Not happy with the ride quality of my '03.

[Twin City Ranger]

'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.

[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?

[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

[Twin City Ranger]

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?

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.

----------

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

New freshly balanced tires.
On the freeway at 60-70 mph all is good.

[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

[Twin City Ranger]

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

Right, the Twin I-Beam is independent. Not like an old Model A solid I beam.
I didn't phrase it quite right.

[doyouquaxu]

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.

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.

[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.

[Twin City Ranger]

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.

It's the front end.
I expect some from the light rear.

Can't wait to check those tire pressures.

[Clinton]

Ok, let us know how it is. Maybe even try a little weight in the back to bring up the front too

[Twin City Ranger]

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

Will do.
Still, I love the truck and have no regrets. I wanted to get back into a Ranger for a long time.

[Twin City Ranger]

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?

[Clinton]

If you're doing shocks get some Billsteins

[BisketFx4]

Originally Posted by Clinton

If you're doing shocks get some Billsteins

X2 on the Billsteins

[Jimmeh]

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).