ritchie1791

Okay I replaced my ball joints, i bought some kyb shocks non adjustable using stock springs. And my ride is still not very smooth. what do you think my ride needs for more smoother comfortable ride?

Element

iTrader: (5)

F-bodies will never have a really comfortable ride. They're solid rear axle performance cars...just not in the books for them to ride like a luxury sedan, or even a budget commuter car.

Shocks would be first thing on the list...I have KYBs on the daily, and while they're not bad, they're definitely not smooth-riding shocks.

ritchie1791

so would you say that some higher end shocks would be a better fit for a smoother ride in it? because my wheel hops and I know I need new wheels and tires. but what would you recommend for like a really nice ride?

tmdz28

iTrader: (2)

try bilstein. i am using it on my vert, and it rides good and provide superior handling compare to stock, albeit i am using stano springs as an added handling power.

ritchie1791

i will have to look into. thank you

lees02WS6

iTrader: (5)

This is what I can think of:

• Go with bilsteins shocks.
• Make sure you're using rubber bushings in all bushing locations.
• Be sure your rubber bushings are in good shape.
• Remove the aluminum spacers from the bump stops in the rear if you have them.
• Run a narrower tire (245 or 255 all the way around, even narrower if you go with 16" wheel).
• if your willing, down size to a 16" wheel, if you're running 17" wheel, the extra sidewall will help absorb bumps.
• Check your tire pressure, keep it at not more than 30psi.
• Go with the most comfortable and quietest tire you can.

·

BS

I don't think a performance shock is going to give you a smoother or softer ride. But I've been wrong before.

Black96z28

You are correct, performance will be harder/rougher in order to stay planted in corners. Honestly, adjustable shocks will provide better variety depending on how you want to drive. If your springs sag, or like mine are shorter, the effectiveness of a shock is diminished greatly. I have Strano/KYB AGX, and they ride rough as hell.

lees02WS6

iTrader: (5)

That has more to do with the reduction in ride height height, corresponding reduced wheel travel, along with a stiffer spring rate, than it does with the shock.

The OP could put decarbons back on. However, Bilsteins are a good quality shock that will accommodate ride quality as much as performance.

HASTINGSRJ

iTrader: (18)

IMO I always thought that the stock decarbon shocks rode better than bilsteins. But nothing beats the ride of QA1's.

lees02WS6

iTrader: (5)

See below:

drone

iTrader: (5)

This is a joke right?

lees02WS6

iTrader: (5)

I'm sure he's serious. From his sig and profile, it looks like he's in to drag racing, so from his view the DeCarbons and QA1's are better.

Ride quality is subjective, especially so with a performance crowd (with a tilt towards drag racing). Most of the performance parts are aimed at drag racers here. Keeping the ride under control (other than when aiming dead straight), and off the bump stops isn't a priority for them.

tmdz28

iTrader: (2)

bilstein with the stock spring is your best bet. I think when bilstein is paired with stock springs, it provides for a firmer ride but not necessarily harsher. bilstein with lowering spring will create a firm ride and noticeably harsher, although that depends a lot on what kind of lowering spring you use.

drone

iTrader: (5)

Im into drag racing too. You shouldnt say a crap shock is the best ride there is. QA1s are like one step above crappy. AFCO's are one of the better coilovers. Auto cross shocks you should be looking at Koni's. As for smooth ride? Dont know. Buy another car.

And bilsteins are not meant for lowering springs.

drone

iTrader: (5)

I have this setup. I used to love highway cruising cause it rode so smooth even 80+. I have to change my setup cause the front end is getting floaty and too high cause Ive taken so much weight off the front end.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

Your "ride" needs to be sold, and replaced with a Cadillac.....

JD_AMG

Everyone is different so you may not ever be 100% satisfied, but you certainly can get a smoother ride that what you have now by ditching the shitty autozone replacement shocks with something better. Post #6 sums it up very well.

Not necessarily, thats a pretty vague statement. The stock decarbons ride like **** because they have too much compression(jarring), they also perform like **** because of too much compression and not near enough rebound(floaty, loose, bouncy).
When I put konis on my car with no other suspension mods the car both rode and handled drastically better. It was more firm, but rode better because it was not jarring over bumps/dips feeling like the car was slamming like it did on the decarbons.
In your case KYB AGXs adjust rebound and compression with the same ****, so if you want more rebound you also get more compression, which will make the car noticeably more jarring - konis adjust rebound independently so you don't get that harsher ride.

LMAO...I had to reread this post a couple times to make sure I was seeing it right...

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Lower your tire PSI.

HASTINGSRJ

iTrader: (18)

not thats not a joke, its my opinion.