Why does my Ranger ride rougher than my F150 did?

[Kevreh]

Don't know a lot about frames and suspensions. Just surprised how my '20 Ranger Lariat, 2wd, rides rougher then the '15 F150 XLT I traded in. Maybe rougher isn't descriptive enough, I would describe it that the Ranger seems to "hop" around more over bumps in the road.

I've read a few threads about replacing the rear shocks, just not sure what that will address exactly. Does it only smooth out the rear of the truck?

Either way I'm thrilled to have my new Ranger, never thought I would ever have a Lariat level trim.


Kevin

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[NickTheEnforcer]

Don't know a lot about frames and suspensions. Just surprised how my '20 Ranger Lariat, 2wd, rides rougher then the '15 F150 XLT I traded in. Maybe rougher isn't descriptive enough, I would describe it that the Ranger seems to "hop" around more over bumps in the road.

I've read a few threads about replacing the rear shocks, just not sure what that will address exactly. Does it only smooth out the rear of the truck?

Either way I'm thrilled to have my new Ranger, never thought I would ever have a Lariat level trim.


Kevin

what are your tires set at?

 

[TJMarchand]

what are your tires set at?

In addition, do you have the FX2 package?

 

[Whodeez]

Shorter wheelbase....

Problem solved.

 

[Mellow]

Some Fox 2.0 rear shocks made a lot of difference for me... I'd like the get the fronts too but not sure if that's a bit more $$$ than I want to spend.

 

[Kevreh]

Tires were at 35psi, lowered them a bit to 33. I do not have the FX2 package.

 

[y2krtaf]

For some reason,Ford chose to put the worst shock package known to man on these trucks...

Spring rates seem good,but changing the shocks,does wonders.

And I’m sure other have stated,double check your tire pressures.

Usually any decent aftermarket rear shock at the minimum will change the driving dynamics a good deal.

I put a pair of Rough Country shocks on the rear of mine,and it made it significantly better!
I have since installed an Icon stage 2 suspension set up on mine,and now I can blast like an idiot over things.Mine is a 4x4 though.

 

[mustang marty]

Put 3 , 50 pound bags of sand in bed over the axle . Good enough for now more steady .

 

[Markubis]

Tires were at 35psi, lowered them a bit to 33. I do not have the FX2 package.

What's the door sticker call out for tire psi?

Mine were at 40 psi when I got it from the dealer. I kept dropping it until I got it riding nice....which coincidentally happened to be the psi called out on my door frame.

 

[Kevreh]

the F150 being heavier, longer, wider and just all around set up better, is why you feel a difference.
but dont sweat it, you get used to it.
you can throw money at it. but alot of times you just convince yourself the money you spent was worth it....some times its not. its the mental game people play with themselves.
over time you learn the right speed and better way to approach obstacles, like curbs, ditches, wild animals (and sometime old ladies or children) to lesson the harshness.
the best part is your body learns to tense at the right moments just before a bone jarring shake and your core benefits from it. I wont say I've got a six pack yet, but dayyyum....i feel some firmness coming back after all these years. Thank you Ford for not giving me a girly truck like the ridgeline.

That’s a really good point, it does take time adapting to a new car. Either way it’s fun to drive, whereas with my f150 it was more about maneuvering through traffic and getting into small parking spots ?

For some reason,Ford chose to put the worst shock package known to man on these trucks...

Spring rates seem good,but changing the shocks,does wonders.

And I’m sure other have stated,double check your tire pressures.

Usually any decent aftermarket rear shock at the minimum will change the driving dynamics a good deal.

I put a pair of Rough Country shocks on the rear of mine,and it made it significantly better!
I have since installed an Icon stage 2 suspension set up on mine,and now I can blast like an idiot over things.Mine is a 4x4 though.

When you say better do you mean just the tail bouncing around? Does it affect the front somehow?

What's the door sticker call out for tire psi?

Mine were at 40 psi when I got it from the dealer. I kept dropping it until I got it riding nice....which coincidentally happened to be the psi called out on my door frame.

Mine says 35psi on the door.

Is there much difference between the rough country, blistering, and other shocks?

Also I have the tools to replace them. Guessing if you jack up the axle on each side you need to remove the tire to get at the shock?

 

[egilbe]

I thought the shocks on the FX4 was acceptable, but it did everything you say yours does. After getting the Ford Performance Fox 2.0's front and rear, I no longer think the ride and handling was acceptable. It was such an improvement, it should be OE. The rear end no longer bounces around on washboards, the side to side sway is gone, the front end no longer dips when braking. It's just such a better overall experience.

 

[Canadian Ranger]

Tires were at 35psi, lowered them a bit to 33. I do not have the FX2 package.

Keep playing with tire pressure, it'll help a bit. I've gone as low as 28. Watch for uneven wear across the tread though.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Keep playing with tire pressure, it'll help a bit. I've gone as low as 28. Watch for uneven wear across the tread though.

Hi CR,

There is a pressure related to a condition called Rim Roll off where the tire bead seat can unseat and cause sudden deflation. Airing down is a concern.... Cannot say what that pressure is for every wheel tire combination...Check with the tire manufacturer. Most tires rim rolloff is around 25 psi... Want to run really lower pressures...use bead locks. Not legal in most states...

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Canadian Ranger]

Hi CR,

There is a pressure related to a condition called Rim Roll off where the tire bead seat can unseat and cause sudden deflation. Airing down is a concern.... Cannot say what that pressure is for every wheel tire combination...Check with the tire manufacturer. Most tires rim rolloff is around 25 psi... Want to run really lower pressures...use bead locks. Not legal in most states...

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Good info! I'm going on 14 years with my '07 Ranger XL 2 door. Rides really rough. I run 25-28 on the back, 28-33 on the front. (""Apples & oranges"", I know, being an 07 lol). I like my tires soft, plus I think it's easier on the springs and shocks. Although it's impossible, regardless of pressure, to get them to wear evenly across the tread.

 

[Canadian Ranger]

Hi CR,

There is a pressure related to a condition called Rim Roll off where the tire bead seat can unseat and cause sudden deflation. Airing down is a concern.... Cannot say what that pressure is for every wheel tire combination...Check with the tire manufacturer. Most tires rim rolloff is around 25 psi... Want to run really lower pressures...use bead locks. Not legal in most states...

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Good info! I'm going on 14 years with my '07 Ranger XL 2 door. Rides really rough. I run 25-28 on the back, 28-33 on the front. (""Apples & oranges"", I know, being an 07 lol). I like my tires soft, plus I think it's easier on the springs and shocks. Although it's impossible, regardless of pressure, to get them to wear evenly across the tread.

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