wondering about my suspension

[baxtej44]

Today I picked up a queen size mattress and box spring set for my sister, and had it in my bed obviously. I really enjoyed the ride... it seemed like I was in a lot more control and the ride was smoother... Can someone explain why? And what I can do to make that permanent maybe?

 

[railman]

it was because you had a load in it.....

if ya want to make it that way most of the time....get some treated lumber and make a box sorta like an "H" between the wheelwells in your bed, then get a couple bags of "traction sand" at a Rural King or Tractor Supply Store ( not sure if Lowes or Home Depot have it )

then ya have a little weight in the rear....and when ya need to haul something...take it out

l8r, John

 

[strvger]

i use bags of water softener salt in the winter for better traction. if i really get stuck, i can use the salt to melt the snow/ice and get going again. i get way too much of both here where i live.

 

[bagdranger]

ive know guys wholl use tractor weights and strap them to the bed.

 

[AllanD]

it was because you had a load in it.....

if ya want to make it that way most of the time....get some treated lumber and make a box sorta like an "H" between the wheelwells in your bed, then get a couple bags of "traction sand" at a Rural King or Tractor Supply Store ( not sure if Lowes or Home Depot have it )

then ya have a little weight in the rear....and when ya need to haul something...take it out

l8r, John

Theoretically the best place for weight is directly over the rear
wheels, but there are other considerations, like where that
weight is going to go in the event of a collision....

With that in mind put the weight against the headgate
(the forward bulkhead of the bed)

I carry a weight there in my truck most of the time.

what weight do I carry?

First hint: Liquids are dense.

Second hint: Liquids can easily be pumped out when
you don't want the weight.

Last Hint: Water Freezes, I use a luquid that doesn't
freeze under any conditions on earth.

I mounted a 40gallon gas tank against the headgate of my bed.

Makes the ride real nice.

But I'll note that with ALL my fuel tanks full the truck
feels a bit "dead" when you are trying to drive spiritedly
on a twisty road.

Particularly if the 21gallon tank behind the axle is full W-a-y back there it doesn't do good things for the truck's polar moment of inertia.

But it does make thins stable ona long highway trip, particularly in crosswinds.

AD

 

[baxtej44]

i knew it was because there was a load... but what exactly does it do to make it smoother? is it because the leaf springs and shocks are held under pressure?

 

[railman]

i knew it was because there was a load... but what exactly does it do to make it smoother? is it because the leaf springs and shocks are held under pressure?

exactly...they are designed to hold up to a certain payload....so unloaded they are really stiff....

and why i said to make a box sorta like a "H" so that the sandbags are centered over the rear axle, is easily removed ( no waiting to pump liquids ) and is safe in a collision.....

 

[Nhaz]

Sand also doesn't catch fire! well not in anything short of a blast furnace anyways!

Sand salt combo is about the best thing for added weight if you live in a area where snow and ice is the norm for 5 months out of the year =>

Like me.

 

[baxtej44]

so no replacement springs/shocks will make it smoother like that? i've heard urethane bushings will help... well those are HELLA expensive... and i would have no clue how to put them in anyway.

 

[railman]

so no replacement springs/shocks will make it smoother like that? i've heard urethane bushings will help... well those are HELLA expensive... and i would have no clue how to put them in anyway.

actually urethane tightens it up making it stiffer....

l8r, John

 

[baxtej44]

actually urethane tightens it up making it stiffer....

l8r, John

but does that make for a smoother ride? or no? i figured since it was an upgrade that people talked about it made for a nicer ride... because let's face it, most people prefer a smoother ride... but alot of people don't prefer it i would guess... so don't attack me for saying that!

 

[railman]

but does that make for a smoother ride? or no? i figured since it was an upgrade that people talked about it made for a nicer ride... because let's face it, most people prefer a smoother ride... but alot of people don't prefer it i would guess... so don't attack me for saying that!

urethane is mostly "harder" than rubber ( what the factory uses ) so it is an upgrade....but most who want more "control" generally want a firmer ( or harsher ) ride

so, for a smoother ride...stick with the factory rubber bushings and put a little bit of counterweight in the rear....just a couple sand bags is all ya need for less than $12

l8r, John