Seeking advice/recs for upgrading the suspension on a '22 Badlands Nonsquatch

[thecaptain]

Hey there --

I've got a '22 Badlands Nonsquatch. It spends 95+% of its time on pavement and it's still pretty much stock. Recently put on KO3's, but they're 33s. The suspension is OEM. Like I said, still pretty much stock except for lights and steps to make it easier for the wife to get in and out.

When I go offroad, I'm not doing any major rock crawling. I'm typically doing moderate trails, Forest Service roads, and the like. Even as a Nonsquatch, this thing has about all the capability I need to do that stuff. I recently returned from Death Valley National Park and had fun going up to and around Chloride City and Chloride Cliff -- the Bronco handled it all really well.

Still, I was thinking of upgrading the shocks so that it runs smoother on washboard, dirt roads, etc. I don't really want to move to 35's and I'm not looking to lift the vehicle too much (my wife is 5'0" and she already has enough problems getting in and out even with the sidesteps). I basically just want a setup that'll soak up the bumps, washboard, etc. better than the current suspension without requiring larger tires or a lift of 2" or more. Any suggestions/recommendations on what to do/get?

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[HighVelocity]

performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-18000-B2

 

[23OBX2.7]

Or Fox 2.5 or 3 or just drive faster of the high frequency stuff Bilstiens soak it up. Had same charachteristics with my Mustang and B6 dampers. Wonderful at speed very firm at low speed.

I dont understand the vids of folks going so slow over un rutted roads that are choppy and rocky....gotta speed up to float over it.

I see th same thing dirtbiking on hillsides with dried rock garden run off creeks guys hit it slow and suffer big time but if hit it hard its way smoother and keeps momentum.

 

[Jmanly]

I put Bilstein 6100's on my 2023 Badlands non sasquatch. I set them to level and lift about 1 inch. Much better ride on washboard roads.

 

[ECMBronco]

Hey there --

I've got a '22 Badlands Nonsquatch. It spends 95+% of its time on pavement and it's still pretty much stock. Recently put on KO3's, but they're 33s. The suspension is OEM. Like I said, still pretty much stock except for lights and steps to make it easier for the wife to get in and out.

When I go offroad, I'm not doing any major rock crawling. I'm typically doing moderate trails, Forest Service roads, and the like. Even as a Nonsquatch, this thing has about all the capability I need to do that stuff. I recently returned from Death Valley National Park and had fun going up to and around Chloride City and Chloride Cliff -- the Bronco handled it all really well.

Still, I was thinking of upgrading the shocks so that it runs smoother on washboard, dirt roads, etc. I don't really want to move to 35's and I'm not looking to lift the vehicle too much (my wife is 5'0" and she already has enough problems getting in and out even with the sidesteps). I basically just want a setup that'll soak up the bumps, washboard, etc. better than the current suspension without requiring larger tires or a lift of 2" or more. Any suggestions/recommendations on what to do/get?

I know this may seem like a dumb idea, but I have non-sasquatch badlands and when I take it on dirt roads and washboard type surfaces the thing that makes the biggest difference is airing down. At 22-25 psi the chatter drops to zero. At 35-39 psi it'll shake the teeth out of your mouth.

 

[Smocaine]

Really enjoy my Eibach coilover kit, made the ride much nicer.

 

[Caleb@PandaMotorworks]

I'd reccomend a set of Eibach Pro-Truck 2.0 Coilovers. Will not be disappointed.

They are my go to recommendation. Seriously cannot beat them for the price. They come pre-assembled for easy bolt-on installation, fully height adjustable from 1-4", progressive springs rates make for a smooth ride. Perfect for daily driving on pavement, while also more than capable for mild off-roading!

I can get you a great deal on these here at Panda Motorworks! Feel free to shoot me a message if you are interested or have any questions

 

[thecaptain]

I know this may seem like a dumb idea, but I have non-sasquatch badlands and when I take it on dirt roads and washboard type surfaces the thing that makes the biggest difference is airing down. At 22-25 psi the chatter drops to zero. At 35-39 psi it'll shake the teeth out of your mouth.

Not a dumb idea at all -- airing down definitely helps. In fact, I probably didn't air down enough when I was 'wheeling in DVNP recently. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Eric and Trail Dog PNW]

Have to agree with the Eibach Pro 2.0 suggestion for your use case if you are set on changing the suspension instead of just airing down which is also a great no cost idea.
i just swapped to the Eibach with the HD springs due to heavy bumper/winch and camping gear/ utility trailer towing. From the badlands Hoss 2.0 I can attest that the ride is plush. Soaks up the small bumps and floats over medium bumps so far. Feels almost Ranger Raptor-ish. Highly recommend

 

[Oldhippie]

I’m happy with procomp coilovers…way better than stock…May be too much lift for ya though?

 

[Point78]

I bought a 2025 badlands two months ago. Had I driven it down my 2 mile dirt road with washboard I wouldn’t have bought it.

I hate the hoss 2.0 divergent shocks. And I mean hate them for just driving around & slow speed over rocky terrain-which is what I have. Even at 15-18 psi I hate it

i can say that pulling off & driving the side of the road at 45mph is surprisingly comfortable. lol.

I’ve also never felt like I was close to bottoming out when driving over potholes or whatever.

ive been waiting on the ford boss 3.0 fox listed in a previous post here.

supposedly ford is shipping another batch mid to late may. I’ve been waiting 3-4 weeks already.

should only be 1/2 lift back and maybe level the front a bit. ride should be much better at the small chatter and bumps.

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