2003 F53 runs smoother above 70 MPH

TNGW1500SE wrote:
Well I guess I'm going to get blasted on here for this post but here goes anyway: My 2003 F53 smooths out and runs real nice above 70 MPH. At 65 there's some shake. At 78 it rides like a luxury coach. Now I don't run 78 and would like to stay around 65 but 70 keeps me with the traffic. Sounds like a tire balance is needed????

Yep mine does the same, F-53 19.5 tires/rims, I even had them balance real good but rides best above 70 mph, I also have a 1 ton van with large tires and dose the same.

Everything that rolls down the highway has a sweet spot that makes the seat of your pants feel good!

3oaks wrote:

gbopp wrote:
........................................As for cruising at 70+, just plead guilty and throw yourself to the mercy of the RV.Net Court. :B

Why?
Nothing wrong cruising at 70+ as long as it's not over the legal speed limit and he can maintain control. :R

If you read my post again, you may realize that I never said it was wrong.
The OP thought he was going to get blasted. The smiley face at the end of my comment indicates it was a joke.
I do that often. ;)

gbopp wrote:
........................................As for cruising at 70+, just plead guilty and throw yourself to the mercy of the RV.Net Court. :B

Why?
Nothing wrong cruising at 70+ as long as it's not over the legal speed limit and he can maintain control. :R

Start with checking tires for RUN-OUT.

Only after verifying that they are not "egg-shapped" should you have them balanced.

There were some wheel to stud excessive tolerances on some of the F53's that allowed the wheels to be installed "off center". Ford has a kit to center the wheel on the hub. Balancing a tire with run-out will NOT make for a smooth ride.

Get them Road Force balanced. It will compensate for any out of roundness or runout. Note - I'm pretty sure your year may be one of them affected by a bad wheel supplier. Road Force balancing can only fix so much. If its really bad you may need a new wheel or two.

I would definitely start with a tire balance. Hopefully that will solve the problem.

As for cruising at 70+, just plead guilty and throw yourself to the mercy of the RV.Net Court. :B