Advice Needed. How Can I Make My Suspension Smoother

[thaicbr]

Hi guys. I have a 2004 2.5d 4door Ford Ranger that is a bit agricultural in the suspension dept. I had new shocks fitted at BQuik, they were KYB branded but i think that maybe they were Thailand only spec The suspension is quite harsh. I am wondering how to improve this in an economical fashion. I do not need to carry much weight in the truck max about 450kg and 4 passengers.

So any ideas. can i take out or alter a rear leaf spring, get better, softer shocks.

Your thoughts please. Regards Allan

[katabeachbum]

Same boat as I m in with my 2010 Vigo. Its a bit more comfy rear than previous Vigos, but still

450 kg and 4 passangers at 80kg each pluss driver 100 kg pluss 60 kg fuel = 930 kg. The suspensin is designed for 1000 kg, government requirement for tax free pickups.

For the front I can use Fortuner springs. For the rear I can mod leafs and instal air suspension for heavy load (same load as you). But cant find air suspension here

[seedy]

Load carrying ability is mostly determined by spring rate - leaf or coils. As these are springs, they will compress, then rebound. Thing Boing-Boing like a trampoline. Shock absorbers act to stop the spring from compressing - in compression damping mode, and rebounding - in rebound mode. A balance must be struck between each components action. Install softer springs, which deflect easier, and retain shocks designed for a stiffer spring, and the shock will work against the spring more, giving a harsher ride. Retain stiff springs and install softer shocks, and the shocks will not be able to act on the spring properly. A balanced approach is required. I would contact a North American spring specialist, eg. Rancho Suspension, and follow their guidelines regarding recommended spring and shock rates. Their wealth of info can solve most any suspension problems encountered. Any info you can provide regarding spring and shock rates currently on your truck will help, as well as weight carried by both front and back suspension as stock.

[Spoonman]

4x4exo do a coil over conversion for the Ford Everest, it might be a viable retro fit into the Ranger, one of our customers had it fitted to his Everest, the change in ride comfort was reputed to be a world away from the harsh factory leaf springs. Edited December 19, 2009 by Spoonman

[highonthai]

Do not go for a Rancho kit, coil over for a ranger NO! You do not need articulation on a pick up truck in Thailand. A jeep maybe, if your rock crawling?

Contact me if your serious. I race Baja and know all about suspension systems.

[thaicbr]

"I am wondering how to improve this in an economical fashion."

Thanks for the answers. But the above is just as important. All i need to do is make the suspension a bit softer/plusher. So any economical ideas would be nice.

Thanks Allan

[seedy]

If you have leaf springs, most simple way is to remove a leaf - or two. Your load carrying capacity will be reduced accordingly. This will do nothing to address the shocks performance, as they were designed to work with the stock number of leaves, and may still result in a harsh ride as they will damp the springs too much - or too quickly. A set of inertial-acting shocks - which have a valve built in, will give a softer ride. This valve allows slow smooth travel in the shock, but any sudden movement closes the valve and makes the shock more stiff.

[Hssl]

Put 50Kg of dead weight over each rear wheel - sand bags or anything that isn't going to go flying if you hit the brakes

[rakman]

"I am wondering how to improve this in an economical fashion."

Thanks for the answers. But the above is just as important. All i need to do is make the suspension a bit softer/plusher. So any economical ideas would be nice.

Thanks Allan

Leaf springs are notorious for inter-leaf friction. The problem in trying to reduce friction is keeping some anti-friction material between the leaves. Some springs have pads at the ends of some leaves to reduce friction, and most lubricants will wash out over time.

Shocks are used to properly damp the SHM (Simple Harmonic Motion) of the springs, while absorbing energy of the movement. Too much damping can be as bad as too little, which affect keeping the tires on the road, thus keeping the vehicle under control.

Coil springs usually have smoother travel, but unlike leaf springs, locating arms are needed to keep the axle in place. So conversion is a bit more difficult. Rise/squat and roll center need to be considered when changing the basic suspension design. Kits often have the geometry correct, but do cost.

Reducing the spring rate will affect load carrying ability and increase the apparent damping rate of the shocks. You may find on rough bumps the bump stop will be hit more often, which can be worse than absorbing the bump.

Tires affect the ride very much. Stiff bias ply tires are worse than decent radial tires. Too much air will make harsher ride, to little will cause excess heating and sloppy steering/handling. Tires do age and tend to get stiffer with time.

Just some thoughts.

[Loz]

tyres tyres tyres check the pressure

bolting weight in the back will increase fuel consumption. The OP is looking for an economical solution.

second hand softer shocks with a leaf (or two) removed from each side is the way to start once you are sure its not just tyres over inflated (like SOOOOO many other cars I have seen or heard about).

good luck and let us know what works.