Looking for info/comparison on 3/4 ton suspension

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,<br /><br />I've been looking for a good replacement truck. I'll only use it for towing the boat so I don't want to invest a lot of money. For looks (my preference) I'd pick a mid 90's Ford F-250. I think they also are pretty reliable from a mechanical point of view.<br /><br />Problem is though...when I drive one I'm surprised at how bad they drive/steer. The ride is like; well.....a truck!<br /><br />Newer trucks don't seem to ride anything like that. This has gotten me to start looking at the underchassis of various trucks and notice that while Ford used Leaf Springs back then...other trucks may use Coils or torsion bars up front.<br /><br />I'm looking for a source for info that describes/compares the general ride quality and other factors of the different suspension designs. What exactly have they changed over the years to give the newer trucks better ride/handling?<br /><br />Another thing...most likely there are people here who routinely get the opportunity to drive a lot of different vehicles. Their input would be great also.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[tommays]

Re: Looking for info/comparison on 3/4 ton suspension

Even a new F-250 or GM or Dodge is going to pretty harsh compared to the 150 range of trucks its a BIG JUMP<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[KM2]

Re: Looking for info/comparison on 3/4 ton suspension

The 90's dodges and fords ride harsh. Don't have any seat time in a chevy. The steering is also sloopy. The newer trucks are really getting better. You will find the trucks ride better loaded down. <br /><br /> I don't know if you really need a pick up or not but big gas guzzling SUV like suburbans are realively cheap now with gas prices. You can find 3/4 ton suburbans around, and people are practically giving away v10 Excursions. I think the Excursions are 2000 and up and may still be more than you want to spend.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking for info/comparison on 3/4 ton suspension

How big a boat are we talking about here. You may not need a 3/4 ton.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Looking for info/comparison on 3/4 ton suspension

Chevy 3/4 ton trucks of the mid 90's with their independent front suspension (Upper & lower control arms, with torsion bars and shocks) ride just fine. I used to drive a 3500 Ext Cab 4x4 SRW, and it wasn't any more harsh in the front end than my 1990 Cavalier. The back end was better when it had weight on it, though.<br />Has Ford and Dodge finally gone to independent front suspensions???

 

[heycods]

Re: Looking for info/comparison on 3/4 ton suspension

Chevys ride like a car to me, My dad has driven them for 30 years, I found them to be too light in the a$$ for the heavy work on the farm, But I like you am looking for a smother riding truck to pull my boat with. It will be a chevy no doubt.

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: Looking for info/comparison on 3/4 ton suspension

Chevys ride awesome, if I had to go with a mid 90's truck it would be a Chevy or GMC.<br /><br />I have a 1996 Chevy 1500 that just rolled 184,000 miles as I drove into the driveway tonight, it drives and rides the same as the day I bought it. Been an amazing truck to say the least, original front end parts for instance.<br /><br />Also drive a '97 GMC 2500 2 wheel drive for work and that rides just as good as my 1/2 ton, maybe a touch stiffer but not in a bad way.<br /><br />Best mid 90's vintage goes to GMC/Chevy hands down.