Ford F53 Ride Improvements

Dale.Traveling wrote:
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.

I can adjust each bag individually. I run them at 60psi, and that made a big difference on keeping the "sway" in check. It was quite noticeable. I could drop them down and give that a try. Do you have suggestions on what pressure other than to just give it a try? They are 0-90psi bags.

How much of a difference did the Koni shocks make? The current ride on smooth roads is great, and on small pavement wear the ride is OK. It's when we get to the washboard roads and pot holes where it becomes Kidney slamming. After a day of getting beaten up I noticed my DVD player no longer worked. My wife was having trouble reading that day as well.

Thanks!

Al