How to improve handling
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
How to improve handling
Hi, i have a 97 v6 2wd reg cab f150. I want to find a way to improve handling, and feeling and response in the steeringwheel. Right now the truck feels really spongy, and their is no feeling in the steeringwheel. I want the truck to track better, and have less body role when making tight turns. If lowering is one possibly way to achieve this, can you recommend sum kits. Could tires with a stiffer sidewall improve handling? If the truck is hopeless and will never handle please tell me that too.
If i can improve the handling im considering throwing a cam, and exhaust/intake under the hood. Maby even some kind of turbo/supercharger. But i dont see it being worth it unless i can work on the handling first. The engine only has 8k miles on it.
If i can improve the handling im considering throwing a cam, and exhaust/intake under the hood. Maby even some kind of turbo/supercharger. But i dont see it being worth it unless i can work on the handling first. The engine only has 8k miles on it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 2
From: NEVADA
spikers-
Yes the truck is hopless, and will never handle .............. it is a truck afterall.
But that hasn't stopped me from trying
I started with the lowering, big sway bars,better shocks, and wider tires ............. it ain't too bad for like 4500 pounds of truck.
I have casually looked for a hardpan to stop the body sway ( whip ) , and have only seen a Lightning version which will not fit.
As far as the steering goes, I would suggest checking all of the components involved, and suspension too. These big vehicles with power steering are never going to give a great road feel through the steering wheel..... But the better the overall condition the better it feels.
Try the search feature above, I'm sure there are lots of good posts.......
Yes the truck is hopless, and will never handle .............. it is a truck afterall.
But that hasn't stopped me from trying
I started with the lowering, big sway bars,better shocks, and wider tires ............. it ain't too bad for like 4500 pounds of truck.
I have casually looked for a hardpan to stop the body sway ( whip ) , and have only seen a Lightning version which will not fit.
As far as the steering goes, I would suggest checking all of the components involved, and suspension too. These big vehicles with power steering are never going to give a great road feel through the steering wheel..... But the better the overall condition the better it feels.
Try the search feature above, I'm sure there are lots of good posts.......
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 0
From: Buford, GA
Lowering the vehicle definitely improves the handling - I did a 2/4 drop (Western Chassis) on mine at the beginning of the year and I can take most curves at 20+ mph faster than before. Having wider wheels and high performance tires also helps!!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 648
Likes: 3
From: Canton, Ohio
Originally Posted by spikers400
How much do you think i can sell this truck for then:
97 f150, reg cab, manual 130k miles, with a brand new engine, tires, brakes, and control arms, with a cd player.
97 f150, reg cab, manual 130k miles, with a brand new engine, tires, brakes, and control arms, with a cd player.
http://www.kbb.com/
http://www.nadaguides.com/