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thmitch79's avatar
thmitch79
Explorer
Mar 04, 2014

New shocks or leaf spring?

Don't want to sound ignorant but I don't know what to do here. 2003 Southwind, rig is leaning to the passenger side, it sits 2 inches lower than the drivers side. . F53 chassis, leaf springs and shocks up front. How do I trouble shoot the issue to add a helper spring or replace the shocks? Will just replacing the shocks do the job? My biggest fear is a bent frame. Any help is appreciated.
  • I went with spacers. I was hesitant at first but the truck shop said they did this all the time with Ford. He said if I was uncomfortable, he would remove the spacers so I could use air bags. Now, 4 years later, I am glad I went with spacers. No issues with air bags, settings, leaks, etc.
  • Three options, but first a question-- have you done individual wheel position weights? The "low side" heavy? Anything you can move to the other side of the coach. Remember, moving a 200 pound battery bank from one side to the other "transfers" 400 pounds (minus 400 from one side and plus 400 on the other)!

    The three options (assuming you have done all you can on weight distribution:

    Replace the "weak" spring.
    Add a leaf to the "weak" spring.
    Add a spacer between axle and leaf spring on the "weak" side.

    All three are acceptable. Consult a truck spring shop in your area. That is what they do for a living.

    As all have said, shocks on your chassis carry no weight, so are not part of the equation.

    Oh, last comment-- make sure that there is not already a spacer on the "high side" causing the lean. I HAVE seen that!
  • I'm not going to repeat the same ferekin anwser as done 3 times above! LOL

    I suggest you look for a heavy duty spring shop. If you go to the heavy truck parts counter & ask for a shop that does suspension work on large trucks. They should be able to set you up!
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Shocks won't lift the MH they only supply damping. Make sure you take this measurement from a level area which should be from the axle to the frame. If your ride height difference is really 2 ins then a helper spring, new spring, or shims can level the MH. Before making that investment I would weight the MH on all 4 wheels and see if you could move weight from the heavy side to the light side. If after making sure the area is level and the weight is properly distributed and the ride height is within an inch I would opt for the air bags to adjust the leaning. Some have reported that the Firestone system have improved the ride on the F-53 chassis.
  • Shocks are dampeners, they are not designed to accommodate load. Have a competent shop inspect the springs and frame. Might just be worn out springs, which replacement would remedy.
  • Replace the springs

    Shocks do not provide lift, the role of shocks is to dampen movement, make it more comfortable over bumps and dips.

    I just replaced all of my springs and it raised the RV almost 2 inches.

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