Spongey Front End Suspension
Recently lost the straight and stiff front end feel in my ranger at speeds above 65mph.
On the highway, the front end feels very squishy (easiest way to describe it). The steering doesn't feel as tight and I'm always making adjustments to keep it straight. If I turn the wheel side to side while driving, there's a lot of body roll. Going over bumps while making a turn is scary as the front end tends to hop. Any ideas? |
Re: Spongey Front End Suspension
Without any mention of knocks and clunks and with the recent cold snaps skipping across Soviet Amerika lately, I'd almost ask if you've checked tire pressure?
Much of what you described thus so far could be low pressure in tires.. including the rock-hopper effect of speedbumps squishing over them if they're those ridiculous tall ones. Another thing to check would be upper and lower ball joints But I would think you'd hear something with that even if only a light rattle on rougher roads. |
Re: Spongey Front End Suspension
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I did just order some Bilstein shocks. The ones on the truck now look stock. Hopefully that corrects the issue. |
Re: Spongey Front End Suspension
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Depending on tires, load and or load ratings even, GVWR, and your personal tastes. Make sure your tires are at a proper pressure. I know the majority of people will tout either going off a door sticker or the general unwritten rule of thumb of 34-35PSI but that doesnt always apply. I run a 33" DynaPro MT on my truck. Max pressure is 80PSI not 40. When I set my tires at 35PSI it feels like you aired down a bit for the softer ride. Gas mileage is ass too. I run the rears at 54PSI (always geared up partially 300-400lbs of added weight) and the fronts at 45-48. Almost at 50K, No feathering, tires were rotated every 5-7k, over 2.5 years now and I'm generally on trails or spur roads as much as hwy/local roads here in Nevada it seems. If your tires max pressure is 55PSI, perhaps having that extra 5-8 PSI may make a difference..? |
Re: Spongey Front End Suspension
My guess is that you have too much pressure in your tires. That will make it feel squirlly on the road as you are running on only the tread in the center of the contact patch. Too high a pressure will also make the wheels hop when hitting bumps. Proper pressure will be in the low 30s. I know you will get a lot of different info on these forums, but try it and see how it works.
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Re: Spongey Front End Suspension
I too have a bouncy and pitchy feel when on rougher pavement and going over speed bumps, etc. Seems to be at all speeds but more pronounced at city driving speeds. When I rebuilt the front suspension, I opted for OEM rated Monroe shocks. I have a RWD 99 Ranger SC 4 cyl/5-speed. According to VIN info, my GVWR is 4,000-5000lbs. I am wondering if the springs are over whelming the shocks. Maybe a stiffer shock is in order? Thoughts?
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Bilstein shocks are the best for a ranger period.
All those monroe and rancho shocks and those rockauto specials and advance auto value shocks, etc suck. Bilstein shocks come with beefy bushings that last and last. Bilstein shocks seem to be perfectly tuned for the weight of your ride. Stock suspension geometry go with yellow 4600 shocks. Lifted suspension go with 5100 shocks. With bilstein shocks you haul azz on crappy roads and the truck will be more stable. Ivee seen lots of trucks on the road with aftermarket rear shocks and the bushings dont last. |
Re: Spongey Front End Suspension
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I have to agree, Bilstien does.., alright best bang for the buck if you will but there's still better out there but lets face facts. The Ranger community at large persistently seeks out the cheapest answer for a shortcut. Toyota and Nissan guys who get Bilstien shocks stock eagerly chuck them to the roadside for far better gear and its almost as if, Ranger guys find gold bars scrapping up the leftover and discarded parts like they're the best things ever next to front pockets in Levi's... It should be no wonder why the lack of vehicle support is spotted at best if not non existent for us. Few support the aftermarket in of itself, how do you expect to get market support whenever someone comes up with things and everyone's like "yea, yea,... yea!" but then picks at the support like a kid refusing to eat there asparagus and does nothing to support itself? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot ! |
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