Another shock absorber question

[Don Becker]

My brother and I just returned from a few days trip that included driving some of Central Oregon's best (???) back-country roads in his 2000 Ford F250 4x4, Triton V10 (full four-door model with long box). It rides great on the highway but, off road even at very slow speed (5 - 7 mph), with nearly every bump it rocks from side-to-side seemingly somewhat violently. We're NOT talking about driving over big bolders here . . . The suspension is the original heavy-duty suspension and heavy-duty shocks with about 73,000 original (mostly highway) miles.

Maybe this is just-the-way-it is . . . 'seems excessive to me. 'Any thoughts/input/eperiences? Thanks. Don

[Okie]

On a vehicle like you describe, lowering the air pressure is probably the best way to give you a smoth ride. Your probably runing very high air pressure in the tires for general highway use. Lower the air pressure for off road use and raise it back up when you get on hard pavement or carrying a very heavy load. Don't blame the shock absorbers for the rough ride.

Good Luck;

[jvp]

go faster around 40.
it'll smoother er out but you won't see much at that speed

[Okie]

Going fast is not the correct answer. You could bounce off the road, loose control of your rig and cause serious damage doing this. "DON'T DO IT"

Good Luck

[ICHTHYDEMON]

At 73K miles the shocks are probably shot. Most people don't realize their shocks are bad as they typically get worse over time. They aren't one of the good today,bad tommorow type things.

Lowering the tire pressure will help alot as well.. I lower my tires from 65psi while hauling all our crap to hunting camp,to about 40 when I get to camp and everything is unloaded. An added benefit to lower psi is increased traction off-road.

[RODACTION]

Put some Rancho 9000 shocks on and let air pressure down in the tires.

[Don Becker]

At 73K miles the shocks are probably shot. Most people don't realize their shocks are bad as they typically get worse over time. They aren't one of the good today,bad tommorow type things.

I could have been more clear on this. Actually, I don't think this situation is now any worse than it was the first time we were out on back-country roads with this rig. So, while I appreciate the shocks may be questionable and while I will suggest Jon have them checked, I'm taking a little more interest in the idea of lowering the tire pressure. That's something I had not considered.

'Any opinions out there re the tire's ability to withstand rock damage with reduced tire presssure - - - 'maybe it's actualy better that the tire is more able to give.

I've bought, used, worn-out, misused and abused, had blow-outs, mounted and dismounted and balanced and even sold a lot of tires over the years - - - - 'not too old (yet) to learn more and from others' experiences.

Other ideas out there?

Don

[Okie]

Lowering the tire pressure will help in a lot of ways. Softer ride and better traction. And it's good at slow speeds and low range like you would be when 4 wheeling it in the back country.

Just raise the pressure back up when you get on hard surface roads.

That's why I carry a compressor that works off of 12 volts.

Good Luck;

[Mokai]

Install a Central Tire Inflation System..$$$$$$$$$

Had them on the Hummers in the Army..

You can set the pressure you want right from the cab..