I live in the city and the roads here are not to good, my 2019 expedition xlt (normal shocks) drives rough on the bumpy roads. Would the billstein 5100 help with this? Also would the hellwig rear sway bar help with the car moving side to side after riding over bumps?
Help drive on bumpy roads
- Thread starter tj8522
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Theoretically, a thicker or stiffer rear sway bar will not improve ride quality/comfort because it acts to reduce the independence of the rear suspension.
Different vehicle tbh. There's a lot of ppl who try to "fix" the ride on these trucks to no avail. But if you wanna keep it, start with tires. All the struts available add control but make the ride stiffer.
Bmac1955
Full Access Members
I disagree...........replaced front and rear shocks with Bilstein's and replaced both sway bars with Hellwig products and it made a big difference to the ride quality. 2019 XLT 40K. 20 " tires. The sway effect in the rear is diminished considerably.My experience and my opinion only.
There are a lot more variables in your setup. Will a stiffer sway bar make the vehicle perform better in a sweeper? Probably.
But the OP's question was about ride comfort on bumpy surfaces which I assumed was generally a straight line. In this case, a sway bar has the effect of making independent suspension behave more like a solid axle. Theoretically, it would reduce ride comfort on a bumpy surface - how much? That's up for debate.
I been thinking that the hellwig sway bars would reduce the sway effect when riding over bumps, did adding them reduce the side to sidesway when riding over bumps?
Bmac1955
Full Access Members
One has to keep in mind, this is on a truck platform. My upgrade to Bilsteins was inacted to research and this website. I had 38k on my vehicle with a leaking profusely front shock. (factory) Could not see replacing that failured part with another OEM part. I never seen a failed shock leak so badly. Decided to replace all with with Bilstein along with said Hellwegs. Sway from side to side definitely was reduced. Driving over bumps? I have 20" Firestones with 5K on them. Floats down the highway that is all I was concerned about. Bumps on street driving........it is what it is.
Mr Big
Full Access Members
Depending on how much you want to spend, I love my Michelin Defenders. They are a bit pricey. But with the longevity and ride, I'd replace them again. And I'm running 22s.
What diameter wheels do you have? 20in or greater will give you a significantly harsher ride. If you have large wheels I'd start with getting 18in wheels and good tires, which will make a big difference on bumpy roads. If you already have 18in wheels you can try decreasing tire pressure to low-mid 30psi (assuming you're not towing or carrying a load).
The Bilsteins will help with control but they probably won't help much with harshness, and may make it worse. If your suspension is shot and you want a softer ride, stick with OEM dampers.
I agree tires are probably the #1 change to a smoother ride and running the Ford psi's regardless of the tire.
When I got my Toyo Open Country's I set them to what the spec sheet said and what forums said in the +50 range.
Ride sucked. Slowly went down and down to settle at 35psi and made a huge difference. After 15k miles on them no un even wear.
Also tire load range (sidewall) has a big impact on ride comfort.
Shocks have a small window where they can help a harsh ride, unless they have compression and rebound adjusters.
Thanks, I will adjust my tire pressure and see how it feels
Mr Big
Full Access Members
It is not good to run a lower tire pressure than what the tire calls for. 5 pounds may not make a difference, but more than that could cause side effects. For instance my Michelin Defender 22s have 39psi in them. I have a very smooth rid. Too smooth at times.
U think I wanna replace the tires I just put on mine. The pirellus don't filter the road well and they are loud, at odds with what I know the truck is capable of.
I just came from test driving a grand wagoneer, my wife and I both to the conclusion that the rides not that much than what we have, it's just the body clanking on the frame that's make ours feel rough at times.
I just came from test driving a grand wagoneer, my wife and I both to the conclusion that the rides not that much than what we have, it's just the body clanking on the frame that's make ours feel rough at times.
Yes like others said do not set the pressure outside of what is on the door sticker for normal driving.
If you have 20"s or 22"s and live where the roads are not that great, going to an 18" will give you a much nicer rider.
This is why all the Trophy Trucks and off road vehicles go with 17"s. For terrain absorbing and sidewall protection.
techdude99
Full Access Members
Where I live in the middle of Mississippi, many of the roads (until recently) are a broken mess.
I did a ton of research and found that the best approach without CCD would be to start with Bilstein's for better suspension compliance, Michelin Defender LTX's (or equivalent) to dampen impacts and road noise, and Hellwig sway bars to reduce body roll/sway from traversing uneven pavement. A less expensive start might be Sumo Springs but the impact would be minimal compared to the other options.
azfitch
New Member
21 Expy Max 4x4 limited with 22” (no CCD) , 46k miles on factory pirelli tires. Struggle with the same rough ride.
Are the Michelin LTX the unanimous “softest ride” tire?
Also looking at the continental terrain contact AT that seem to have a “soft ride” as well.
Are the Michelin LTX the unanimous “softest ride” tire?
Also looking at the continental terrain contact AT that seem to have a “soft ride” as well.
Deadman
Full Access Members
First off, your factory struts are most likely blown out. Replace them.
Second, the Hellwig sway bars almost completely eliminated the "bobblehead" feeling given when going over bumps. That was unbearable with the stock sway bar for me.
Second, the Hellwig sway bars almost completely eliminated the "bobblehead" feeling given when going over bumps. That was unbearable with the stock sway bar for me.
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