'96 F 350 rides like a tank

[Ftreefitty]

I don't know what to call this or how to fix it. I could use some advice. When I'm driving down the freeway at speed I get this BAD fore-aft resonance I feel like I'm driving a paint shaker;-). partly from the way they pour the concrete here, partly from the suspension. I have a 4WD solid front axle. The leaf springs in front are pretty flat. I've got some coil springs off a '06 f-350 handy. How can I get a better ride? new shocks? shock tower coil mod? reduced tire pressure? (60 PSI) I'm kinda grabbing straws.

[mattymx]

There is only 1 cure for that. You need a reverse shackle system for the front end. I did mine a few years ago and I still say it is the best money I have spent on my truck... Ever.... I had Off Road Unlimited in Burbank install their kit and the truck rides awesome. It will net get rid of the freeway hop, but it will make it 100 times better and more comfortable. That system along with Bilstein 5100 shocks and the ride is just awesome.
Here is a pick of mine with the kit and 305 tires...

[Samuel1941]

I have the same problem and know several others who also complain of the bounce.

I've tried altering the tire pressure, different spring shackles (Velvet Rides), new shocks (Rancho 9000 adjustable) and none have made a noticeable difference!

I believe it has to do with the wheel base of the truck and the way CA freeways are poured when built. A resonance frequency is built up and the truck bounces!

A load in the truck will help, but other than that, I have found no solution.

[mattymx]

A lot of the hop has to do with wheel base. But in the 1994-1997 F350's the front axle has the shackle in the front of the spring. When the tires hit a bump, the front axle is actually moved forward into the bump making for a harsh ride. When the shackle is moved to the rear of the spring, the axle moves rearward when the tires hit a bump. that results in an improvement beyond comprehension. John... Have you ever owned an F350 of this vintage? The ride sucks and this is the only way to make it ride more plush. You just cant compare a SD to an OBS. SD's ride way better, until you install a reverse shackle kit.

[RNUOVR3]

Even though I have a SD now I did have a 95 F350 CC, LB 4x4. I did the same thing as Mattymx and also had it done through Maurice's shop in Burbank. It made a huge difference, though it did not cure it. I do have to say that the 06 is the best riding yet. Good luck.

[Ftreefitty]

I called offroad unlimited and found the price to be $420 + labor. I'll have to live with it for a while. thanks guys

[desertwheeler]

If you want the ultimate ride The RSK with 99-04 SD springs makes if ride like a SD. you can do it yourself and SKy manufacuturing also makes an RSK kit thats what i used on 97. If you want some more info i can get you a link of my install.

[Jfresh]

Give it up. I tried it all. Then I bought a daily driver.

[Ftreefitty]

I think I'm just going to start charging painters to mix and deliver their paint.

[mattymx]

I think I'm just going to start charging painters to mix and deliver their paint.

[Swanee]

YYYooouuu ssshhhooouuulllddd tttrrryyy ttthhheee 111000111 ttthhhrrrooouuuggghhh CCCaaammmaaarrriiilllooo!!!:jump: :jump: :jump:

[mattymx]

YYYooouuu ssshhhooouuulllddd tttrrryyy ttthhheee 111000111 ttthhhrrrooouuuggghhh CCCaaammmaaarrriiilllooo!!!:jump: :jump: :jump:

[RNUOVR3]

The 118 is awesome too.

[desertwheeler]

http://www.socaps.comshowthread.php?t=3983

http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbt...0&fpart=1&vc=1

[BilletGarage]

The 118 is awesome too.

Oh yeah . . . I thought for sure I was going to need to see my Chiropractor and my Dentist after the Turbonetics Meeting. I swear I almost pulled off the freeway cause I thought something was wrong with my truck. Really bad . . .