Ford F53 Ride Improvements
I am trying to understand the relationship between the springs, shocks, and air bags on my F53 chassis. We just returned from a 2300 mile 17 day outing, and at times the RV about beat us to death. N...
Forum Discussion
I have a similar coach also with Firestone airbags, Koni shocks and CHF. Ride performance isn't limo smooth but doing multiple 500 mile days isn't a problem. The front aftermarket bar described is actually a Ford installed front track bar.
The after market air bag's primary purpose is to regain ride height after loading not sway control, suspension damping or increase chassis load capacity. Any sway control is a secondary benefit. Same as stiffer sway bars and tail wag. If you do have worn leafs the bags will provide assistance but if the air pressure is excessive they will make for a harsh ride. Can you change the pressures for each bag individually or only in pairs such as front and back pairs? Yes it matters, and what is the pressure you have in the bags?
For shocks they will dampen rebound but if the shocks are heavily resistant to movement they add will be transmitted to the vehicle. Bilstein shock are a bit stiff and resistant (maybe due to the gas charge) of the suspension. Koni shocks had a noticeable change and a softer ride for me but the cost was difficult to get past particularly if you just installed a new set.
Tire pressures are weight dependent in addition to tire size and load range. Not knowing your weight or chassis model can't provide a recommendation other than to check your tire load rating. The Ford installed originals tires were load range F for 19.5 in diameter and G for 22.5 which had a higher load capacity than the axles. Increasing the load range provided no benefit and might contribute to a harsh ride.
If handling isn't an issue then why add the Hellwig rear anti-sway bar. It will have the same effect as the CHF but at at no cost. If you're describing a rear track bar it will not help the ride only handling by eliminating tail wag.
The after market air bag's primary purpose is to regain ride height after loading not sway control, suspension damping or increase chassis load capacity. Any sway control is a secondary benefit. Same as stiffer sway bars and tail wag. If you do have worn leafs the bags will provide assistance but if the air pressure is excessive they will make for a harsh ride. Can you change the pressures for each bag individually or only in pairs such as front and back pairs? Yes it matters, and what is the pressure you have in the bags?
For shocks they will dampen rebound but if the shocks are heavily resistant to movement they add will be transmitted to the vehicle. Bilstein shock are a bit stiff and resistant (maybe due to the gas charge) of the suspension. Koni shocks had a noticeable change and a softer ride for me but the cost was difficult to get past particularly if you just installed a new set.
Tire pressures are weight dependent in addition to tire size and load range. Not knowing your weight or chassis model can't provide a recommendation other than to check your tire load rating. The Ford installed originals tires were load range F for 19.5 in diameter and G for 22.5 which had a higher load capacity than the axles. Increasing the load range provided no benefit and might contribute to a harsh ride.
If handling isn't an issue then why add the Hellwig rear anti-sway bar. It will have the same effect as the CHF but at at no cost. If you're describing a rear track bar it will not help the ride only handling by eliminating tail wag.
