trying to improve ride on 40 ford coupe , shocks ? Mustang 2 front suspension , chassis eng, rear ... looking to have a smoother ride .... any suggestions appreciated , Jack
I’d suggest re-arching your springs and new shocks. The original suspensions on those are very smooth and easy to steer.
What is the car doing now that you don't like? Bump Steer? Harsh Ride? Too Stiff? Too Soft? Wallowing? Something else? Generic questions get generic answers from the internet. Please add specifics. I am sure whatever the problem is, it can be cured with spring and dampener changes. I have 20 years of suspension testing and engineering experience on everything from ATV's to 85,000+ lb Fire Trucks, and there are plenty of other suspension gurus on here as well, but we need to know what you are dealing with, and what you want corrected to get started.
As mentioned, there are lots of things that contribute to ride quality. Tire pressure as mentioned is an easy first step. One thing not mentioned is whether those BFG tires you're running are low profile? Both my '39 Fords had dropped I-beam transverse leaf spring front and parallel-leaf rear suspension. When I ran smaller wheels and tires up front they seemed to amplify every tar strip and pebble in the road. Running taller tires I had no complaints about the ride at all. But part of the issue may be that "ride quality" is somewhat subjective. I like a firm ride - you may not. Good luck sorting it out.
On any leaf spring rig that hasn't had the springs either replaced or serviced recently one thing that can smooth out the ride is to pull the spring packs off, take them apart and do a bit of work on the springs so that they slide against each other smoothly rather than binding up against the wear spots. I don't have time to hunt down or do a tutorial right now but the gist of it is that you smooth out the grooves that the spring above or below the leaf you are working on wore into the leaf so that leaf can slide smoothly and then round off the tip of the leaf that did the damage to the other one so it won't dig in again. Then after inspection and probably replacing the bushings in the eyes you lube it with your choice of lube and reassemble it.
So everything is new and completely stock? If anything is not stock, for example tube shocks or reversed eye springs, it's important to state that. Are those BFGs 6:00 x 16 Bias ply on stock wheels? The more info you supply the better chance you get good advice on what could cause the ride issues.
Please fill out the questionnaire What is the current suspension and how long has it been there? What do you find about it that needs improving? Be specific. What do you want after changes? Be specific. What is your budget/skill?
Clarification: do you mean you have Mustang 11, and CE rear and it rides rough, or you're thinking of changing to that from original to improve ride?
A pillow for the seat. Worn suspension in a 1 ton work van rides like a caddie, worn shocks just seem to float down the highway. New suspension & shocks is going to naturally give a performance vibe to the ride .... possibly carry some 80 pound sacks of cement in the trunk to work the suspension and it will ride smoother .... lower the air pressure in the tires helps ..... I suggest a pillow.
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