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07-15-2011, 08:29 AM
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Regular user
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 365
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Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
'03 XLT Ext Cab. 3.0 Auto, 2 wheel drive. 86,000 miles.
Yes, I know it is a truck. But, I honestly don't recall the 2 wheel drive '96 I owned having a ride like this one does.
When I test drove it, it felt like the tires where bouncing wildly over bumps.
Needs some shocks. no biggie.
I had a new set of tires mounted because by winter I would need them anyway, and this week I replaced all 4 shocks with a set of Monroe Sensa Trac light truck shocks.
It's a little better, but still feels like I am driving on basketballs. This morning, I drove a stretch of road that was riddled with pot hole repairs, and it jumped around in the lane I was driving in.
WTF? Is this normal?
I was expecting the independent suspension to be better than the Twin I-Beam the '96 had.
Was I desensitized after driving a '96 Buick Riviera for several years? I wasn't expecting a smooth as glass boulevard ride but jeez.
(Sure has been an adjustment though not having acceleration like the Rivvy)
Sway bar links are intact, wheel bearings don't have a lot of play in them, control arm bushings visually look ok. Everything seems tight.
Maybe I will get used to it. I don't know.
__________________
Dale
2003 XLT Ext Cab. 3.0 2wd. Auto. Current driver.
1996 XLT Reg Cab. 2.3 2wd. Manual. My 1st Ranger.
An expert is someone who knows everything about something they've never done before.
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07-15-2011, 08:52 AM
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Ford Tough
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 422
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Drop your tire pressure 2 pounds. See how that feels. Like it? But still too stiff?
Drop it 2 more.
What kind of tires did you get?
__________________
2006 4.0 5 spd auto 4x4 Super Cab
BF Goodrich Commercial Traction T/A's
Royal Purple Throughout
Alpine Head Unit with some Infinity Noisy Stuff
NW Oregon
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07-15-2011, 08:56 AM
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<--- Go Colts
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Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 334
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Are your tires properly balanced? I know cars tend to bounce around alot and seem loose when the tires aren't balanced. take it to a tire shop and have them take a look at it
__________________
2003 4.0L V6 Ford Ranger Regular cab
Modifications----> 20% side windows, 5%% Tinted rear window and front windsheild strip, , Diamond plated bed extender, Explorer sport Dome Light, Sony headunit, White Face Explorer Gauge Cluster.
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07-15-2011, 09:02 AM
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Regular user
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 365
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Twisty
Drop your tire pressure 2 pounds. See how that feels. Like it? But still too stiff?
Drop it 2 more.
What kind of tires did you get?
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Firestone Destination AT's. 225-70 15
You know, tire pressure is an obvious thing that for some reason I didn't think of checking. Doh!
I know from past experience these tire shops like to fill tires to 44psi.
It's entirley possible the Continentals that were on it when I bought it were way over inflated too.
I have nothing against a more harsh ride, but compared to what memory tells me my '96 rode like, something seems off.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rangernator
Are your tires properly balanced? I know cars tend to bounce around alot and seem loose when the tires aren't balanced. take it to a tire shop and have them take a look at it
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New freshly balanced tires.
On the freeway at 60-70 mph all is good.
__________________
Dale
2003 XLT Ext Cab. 3.0 2wd. Auto. Current driver.
1996 XLT Reg Cab. 2.3 2wd. Manual. My 1st Ranger.
An expert is someone who knows everything about something they've never done before.
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07-15-2011, 09:05 AM
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slingin' mud to the sky!
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,252
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
rangers are known to bounce on the road cause they have no wait at all to them and they just bouce from that. BTW the '96 was also considered a IFS just an FYI.
check your tire pressure make sure its set at factory specs and dont move around from that number alot its there for a reason if its not you will wear tires faster (meaning more $$$$) and its becomes unsafe at a certain point
and yes when you go from a buick to a truck you will relize you just bought a truck again and just have to get use to it and drive on better roads
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07-15-2011, 09:22 AM
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Regular user
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 365
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ColinS
rangers are known to bounce on the road cause they have no wait at all to them and they just bouce from that. BTW the '96 was also considered a IFS just an FYI.
check your tire pressure make sure its set at factory specs and dont move around from that number alot its there for a reason if its not you will wear tires faster (meaning more $$$$) and its becomes unsafe at a certain point
and yes when you go from a buick to a truck you will relize you just bought a truck again and just have to get use to it and drive on better roads
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Right, the Twin I-Beam is independent. Not like an old Model A solid I beam.
I didn't phrase it quite right.
__________________
Dale
2003 XLT Ext Cab. 3.0 2wd. Auto. Current driver.
1996 XLT Reg Cab. 2.3 2wd. Manual. My 1st Ranger.
An expert is someone who knows everything about something they've never done before.
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07-15-2011, 10:23 AM
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Almost ******
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 7,466
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Twin City Ranger
Was I desensitized after driving a '96 Buick Riviera for several years? I wasn't expecting a smooth as glass boulevard ride but jeez.
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i think that has got something to do with it. i can tell a huge difference between driving or riding in a car, then getting back in my truck. especially if it's been a few days or so since i've been in the truck.
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07-15-2011, 10:32 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 14,046
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Is it the front bouncing or the rear section bouncing hard? My 93 xl did that. If its the rear try adding some weight to it. That may balance it a little more for you.
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07-15-2011, 10:43 AM
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Regular user
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 365
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clinton
Is it the front bouncing or the rear section bouncing hard? My 93 xl did that. If its the rear try adding some weight to it. That may balance it a little more for you.
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It's the front end.
I expect some from the light rear.
Can't wait to check those tire pressures.
__________________
Dale
2003 XLT Ext Cab. 3.0 2wd. Auto. Current driver.
1996 XLT Reg Cab. 2.3 2wd. Manual. My 1st Ranger.
An expert is someone who knows everything about something they've never done before.
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07-15-2011, 10:44 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 14,046
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Ok, let us know how it is. Maybe even try a little weight in the back to bring up the front too
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07-15-2011, 11:05 AM
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Regular user
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 365
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clinton
Ok, let us know how it is. Maybe even try a little weight in the back to bring up the front too
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Will do.
Still, I love the truck and have no regrets. I wanted to get back into a Ranger for a long time.
__________________
Dale
2003 XLT Ext Cab. 3.0 2wd. Auto. Current driver.
1996 XLT Reg Cab. 2.3 2wd. Manual. My 1st Ranger.
An expert is someone who knows everything about something they've never done before.
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07-18-2011, 06:45 AM
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Regular user
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 365
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Well, Saturday morning I checked the tire pressures and all 4 were at 34psi.
Normally, I disregard the pressures listed by the auto manufacturer and run 36 front, 34 rear on all my vehicles. This has always been the sweet spot for me. Even on my '96 Ranger.
I decided I would try the pressures Ford recommends. 30psi front & rear. (God that seems low to me!)
While it feels a little spongy to me, and can feel more rolling resistance, it did settle the ride some over bumps.
I think what I am going to do is save up some cash and by a better shock. Something like a KYB.
It doesn't look like Rancho makes one for the front of Rangers with coil spring suspensions. Just the torsion bar versions.
I just think I need a shock that will keep the tire planted to the ground more.
Any recommendations?
__________________
Dale
2003 XLT Ext Cab. 3.0 2wd. Auto. Current driver.
1996 XLT Reg Cab. 2.3 2wd. Manual. My 1st Ranger.
An expert is someone who knows everything about something they've never done before.
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07-18-2011, 07:34 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 14,046
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
If you're doing shocks get some Billsteins
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07-18-2011, 09:08 AM
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That's What She Said
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,052
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clinton
If you're doing shocks get some Billsteins
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X2 on the Billsteins
__________________
2004 Ranger Fx4
33x12.50 Goodyear DuraTracs On 15x8 Dc-1's
40 Series Flowmaster
3 Inch Body Lift
Midland 1001z W/ 4' FireStik
Mustang Dome
Hella 500FF
Quote:
Originally Posted by 01DangerRanger
ok cool sounds good richard! i still hate your 4x4
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Just remember I'll always be their to pull you out!!!!!
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07-18-2011, 12:52 PM
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I am THE Hank Hill.
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,085
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Re: Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.
Before you go spending money on another set of shocks, maybe have the rest of the front end checked out. 4 PSI in a tire shouldn't make the ride quality THAT much different (one would think).
__________________
92 Ford Ranger Supercab XLT 4X4. Not a ton done to it, but it's nowhere near finished 05 Chevy Silverado 1500 W/T 4X4 Way too much done to list and it's also not even close to done
"The only woman I'm pimping from now on is Sweet Lady Propane. And I'm tricking her out all over this town."
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