[mrcolin2u]

Just picked up my new SE-KC 4X2 on Friday.
This is my first full size truck. I don't tow anything and I don't haul much except my mountain bike and kayaks.
The truck feels great driving until I get on the freeway and I get to a bumpy section. I feel like the truck bounces all over the place. Is this normal and can I make any mods to the suspension system to improve the ride?
Thankyou in advance.
Colin :?:

 

[M4ck]

Hmm I am definately not the gear head type and I don't think I ever will be but there are quite a few on this site. I know that JetTech has mentioned that quite a few bolts were loose when he got his truck. He suggested somewhere that you should take an afternoon and start at one end and go to the other just tightening down bolts. For some reason Nissan assemblers seem to have a problem doing it at the factory. You should definately check to make sure your lugnuts are tightened down properly. If not that could make for a real rough ride. HOpefully one of the smarter guys will jump in here and help you out. Good luck and glad to have you onboard.
M4ck

 

[JohnInKY]

Colin, in addition to M4ck's comments, I would check the tire pressures. My tires were 49 PSI from the factory. I lowered them to the recommended 35 psi and the ride was better. Like M4ck, I am no gear head either.
John

 

[mrcolin2u]

Thanks for the input guys.
I will check the tire pressure and see if it's high.
Don't own any metric sockets though, might have to invest in some??
:?

 

[JetTech]

definitely pick up some metric sockets and wrenches. Wal-Mart usually has a great deal on their tool kits of which have both SAE and Metric sizes in them. As a matter of fact I keep one of those tool kits from Wal-Mart behind my backseat "just in case"..

 

[mrcolin2u]

You think a loose nut or bolt could produce a harsh ride on a bumpy road ??
thanks,
Colin

 

[M4ck]

Definately especially if its loose suspension or lug nuts. Very easily could make the ride rough.
M4ck

 

[BiXLL]

Collin, what did you drive before the Titan? You must remember, it is a truck! While trucks have come a long way in their ride, the required heavy suspension to haul/pull is not going to give a luxury car ride. In my research, I would rank the Titan #2 so far as ride quality, behind the F 150. I would describe the Titan ride as a tighter, more sport type ride then the 150, which will give a litlle bounce. I run my tires at 35 lbs, unless I am pulling the boat any distance, which I will pump them up to 40 lbs. I notice much more bounce at 40 lbs without the boat behind me. I would make sure of my tire preasure, give it a while, then if you still feel there is something wrong, ask your dealer to check it out. Perhaps even drive one of their new ones like yours to compare.

 

[mrcolin2u]

I've had 2 nissan trucks before, a 1992 SE-V6 and a 2002 frontier.
The truck feels fine on a normal road but travelling at speed on a bumpy freeway it is intolerable, I feel like I'm riding a bronco at the rodeo.
I have let the tires down since then from 43psi (factory pressure) to 35psi.
Haven't been on the freeway yet but hope this improvesthe ride.
It is the only dissapointing thing I can find with this truck. Otherwise I love it !
thanks for your input, I do appreciate it.
Colin

 

[Caltitan]

I've experienced this as a common issue with trucks in general. On concrete slab freeways, I have always had some rapid see-saw-like bounce with the Titan and pre-2004 F-150s I used to drive (and my old Honda Passport). Pretty much only happens if I drive above 65 mph with no weight in the bed. If I load it up with a few hundred pounds of equipment and tools, it doesn't bounce nearly as much.

 

[k9mrussell]

I have the off road package and I don't have this problem. I know that the off road has the Ranchero shocks, but that shouldn't make too much of a differance in the ride. If your air pressure is ok, they I would start looking for a loose bolt. Have service look at it as well.

 

[mrcolin2u]

I have reduced the tire pressure to 35psi.It was 43psi from the dealer.
I will be taking a trip down the freeway this morning, hope to see an improvement.
thanks for the input :wink:

 

[JetTech]

well mrcolin, what's the verdict? Did lowering your tire pressures help with the ride?

 

[OldSalt]

If I may add my 2 cents, take into consideration that the Titan is a BIG, HEAVY truck. There are some massive leaf springs under the rear end, and with the stock tires the ride is rather harsh when you don't carry any weight out back. You have the SE, so I'm not too sure what brand of tires you got from the factory, but on my XE with the 75-series Bridgestones, the ride was not at all comfortable. Since installing new wheels and the Nitto V-rated high performance tires, the ride has improved exponentially. So, stiff springs, stiff stock tires and an empty bed all contribute to a bouncy ride.

 

[JetTech]

I agree oldsalt, there's only so much you can do to overcome a stiffly sprung truck in terms of ride quality. Glad your tires and wheels helped with yours. Don't the V rated tires slap the pavement more than the stock tires?

 

[OldSalt]

Can't say that I can answer that yet. These Nittos are decent tires; the have fairly stiff sidewalls, but also have the new silica-tread technology that really improves gripping performance. When I get a few more miles on them (and the truck), I'm gonna go out and stomp me a few 'Stang GT's and then I'll let ya know how the tires really perform.

 

[M4ck]

Heh I'm loving this guy already. Please make video's of these stompings I love watching races.
Heh

 

[OldSalt]

m4ck, I may have to wait awhile before I can give ya some video. It's snowing out here in Utah. I was thinking of mounting my vidcam to look out of the sliding rear window; that way I'll be sure to capture the looks of disgust (awe, jealousy?) on the faces of the young 'Stang drivers when this old man in a pickup whoops their @sses!

 

[TexanTitan]

Just bought an 05 XE Crew (1 week / 200 miles) -- I actually like the ride, though it is very taut. (Also have a Denali and Avalanche Z66 -- each has it's merits -- denali is AWD and sure-footed -- Avalanche is really smooth (longer wheelbase). IMHO the GM's ride better, but they cost $20K and $10K more respectively.

The XE so far is quick and powerful and taut -- actually has a strong "truck" feel -- not bad in my opinion.