looking for a more comfortable ride out of my OBS - Diesel Forum

169stang · 06-03-2008, 10:54 AM

I drive A LOT and am looking for a little more comfort out of my suspension. I entertained an air ride seat, but would like to take a look at the suspension instead. I don't tow nearly as much as I used to with this truck. Driving 99% w/o the trailer.
As far as the front...is there much that can be done besides the shocks?
For the rear...It seems a few of you have had great success with SD springs. Is that a bolt up deal w/o modification? Are the Bilstein shocks a no brainer? I appreciate all suggestions!

STurbo90 · 06-03-2008, 11:03 AM

Don't really see any complaints about the ride from the front in the coil spring models?

For the rear, the SD springs have been talked about more frequently recently, including write-up,

Rear S\D Springs WOW!!!

jtgroover · 06-03-2008, 11:59 AM

My old man has Airrides in his 95, after driving it for a week I am going to be ordering them for my 96. He also has National springs on the front, with bilsitens and is MUCH improved over stock, I have rancho 4" lift springs on mine and when I went to the bilstiens I saw an improvement, I will eventually go National or Deaver all four corners, I have just been waiting to find a Dana 60 SRW Front axle first.

gnxtc2 · 06-04-2008, 06:27 AM

The best ride is going to be........

Front

Reverse shackle kit with Super Duty "V" or "X" code springs. V codes if you have nothing hanging off the front end or the X codes if you have winch, plows, big bumper, etc. Match the springs with some Bilsteins. I posted a thread about 1-2 weeks ago about my RSK.

Rear

Replace the rear leafs with Super Duty springs. Do a search in the Excursion forum for the springs. I installed "F" code rears, the springs are progressive type. I will be doing a write up with pics on the rear when it stops raining.

Do a search and you will find tons of info on this well woth mod.

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

169stang · 06-04-2008, 09:12 AM

I've been reading up on those threads. I guess my confusion has been in all the different code's on the springs. I'm not really looking to lift my truck as opposed to just a better ride. If new springs will lift it an inch, I'll deal with it if it makes a difference.
It's 2WD without anything hanging up front.

STurbo90 · 06-04-2008, 11:36 AM

I'm not sure which threads you mean, I was only suggesting the thread for the rear SD springs,

you should have coil springs in the front being 2wd,

I'm not sure why they are mentioning D60 & Reverse Shackle Kits for the front.

169stang · 06-04-2008, 06:38 PM

My confusion has been in the "B", "V", "F" and whatever other kinds there are.

STurbo90 · 06-05-2008, 01:38 AM

If you go down to the "X" forum they have a lot more threads discussing the spring codes down there then we see in here, such as this one,

Installed V and F code springs

gnxtc2 · 06-05-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STurbo90

I'm not sure why they are mentioning D60 & Reverse Shackle Kits for the front.

He didn't post right away that he had a 2wd. Just ASSumed

that it was 4wd.

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

JMCX · 06-05-2008, 08:05 PM

Aluminum wheels will reduce unsprung weight and help harshness on small bumps. Getting rid of your overload leafs on the rear and adding some air bags in their place would also help in the same way.

91diesel · 06-05-2008, 09:56 PM

Ive always wanted airbags in the front for novelty. Is that even possible with a 2wd?

dint mean to hijack by the way but didnt think it was worth starting a thread.

169stang · 06-05-2008, 10:11 PM

Sorry...I guess I should have 2WD in my sig. Most 2wd guys don't note that and the 4x4 guys do note that in their sig. I wish I had 4x4 due to where I'm at mostly (mid West). Not looking forward to this next Winter. It's stock height as far as I know.

I just wish someone would say...Get this part number leaf/coil springs from this place for $XX.XX and install it this exact way. Be sure to do this and that. You'll be very happy with the improved ride. Also get this shock because it'll also make a difference. <<<actually, I'll more than likely be getting the Bilsteins per Cary's suggestion. It's just a matter of getting the time to measure my current shocks. I'd like to do the springs/shocks at the same time.
I already have Alcoa 16" wheels. Don't know how much lighter in alum. I can get. After the suspension and a few other things, I'll be getting a less aggressive tread for highway use. The tread I have now is a street tire, but with a little bigger lugs compared to what else is out there.

I know that anytime you have coil springs you can always add an airbag...but that's more for drag racing application to keep the spring from compacting so much. I don't think it's the same function with an airbag when talking comfort.

js2941 · 06-05-2008, 10:48 PM

Here's what I use along with bilsteins:
F-250 / 350 2-Bag Rear - 1998 & Older - Ford - Truck - Air Ride Suspension Systems - Kelderman Manufacturing
I also installed a belt drive compressor (DIY) and an auto leveling valve. It stays level, loaded or empty, automatically. Used this system for 6-7 years with no problems. A great ride improvement for me. I'd replace the front coils with bags if I could. I'm about to rebuild the front end (everything), I may look into it while it's apart.