I have an '08 F-150 with a 2" AS level up front. That, combined with larger tires and wheels, have made the ride a lot more "rough". Which I knew would happen. But now how to fix it. Atleast make it better.

First thing I want to do is drop the front from the 2" AS to 1.5".(2" is too big). I had hoped that the bilstein adjustable shocks would work but have since found out they cant be set to 1.5". I DO NOT want to add a block to the rear.

So what are my best options now? Thinking about getting new 1.5" AS but dont know what shocks to then get. Are Rancho shocks good or any better then Bilstein?

Thanks for the input
Rob

 

bisteins are a quality product. Best bang for the buck really. Id recommend them over most brands for stock suspension or close to stock application.

 

technically the spacer didn't make the ride rougher, it is most likely your tires. what did you end up with?

both our f150's have 2 1/2" leveling and drive fine, so i highly doubt dropping to 1 1/2" will please your with your rough ride problem.

the bilstein ride amazing tho, definitely worth it if your shocks need to be replaced.

 

x2 on 06yz250f's post. The spacer SHOULDN'T make the ride rougher. I have heard people complain that it does, but it really shouldn't. All it does it push the shocks farther down from the shock housing. You're tires probably made it rougher. What tires/rims did you put on there? if you put high profile offroad tires on there then it technically should have made the ride even smoother, providing more absorption from bumps etc. However, if you put some knobbies on there, then, yeah, it could be a rougher ride, especially if the tire you got requires a lot of air pressure. If you put low profile tires on with a larger rim, then your ride would inevitably be rougher, just from not having the extra cushioning in there. I really wouldn't recommend dropping from a 2" to 1.5" spacer. There's not going to be any benefit other then slightly better angles upfront, but really I don't think its worth it to drop 1/2" IMO.

 

Ok, I should have made myself more clear. Let me try this again. :o The reason I want to got down to 1.5" is because the 2" made the front about 1/2" higher then the rear. Think they call that the "bulldog" look or something?

I want new shocks to help with the ride after adding the larger rims and tires. 18x9 - 285/60/18(?) .

So to tackle both with one stone, i had planned to take the 2" AS out and get the bilstein front adjustable shocks and set them to 1.5. Getting the drop and new shocks I wanted. However, like i said, I've since found out the bilsteins cant be set to 1.5"

Thus I'm thinking a 1.5" AS with new shocks is the way to go. But I'm no expert, so thats why I'm asking y'all.

What shocks would I get if did the above? Yellow/blue bilsteins or the black/silver ones? Or another shock?

Thanks

 

Try this first. Lower your tire pressure ( I wouldn't go below 38-40 for daily driving). When my shop installed my 22's, they road rough as crap. I checked the pressure and the tech had them at 50psi. I dropped it to 40psi and the change in ride was incredible.

 

get an aal for the rear to level it out. Then get some bilsteins and call it a day. I got a set of bilsteins im waiting to install myself. The leveling kit did not make the ride rougher. I already had 35s on my truck when i put the leveling kit on and did not change besides it felt like i was sitting a lot higher and felt weird to drive for the first hr or so

 

I also have a 08' F150. I put the GF drop shackes on the rear. I used the middle hole dropping the rear 1- 1/2 inches. I then installed the Bilsteins adjustable 5100 series. Using the middle lip it will raise the front one inch. Now the truck sits level & rides like a cadillac. Not sure if you can use 285/60/18. I have 275/60/20 with plenty of clearance.

 

They did that to mine too! I'll check tomorrow but pretty sure they are all about 38.

Like I said above, I do NOT want to touch the rear. I think it sits perfect as is. The front on the other hand looks....weird...or something .

 

Well its your truck but it would be alot easier throwing in a block or something in the rear than messing with the front but ok. Just take some pics

 

Go with smaller spacers, check the tire air pressure, and if the ride is still too rough look at installing adjustable rate shocks. I've had the Rancho RS9000 shocks on for a few months and you can adjust the ride to your liking.http://www.gorancho.com/products/sho...l/rs9000xl.php

 

^^ Can those be set to 1.5" thus not needing the spacer?

 

No, the Rancho 9000 shocks do not adjust ride height. Rancho has a Quick Lift System that also has the adjustable valving and adjustable lift setting, but I'm not sure what the options are with ride height...guessing they have close to the same height settings as the Blistiens.

 

Yea, I've seen that. Does adjust to 1.5" but it also costs an arm and leg.

May be a dumb question but, Since I can use the stock ford shocks with a 2" AS. Couldnt I use "stock" bilsteins with a 1.5" AS? Like THESE for instance?

 

BuMp