Fix Bouncy Ride

[Bluemustang]

Funny, Mike D. contacted me earlier this morning too. Except, I am 3 hours behind his time and missed his call as I drive to work at 7AM in the morning lol. I called back and left a message, but his voicemail state that my bouncy ride may not be solved with new adjustable dampers.

I am hoping to talk to him too and after reading your review, I too agree about the NVH increase. Only thing is, I have almost no more rubber bushings in the rear except for the IRS subframe and differential. Those also have the Steeda subframe lockouts and the red bushings from Steeda. So I am wondering with all the stiffness and the bounce having to go somewhere, only thing I can think of is the coils or the dampers. My bounce feels like I have no dampers and riding on just springs, so I am still headstrong about adjustable dampers being my solution. I can update later when I talk to Mike D. (maybe tomorrow?).

How much upgrades did you do back there? My list is below reflecting only what I think is inducing more bounce:

ARP Wheel Studs Extended
BMR LCA Bearing
DDS Carbon Fiber Driveshaft
Eibach Front and Rear Sway Bars
FRPP Halfshafts and Knuckle to Toe Link Bearing
Roush Single Adjustable (Ride Height Only) Coilovers
Steeda Rear Adjustable Camber Arms
Steeda Rear Adjustable Toe Arms
Steeda Rear Differential Bushings (Red ones for now)
Steeda Rear Shock Mounts (for Roush Coilovers)
Steeda Rear Subframe Braces (and front K brace bar)
Steeda Rear Subframe Bushing Lockouts
Steeda Rear Vertical Links
Whiteline Front and Rear Adjustable Endlinks

Wheels are 20" and 35 PSI all around (yes I lowered to 33, 32, and 28 PSI with no differences).

I have a lot parts as well maybe not quite so many as you:

I'm running:
FR springs and dampers
FR Strut Tower Brace
FR Toe knuckle bearing
BMR Vertical Links
BMR cradle lockout level 2
BMR sway bars, set on soft
BMR adjustable toe rods
Steeda LCA Bearing
Steeda differential inserts black

Right now I am still on stock camber arms. And don't forget the stock shock mount. I think what happens is when you remove a lot of the rubber bushings, especially like in LCA, that energy as I said has to go somewhere. The springs and dampers are designed on an otherwise stock setup so now the shocks have to do more of the work and I think others on here have found that shock mount to be a weak link.

The LCA bearing helped the bounce but also added to it as well. It increase the car's reaction times which makes everything happen faster. It reduced bind which kept the wheel from hopping and skipping over successive bumps and harsher road patterns. The reduced bind has put more work on the dampers now. So it seems logical that if the dampers can work more effectively - now the springs and shocks are doing all the work to control the chassis.

The Ford Racings he said are quite firm on the compression so that probably does not help the bounce. But I think it'd be smart to do the Steeda mounts after all the great reviews. Also, he says that even though the Ford Racing bumpstops are trimmed, they are not trimmed enough. Riding too much on the bumpstop can induce a bouncy ride. So that's why I plan to check them out. He said for me to cut the rear ones so they are 1-1/2" long total.

He says the Steeda adjustable are softer on the compression so if cutting the bumpstops and doing the Steeda mounts don't do it, that would be my last thing to try. But I really don't think I need to. [MENTION=26233]Rebellion[/MENTION] has the same dampers and probably has similar spring rates to mine and he says the mounts cured the bounce almost completely.

Your car and mine now- they are sports cars now. There's a price to pay to feel more connected to the road. As [MENTION=10281]BmacIL[/MENTION] said - improving cornering feel is improving handling. Better road feel and connectedness is improving handling. Knowing what your car is doing/is going to do is improving handling. But I agree with Mike D. - I don't think Steeda Adjustables alone is going to fix it. It should get better but won't solve it completely until you address the mount of the rear shocks.

I hope that my feelings about this are correct. I'm trying to take a pragmatic approach to this. I was planning to go full change and go Steeda coilovers but Mike talked me out of that. My spring rates are similar and I've got a good setup. I really appreciate talking to him because it confirmed a lot of my suspicions and he saved me from spending more money that I don't need to. And he listened to what I have to say too. Really appreciate that from him and that shows me a lot about Steeda.

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[Bluemustang]

Yea, I forgot to include that also, those are already installed a few days ago lol. Bounce is still there and the mounts lessen it by about 30%. The bounce is annoying. I don't mind bumps or harshness like a lower car will feel like. Meaning feeling all the little bumps on the road is not an issue. It is the bounce that I hate where I look like I am on a trampoline in my seat if someone were to look at me driving. Passengers and I feel like I am in a fun house all the time, but I have to say, I have no more wheel hop and the power is planted extremely well under WOT.

Oh sorry. Didn't realize you already had the shock mounts. Bounce still there huh? That's a bit disappointing. I do think the adjustables dampers would help. Talk with Mike D. and see if he can help you. He might have some ideas you haven't thought of.

 

[BmacIL]

I wouldn't be suggesting it at nearly every opportunity if it didn't work as well as it did. It's at least as big as the lockout kit in terms of magnitude, possibly more on the roads that make the car bounce. Very effective mod that applies no matter what you've done with your suspension...Stock to coilovers and bearings at all points.

 

[BmacIL]

Oh sorry. Didn't realize you already had the shock mounts. Bounce still there huh? That's a bit disappointing. I do think the adjustables dampers would help. Talk with Mike D. and see if he can help you. He might have some ideas you haven't thought of.

Since Roush doesn't disclose anything it's hard to say why it's still that way. On steeda non adjustables, even with heavy springs, the mounts took my car from bouncy to not.

 

[Bluemustang]

Since Roush doesn't disclose anything it's hard to say why it's still that way. On steeda non adjustables, even with heavy springs, the mounts took my car from bouncy to not.

Yeah. I know my spring rates and now know them to be similar to what you have. Did you install the Steeda shocks first and the bounce was still there? Or did you do both at the same time.

 

[BmacIL]

Yeah. I know my spring rates and now know them to be similar to what you have. Did you install the Steeda shocks first and the bounce was still there? Or did you do both at the same time.

Did the springs and dampers at the same time. Did mounts a couple months later. Bounce was better than with PP dampers and stock springs, but the mounts took it all away. It was really pretty bad on certain roads.

 

[Bluemustang]

Did the springs and dampers at the same time. Did mounts a couple months later. Bounce was better than with PP dampers and stock springs, but the mounts took it all away. It was really pretty bad on certain roads.

Would you say all of it is gone?

 

[Mootang]

I have a lot parts as well maybe not quite so many as you:

I'm running:
FR springs and dampers
FR Strut Tower Brace
FR Toe knuckle bearing
BMR Vertical Links
BMR cradle lockout level 2
BMR sway bars, set on soft
BMR adjustable toe rods
Steeda LCA Bearing
Steeda differential inserts black

Right now I am still on stock camber arms. And don't forget the stock shock mount. I think what happens is when you remove a lot of the rubber bushings, especially like in LCA, that energy as I said has to go somewhere. The springs and dampers are designed on an otherwise stock setup so now the shocks have to do more of the work and I think others on here have found that shock mount to be a weak link.

The LCA bearing helped the bounce but also added to it as well. It increase the car's reaction times which makes everything happen faster. It reduced bind which kept the wheel from hopping and skipping over successive bumps and harsher road patterns. The reduced bind has put more work on the dampers now. So it seems logical that if the dampers can work more effectively - now the springs and shocks are doing all the work to control the chassis.

The Ford Racings he said are quite firm on the compression so that probably does not help the bounce. But I think it'd be smart to do the Steeda mounts after all the great reviews. Also, he says that even though the Ford Racing bumpstops are trimmed, they are not trimmed enough. Riding too much on the bumpstop can induce a bouncy ride. So that's why I plan to check them out. He said for me to cut the rear ones so they are 1-1/2" long total.

He says the Steeda adjustable are softer on the compression so if cutting the bumpstops and doing the Steeda mounts don't do it, that would be my last thing to try. But I really don't think I need to. [MENTION=26233]Rebellion[/MENTION] has the same dampers and probably has similar spring rates to mine and he says the mounts cured the bounce almost completely.

Your car and mine now- they are sports cars now. There's a price to pay to feel more connected to the road. As [MENTION=10281]BmacIL[/MENTION] said - improving cornering feel is improving handling. Better road feel and connectedness is improving handling. Knowing what your car is doing/is going to do is improving handling. But I agree with Mike D. - I don't think Steeda Adjustables alone is going to fix it. It should get better but won't solve it completely until you address the mount of the rear shocks.

I hope that my feelings about this are correct. I'm trying to take a pragmatic approach to this. I was planning to go full change and go Steeda coilovers but Mike talked me out of that. My spring rates are similar and I've got a good setup. I really appreciate talking to him because it confirmed a lot of my suspicions and he saved me from spending more money that I don't need to. And he listened to what I have to say too. Really appreciate that from him and that shows me a lot about Steeda.

Nice setup! I was going to do a few more BMR stuff because of the red color lol. So far, Steeda parts are working great.

I installed the rear shock mounts already and didn't help much. Following your logic, I think I am at the end point and down to the dampers or coils being the part to address the bounce. Roush will not release their spring rate information and kinda threw a wrench into my solution to pinpoint the biggest cause of the bounce. I went ahead and ordered a set of Viking Crusader Double Adjustable dampers (got the Cruise ones for 0-2" drop ride height). I am hoping that this will help resolve most of my bounciness. If not, I will have to decide what to do with the springs or the entire suspension setup. I agree that some springs and dampers were made for stock suspension and was never intended for a increase NVH rear suspension upgrades from other aftermarket parts. Maybe when I can talk to Mike D. soon that he may have an alternative solution for me.

As for your case, there are a lot of positive insight and experiences from others here that the shock mounts may resolve most of your bounciness. I too know that dampers and springs will not get rid of the bounce due to the stiff suspension upgrades already, but at least make it bearable to drive again on the streets. best wishes to your setup and I will see what the Viking dampers will do me. Will update on that later when I get them delivered and find time to install lol :cheers:.

 

[Bluemustang]

Nice setup! I was going to do a few more BMR stuff because of the red color lol. So far, Steeda parts are working great.

I installed the rear shock mounts already and didn't help much. Following your logic, I think I am at the end point and down to the dampers or coils being the part to address the bounce. Roush will not release their spring rate information and kinda threw a wrench into my solution to pinpoint the biggest cause of the bounce. I went ahead and ordered a set of Viking Crusader Double Adjustable dampers (got the Cruise ones for 0-2" drop ride height). I am hoping that this will help resolve most of my bounciness. If not, I will have to decide what to do with the springs or the entire suspension setup. I agree that some springs and dampers were made for stock suspension and was never intended for a increase NVH rear suspension upgrades from other aftermarket parts. Maybe when I can talk to Mike D. soon that he may have an alternative solution for me.

As for your case, there are a lot of positive insight and experiences from others here that the shock mounts may resolve most of your bounciness. I too know that dampers and springs will not get rid of the bounce due to the stiff suspension upgrades already, but at least make it bearable to drive again on the streets. best wishes to your setup and I will see what the Viking dampers will do me. Will update on that later when I get them delivered and find time to install lol :cheers:.

Let's hope the Vikings bring good things :cheers:

I'm on my second suspension setup. I was running BMR SP080s and Koni dampers. On full soft it was nice but too bouncy. Go too stiff and it was way too harsh but handling was amazing. Ultimately the shocks were too stiff. The Ford Racing dampers are much better. Even though my spring rates now are much higher it handles them better. I did not notice any bounce until I put in the LCA bearing and diff inserts. The LCA bearing changes the car. Like it felt strange driving it afterwards. Things react quicker more like you'd expect them to. It handles like a much different car. Like a tiger vs a house cat. Unfortunately the compliance it takes away induces that bounce.

 

[Mootang]

Let's hope the Vikings bring good things :cheers:

I'm on my second suspension setup. I was running BMR SP080s and Koni dampers. On full soft it was nice but too bouncy. Go too stiff and it was way too harsh but handling was amazing. Ultimately the shocks were too stiff. The Ford Racing dampers are much better. Even though my spring rates now are much higher it handles them better. I did not notice any bounce until I put in the LCA bearing and diff inserts. The LCA bearing changes the car. Like it felt strange driving it afterwards. Things react quicker more like you'd expect them to. It handles like a much different car. Like a tiger vs a house cat. Unfortunately the compliance it takes away induces that bounce.

Oh niceeeee! Full soft on Koni dampers caused a bounce :eyebulge:? I thought soft was suppose to work a little better with the springs for a better ride. Stiff and harshness are not an issue for me (I have Porsche 996 as my second project and that thing is slammed with lowering spring - rides complete opposite of the Mustang right now - Like it has no suspension at all lol). I don't mind better handling if it means I can feel every bump on the road. Just get rid of the bounce and I will be happy.

I was a dummy and installed the entire rear parts all at once. Car was up in the air since November and touched the ground 3 weeks ago. All I can say is that the wheel hop was completely gone and handling was a whole lot better. Power was smooth and the rear was planted flat as it should at WOT. Just the ride sucks with the trampoline feeling, especially just cruising anywhere from 30 to 65 mph.

The LCA bearing helps a lot and I am glad I did it. Just the bounce is killing it. I am hoping your bounce issue is resolved soon so I can look forward to some positive outcomes too .

 

[GTPP]

I have the bounce too. Ordered some steeda shock mounts because of this thread haha. Hopefully they work out! Im on FRPP track pack + cb005 + RLCA. Will report back with results soon.

Mootang, have you gotten out for any spirited driving since the suspension install? I got in a little blast down hwy 49 near Placerville this past weekend. First real driving since i got everything done. Despite the bounce, the handling is amazing.

 

[Mootang]

I have the bounce too. Ordered some steeda shock mounts because of this thread haha. Hopefully they work out! Im on FRPP track pack + cb005 + RLCA. Will report back with results soon.

Mootang, have you gotten out for any spirited driving since the suspension install? I got in a little blast down hwy 49 near Placerville this past weekend. First real driving since i got everything done. Despite the bounce, the handling is amazing.

Welcome to the bounce house club! Not yet, I did take some hard corners and went around some high speed curves (I live out in the farmlands and there are some small hills to drive on). Handling under acceleration was fun and planted. No bounce either during the harder drive. Once I go back to normal daily drive style, I am back in the bounce house unfortunately.

 

[jbailer]

[MENTION=26707]Mootang[/MENTION] I'm eager to hear what else may be the cause for you, that's a nice mod list and I have the utmost respect for Mike D. so if he says it, I'd listen. My experience is the dampers are very important and like you say it seems very easy to get to the point where I have all spring no damper. I always thought my bounce was coming from the back, at least it felt that way. Recently I noticed adjusting the front is where I noticed the difference. I had my front Koni adjustable struts set at full soft and had bounce. I adjusted them to .5 turns up from full soft and the bounce was gone. I backed it off to .25 turns from soft and the bounce is annoying again. It's that sensitive. So I have it at .5 but the compression on the Konis is off I think. Sadly, they are single adjustable.

 

[BmacIL]

Would you say all of it is gone?

Yes. There's no longer any oscillation. If there are multiple bumps in succession I feel all of them, but it doesn't put the car into a resonance.

 

[Bluemustang]

[MENTION=26707]Mootang[/MENTION] I'm eager to hear what else may be the cause for you, that's a nice mod list and I have the utmost respect for Mike D. so if he says it, I'd listen. My experience is the dampers are very important and like you say it seems very easy to get to the point where I have all spring no damper. I always thought my bounce was coming from the back, at least it felt that way. Recently I noticed adjusting the front is where I noticed the difference. I had my front Koni adjustable struts set at full soft and had bounce. I adjusted them to .5 turns up from full soft and the bounce was gone. I backed it off to .25 turns from soft and the bounce is annoying again. It's that sensitive. So I have it at .5 but the compression on the Konis is off I think. Sadly, they are single adjustable.

Yep that's what I experienced with the Konis. I think the compression on it is too stiff. This is why I think the Steeda Pro Actions have worked better for folks.

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