfortably.

[UTAH]

Porpoise Effect? Nahhhh.... How can a Whale do that? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Seriously, though, as noted - some good shocks are in order. The softer suspension on the X needs far better methods of control.

I'd go to a rear stabilizer bar too, but I go off road quite a bit and I'd lose some articulation. So, I just try to take it easy and remember that I'm driving a Whale.

Best to y'all [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[coldair]

some of that effect comes from the long wheel base, mine does it on some roads that are heavily traveled over by big dump trucks. you want to have real fun try towing a 30' boat across alligator alley when you hit the dumb panther crossings that get beat up by heavy trucks

[Chile]

POLR BR,

You mentioned upgrading several (Edelbrock IAS shocks, Rancho stablizer, Helwig rear stabilizer bar, and 500 springs) items on the X inorder to improve its sluggish handling. Could you enlighten us on what an aproximative cost would be to perform such a surgery?
I am about two weeks away from purchasing my very first diesel, and this has been one of my concerns.
Thanks to all of the members out there. This is by far the BEST site I have ever seen with loads of great information. I have been reading many of your posts for months now. I have never been so informed about purchasing a new vehicle in the past. Again, many thanks to all of you.

[cliffsurfs]

Just installed my new Bilsteins, fronts were a hassel, backs easy. Went out for a road test, so far a marginal improvement. I will put some miles on it tomorrow. The stock shocks were gas and didn't feel much different. Should get my Helwig stablizer in two weeks, think thats going to be the hot ticket. Size wise the Bilsteins looked a little smaller in diameter. Expected a bigger shock than OEM. I have been in the Auto bus. most my life, Owner/Operator, and have sold and installed shocks mostly Monroe& Gabriel. Seems like every time I installed a aftermarket it was bigger and finished nicer. -------------------------------------------Y2K1 White 4x4 LTD PSD. wing, dash kit, Ford outfitters rubber mats, rear liner, and "BILSTEINS"

[POLR BR]

Chile,

From memory (therefore be suspicious)

Edelbrock IAS $50 each
Helwig Rear Stabilizer 145
Rancho Steering Stabilizer 55
295R75 16 BFG TA KO 189 each
550 X springs 260 (est)

I do my own installs. Labor amounts to about 5 or 6 hours. The springs will take me about 5-6 hours which is more than normal but I have never had smooth sailing with installing a set of springs. I will wait until warm weather arrives so I can at least knock back a few cold ones while I skin my knucles. [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

I almost did not notice it was your first post. I have not gotten use to the new look. Welcome to Ford-Diesel.com

[Runk]

Ken1, My 2 cents:
Here is what I have done based on info gleaned from this "group mind" of a website:
Rear anti sway bar. Helwig.
Front anti sway bar. Helwig.
Rancho RS9000 shocks (adjustable)(awesome).
Procomp steering stabilizer. $32.
BFG All Terrains. 285s. $801 mounted/bal. On stock rims.
These relatively inexpensive (except the tires!) improvements haave transformed the handling of the X. I ran with the rear bar only at first and then installed the front. Major improvement to have installed both the rear and the front.
Installation of all these items is relatively simple.
Rear bar 1 1/2 hours. (1/2 hour later to check installation and tune up. Helwig instructions skimpy.)
Front bar 1/2 hour. This is a replacement.
Front shocks 1/2 hour.
Rear shocks 1/2 hour. I am having problems with rear shocks which came from factory with defective bar pin mounts apparently.
SStabilizer: 15 mins.
Call Ryan at Super Duty Headquarters. (Sponser on this site. 480-633-2929.)
My next step is air bag rear suspension. (I have a heavy trailer.)
2 more cents: I believe my truck is much safer now with these suspension upgrades.
Ford could offer a heavy duty suspension pkg option?


POLR BR: I am interested in feedback on 550 springs. I have driven my friends F450 flatbed which has a very bouncy front end unless loaded. How will the X fare with those 550s? Please post results. Thanks.
And, thanks to all who have gone before who provided info which made my upgrades educated and easy.
Runk.

[UTAH]

CHILE - Yeah! A warm WELCOME to the site. [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

[xr7gt]

PolrBr and Runk,

If you don't need to level front end with 550 springs, you should consider the Timbren load boosters. Hard cornering and stops are flat. Along with the Edelbrocks I don't think I need the Helwig up front. What are the diameters of the stock versus Helwig front bar? Do they change the end links? I would like to find some polyurethane bushing's for the front sway bar. Over frost heaved roads it does'nt porpoise, but the front end bounces a liitle. Do you think the rear sway bar would offer any advantage over my current set up? I don't do any heavy towing.
Did the BFG's help with the overall ride? I'm ready to dump the Firestone's(white letters falling apart). Thanks for any feedback.

[H ED S]

Chile I also welcome you to the site and enjoy it and you can learna lot to. What could be better [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] '

I am following this article closely as the stock suspension sucks big time! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I am trying to decide between the Ranchoes and the Bilstiens. Seems the procomp steering stablizer is the choice of most.

As far as the Firebombs go I think they should be recalled. Not only for tread seperation but also in wet weather they have the poorest traction of any tire around.
I have had Firestone on three other vehicles before and I will never accept another one with them. The POS areUNSAFE!!! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] .

Ifeel that with the stock suspensions and the Firebombs our trucks are a little unsafe, thank goodness for their size and weight [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] .

Thanks for the good info. and keep it comming.

[Hookem]

The 550 (X) springs made a big improvement in handelingand provided about 1 1/2-2 inches of lift in the front. Took about 4 hours. I haven't got around to doing the rear helwig install but it is soon in coming. Like PolrBear, I am not sure that I will need/want the front replacement. As outlined in prior posts, shocks/tires/steering stabilizer/anti sway bar are a must on these vehicles.

[POLR BR]

xr7gt,

I looked at the Timbren web site and was quite interested. However, I want to get the front end up a bit for tire clearance and to increase the space between the bumper stop and frame. Besides, my X is leaning to the left and I think the left fron spring may be the culprit. After the snow melts, I will get out and measure the lean. Maybe I can get Ford to pay for the springs? [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

[RonThomas]

I've been following the suspension upgrade threads, and it seems most of you have 4x4. How many of these mods are applicable to 2WD? I am planning to order the Bilstein shocks soon, what about front stablizer and front and rear sway bars? Do I need them, and would they even fit on a 2WD? None of my driving is off road, but I do sometimes go down dirt roads with lots of potholes.

Ron

[Ferraridriver]

I agree with PolrBr, I have Bilsteins, and Hellwig rear bar. I am very satisfied with it now. I have used Bilsteins extensivly here in the shop, and can recomend them without reservation. Expect to pay about $70/ea. I have not found the need for a steering stabilizer yet. BTW, I NEVER go off road, so my requirements may differ from those how do. Also, BTW, Thanks POLR BR for the tip on wiper blades. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]