Soften an F350 empty ride

[theoldwizard1]

My daughter's family just bought a lightly used 2017 F350 w/6.2L engine. Very low miles and it looks like new ! This vehicle was really overkill as they were looking for an F250 because the trailer they will be towing is under 8,000 lbs (they have been using a 2012 Expedition with no issues). This will give them a a big boost in payload !

However, the empty ride of an F350 is VERY harsh ! And suggestions to improve the empty rid quality without sacrificing too much of the payload ?

[Grit_dog]

MFL wrote:
I don't know at what point the warning will activate, as mine has never come on. I do know that the dealership disabled many of the warning chimes, even the seat belt one. He told me most of his farming customers want that done, so his guys prep the HD trucks that way before delivery. He said he'd have them hooked back up, if I wanted. I am a city dweller, but disconnected works for me. I do remember him saying to air what I like, when empty, as long as I keep them all similar. Personally, I'd not air below 65 psi, which makes a good ride for me, even beating around the back roads, to hunting areas. Like I said earlier, just dropping to 70 psi, from 80, is a huge difference.

Jerry

65 on the back of an empty pickup is still 20psi giver take above optimal.
I’m too young to loose my teeth. Maybe if I had dentures and I could remove them for the rough ride....

[Grit_dog]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
For all of those who recommended lowering the air pressure, is there a way to re=program the TPMS on a F350 so that the low tire pressure warning light does not come on ?

If the pressure light is coming on, it’s not a 350 or it’s been re programmed?
Newer 1 tons have pressure sensors but not the thresholds.
Something is amiss if you’re getting the light.

[Me_Again]

FishOnOne wrote:


Yes the Rancho 9000's improve ride quality, but the problem is they don't last on a heavy truck. I ran a set that were shot in less than a year. And here's another owner with a heavy truck who's Rancho 9000's that didn't last.

Link

Mine were still working after about 12 years on our 2001.5 when I sold it. They carry a life time warranty.

http://www.gorancho.com/warranty-guarantee/

[Me_Again]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
For all of those who recommended lowering the air pressure, is there a way to re=program the TPMS on a F350 so that the low tire pressure warning light does not come on ?

Trade it for a RAM 3500, they do not alarm, only indicating tire pressure. RAM 2500's alarm based on a government requirement, that does not apply to 1T trucks. Chris

[MFL]

I don't know at what point the warning will activate, as mine has never come on. I do know that the dealership disabled many of the warning chimes, even the seat belt one. He told me most of his farming customers want that done, so his guys prep the HD trucks that way before delivery. He said he'd have them hooked back up, if I wanted. I am a city dweller, but disconnected works for me. I do remember him saying to air what I like, when empty, as long as I keep them all similar. Personally, I'd not air below 65 psi, which makes a good ride for me, even beating around the back roads, to hunting areas. Like I said earlier, just dropping to 70 psi, from 80, is a huge difference.

Jerry

[theoldwizard1]

For all of those who recommended lowering the air pressure, is there a way to re-program the TPMS on a F350 so that the low tire pressure warning light does not come on ?

[mountainkowboy]

GeoBoy wrote:
Bilstein’s all the way.

That and the upper stableloads and life's good...............

[Lynnmor]

GeoBoy wrote:
Bilstein’s all the way.

I read all the glowing reports on Bilsteins, and installed a set. DW wants the originals back on, the ride is considerably harsher. They might help with handling, but ride is not the reason to install them.

If the OP would prefer an F250, simply swap out the springs.

[GeoBoy]

Bilstein’s all the way.

[FishOnOne]

Me Again wrote:

ppine wrote:
Any vehicle with a soft ride on pavement is probably going to be terrible in the dirt. For an F-350 how you drive makes a big difference. Add bigger shocks, lower tire pressure, having a long bed helps a lot.

The trucks I don't like to ride in are the ones with a short wheel base like a Jeep. Very choppy ride.

"Add bigger Shocks"????? Bigger/HD shocks do not improve empty trucks ride quality.

Until one has used adjustable shocks like Rancho 9000's and understand what effect it has when turning them down to 1 when not towing/hauling, one does not understand the beauty/benefit of an adjustable shock.

Yes the Rancho 9000's improve ride quality, but the problem is they don't last on a heavy truck. I ran a set that were shot in less than a year. And here's another owner with a heavy truck who's Rancho 9000's that didn't last.

Link

[Me_Again]

ppine wrote:
Any vehicle with a soft ride on pavement is probably going to be terrible in the dirt. For an F-350 how you drive makes a big difference. Add bigger shocks, lower tire pressure, having a long bed helps a lot.

The trucks I don't like to ride in are the ones with a short wheel base like a Jeep. Very choppy ride.

"Add bigger Shocks"????? Bigger/HD shocks do not improve empty trucks ride quality.

Until one has used adjustable shocks like Rancho 9000's and understand what effect it has when turning them down to 1 when not towing/hauling, one does not understand the beauty/benefit of an adjustable shock.

[Grit_dog]

Any vehicle with a soft ride on pavement will ride softer on “dirt” as well and be more compliant and less jarring. Also apples to apples better traction
Forget yer meds this morning?

[ppine]

Any vehicle with a soft ride on pavement is probably going to be terrible in the dirt. For an F-350 how you drive makes a big difference. Add bigger shocks, lower tire pressure, having a long bed helps a lot.

The trucks I don't like to ride in are the ones with a short wheel base like a Jeep. Very choppy ride.

[Huntindog]

spoon059 wrote:
On a related note, I have a sledgehammer and it doesn't do very well driving small finish nails. Can anyone recommend a way to neuter the sledgehammer and make it act like a pin nail driver?

Get some sulastic gloves.