Forum Discussion
Dale_Traveling
Mar 27, 2015Explorer II
I've done a bunch of work on my rig. Some changes helped a lot others not so much.
1. Tire pressure - Had new tire installed a few days after bring the coach home so I don't know how much a change occurred. Did find that pressure has a big effect on handling. Over filling the tires made for a rough ride and the coach was difficult to maintain lane position. I set my pressures set to axle maximum weight limit which as worked very well.
2. Rear Roll Bar Bushings - OEM bushings more or less melted. Replaced with blue poly bushings I got off eBay shortly after the tire install so I don't have a before and after judgment. Fronts have been fine.
3. CHF - Very dramatic change in coach handling and body roll. Also effect lane push due to wind and made for much better drivability.
4. Koni Shocks - Only have Koni's on the front but mush softer ride than the OEM Bilstein. The rear OEM shocks were replaced with same but when budget allows intend to install Koni's also.
5. Air Bags - Have installed bags on each corner with individual inflation controls (on board compressor) and can adjust on the fly as needed. Helped to level after loading and regain ride height but limit effect on over all ride quality.
Other than Koni shock on the rear and maybe new frame bumpers I'm about done with attempting any more chassis mods. Was thinking about a rear track bar but my coach really doesn't get push around all that bad. Plus when it does I can feel it coming on. I've done all the work myself.
Since the OP's chassis is an 2002 or maybe an 01 Ford wasn't installing front track bars back then so I would recommend installing one. Rather than air bags (unless the coach isn't level and sagging a bit) I would try Sumosprings instead. Tiffin has started offering them as an option on their F53 built coaches which is a bit unusual for a builder. Most do little if any changes to the chassis suspension.
Now if you want to pass up all the fun of experimenting you can go with Kelderman suspension mod for both front and rear.
1. Tire pressure - Had new tire installed a few days after bring the coach home so I don't know how much a change occurred. Did find that pressure has a big effect on handling. Over filling the tires made for a rough ride and the coach was difficult to maintain lane position. I set my pressures set to axle maximum weight limit which as worked very well.
2. Rear Roll Bar Bushings - OEM bushings more or less melted. Replaced with blue poly bushings I got off eBay shortly after the tire install so I don't have a before and after judgment. Fronts have been fine.
3. CHF - Very dramatic change in coach handling and body roll. Also effect lane push due to wind and made for much better drivability.
4. Koni Shocks - Only have Koni's on the front but mush softer ride than the OEM Bilstein. The rear OEM shocks were replaced with same but when budget allows intend to install Koni's also.
5. Air Bags - Have installed bags on each corner with individual inflation controls (on board compressor) and can adjust on the fly as needed. Helped to level after loading and regain ride height but limit effect on over all ride quality.
Other than Koni shock on the rear and maybe new frame bumpers I'm about done with attempting any more chassis mods. Was thinking about a rear track bar but my coach really doesn't get push around all that bad. Plus when it does I can feel it coming on. I've done all the work myself.
Since the OP's chassis is an 2002 or maybe an 01 Ford wasn't installing front track bars back then so I would recommend installing one. Rather than air bags (unless the coach isn't level and sagging a bit) I would try Sumosprings instead. Tiffin has started offering them as an option on their F53 built coaches which is a bit unusual for a builder. Most do little if any changes to the chassis suspension.
Now if you want to pass up all the fun of experimenting you can go with Kelderman suspension mod for both front and rear.
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