I just installed 4 new Bilstein shocks on my 2001 F150 XLT Ext Cab, Longbed, and it made a noticeable improvement at low speeds around town. However I still have this annoying bounce that permiates through the cab while driving over the expansion joints in the hwy at 65-75mph. While I was replacing the shocks I noticed that the bushings on the A-arms were cracked a bit, but I don't think this would be causing my problem. It almost feels like the rubber bushings that mount the cab to the frame are shot? It's like a trampoline effect. I know this isn't normal because I had a similar F150 for work and it didn't have the same problems in the exact same driving conditions.
Any insight into this would be great. I am sure others have had the same or similar issues with this..

Thanks,

 

every car i have ever driven does that over the expansion joints. ive got some pretty stiff ranchos under my truck and it still does it. i dont think the small amount of time you spend driving over a joint on the freeway really warrants the replacement of all the bushing in your suspension. i dont think there really is a fix for that.

 

What ties and wheels are you running? Stock configuration or aftermarket?

.

 

Bilstiens, Rancho, or otherwise; don't make much difference much because there are no standards to measue shock performance for the average highway user.
It's to much dependent on what tires, rim width, the tire pressure, the truck weight, the wheel base, the most important application etc.
I can tell you I like one brand, another will tell you he dosn't like them.
You have to decide what your after first, then pick the shock you think will offer the control you want.
Then you need to pay attention to tire pressure.
I run a SCREW as the everyday vehichle and need some sembelance of decent ride.
That means tire pressures in the 28 to 30 PSI range and shocks that don't do hard control.
The result is the truck will move a lot over uneven road.
Pump the tires up to 35 psi and hit high tar strips or sharp uneven changes and the truck will react somewhat violent because there is little tire compliance in the side walls due to the higher pressure to absorb the sharp changes.
One possible alternative for shocks is to use the high end adjustables from the cab so you are better able to attain the closest performance you want at the time.
It's always a compromise.

 

I am running stock 16" rims and stock tire size for that particular rim. The tires are brand new, guess they put them on at the dealership to sell the truck easier? Any way The problem I am having does not seem to be associated with the shocks, now that I replaced them with Bilsteins (top of the line). It feels like the cab is literally bouncing on the bushings that connect it to the frame. I have read other places that the stock bushings can wear out which would explain the problem. Next step is how do I check to see if this is indeed the issue I am having, rather than just replacing them? If it does turn out to be the cab body bushings, how would I replace those on my own? Use wooden wedges in between the frame and body?

Thanks,

 

what are your tires rated? i have D weighted tires, stifffer for towing, and they're aired up to about 40, real stiff, and are the same over bumps and whatnot..but i expected that with my setup

 

My trucks pretty stiff with the bilstiens. Off road shocks are meant to absorb off road environments. not really for making your truck a comfortable street cruiser. I think they work great been happy with them.