The "Fix" rear sway bar?

[mc_cc]

I performed the "fix" on the front sway bar this morning and took it for a test drive. I was very impressed with the tighter feel on the front end. Should I do the same to the rear sway bar. Will I notice much of a difference? Thanks

[doxiemom11]

We are a 2000 F53 and I would consider that an "older" unit as it is now 14 year old. I guess it's all what we each consider as older/newer.

[gasguzler]

Finally got this done tonight, been waiting for decent weather. I adjusted the hellig links on front to maintain the same stock position. Drilled out the supplied sleeves and used the OEM bolts. used the new bushes. Ended up putting the front links on the rear, so I'm ready to roll now.

[workhardplayha1]

pkunk wrote:

workhardplayharder wrote:

doxiemom11 wrote:
My understanding is that this is beneficial for the older F53 chassis coaches. Not sure about a new one. Handling difference -- with ours it previously seemed that you had to constantly correct the steering and couldn't go straight down the road. Also when semi's went past it about blew you off the road. It was 2 hands on the wheel and never a moment of easy driving. Now, semi's don't blow you over and steering can be a one hand affair with all the constant back and forth to keep it on the road. We had already tried new tires - front end alignment and put a steering stabalizer on. This adjustment made a world of difference and DH said he wished he would of known about it 3 years ago when we started driving all over.

You have it backwards. This is for the newer F-53

Works just fine on my '99

I used "newer" as relative term. The "older" F-53 are not adjustable. I do not know what year Ford made the change.

[BillMFl]

No need for this upgrade for my coach. It handles with ease. Cruise all day at 70 and seldom feel any push. Have to remind myself to keep both hands on the wheel for safety, but often forget and find myself with one hand and a light grip. I have let go with both hands just to see what happens on a straight stretch and it tracks true. My hi top Class B meanders all over the place and is somewhat irritating to drive because of constant small adjustments. I plan on adding a stabilizer to it.

[wildmanbaker]

One note on the rear sway bar, if you have the big rear end, 150S, you cannot move to the shorter hole, unless you lengthen the link, as it will hit the third member when you raise the back of the MH. You can use adjustable links, or just cut and extend the link with a piece of tubing welded in.

[OldF__t]

WyoTraveler wrote:
It is called CHF cheap handling fix. There are 1000s of posts on irv2 forum. Like mentioned move the bolts to the rear holes in the factory anti sway bar.It works well. I did both the front and rear. The only disagreement is some people use adjustable hangers on the front. I did use the Helwig adjustable hangers on my MH. I believe it is better withe the adjustable hangers. JMHO. You should read some of the posts. Would be difficult to put that info here.

Yes, the original and very lengthy story is posted here.

[1BryNelson]

Wow sorry but is that true, about only on newer rigs. I'm getting solar installed so my MoHo not here to look at. Like I said I'm not happy with handling so I've been looking for solutions.

[Mike_M2]

workhardplayharder wrote:

doxiemom11 wrote:
My understanding is that this is beneficial for the older F53 chassis coaches. Not sure about a new one. Handling difference -- with ours it previously seemed that you had to constantly correct the steering and couldn't go straight down the road. Also when semi's went past it about blew you off the road. It was 2 hands on the wheel and never a moment of easy driving. Now, semi's don't blow you over and steering can be a one hand affair with all the constant back and forth to keep it on the road. We had already tried new tires - front end alignment and put a steering stabalizer on. This adjustment made a world of difference and DH said he wished he would of known about it 3 years ago when we started driving all over.

You have it backwards. This is for the newer F-53

No I think you have it wrong. I've seen this fix on every year since 1998 as Ford really hasn't changed the design since except for the shape of the rear bar. If I were under my chassis I wouldn't be able to tell the difference from my neighbors 2010. I just ordered the Hellwig adjustable links today for my 1999 F53, but honestly I really don't have any issues with steering now. The only way I knew I had any sway is because a buddy that was following me one day told me it did.
I'll get them on next weekend if the weather is ok and i'll let everyone know what I think...

[pkunk]

workhardplayharder wrote:

doxiemom11 wrote:
My understanding is that this is beneficial for the older F53 chassis coaches. Not sure about a new one. Handling difference -- with ours it previously seemed that you had to constantly correct the steering and couldn't go straight down the road. Also when semi's went past it about blew you off the road. It was 2 hands on the wheel and never a moment of easy driving. Now, semi's don't blow you over and steering can be a one hand affair with all the constant back and forth to keep it on the road. We had already tried new tires - front end alignment and put a steering stabalizer on. This adjustment made a world of difference and DH said he wished he would of known about it 3 years ago when we started driving all over.

You have it backwards. This is for the newer F-53

Works just fine on my '99

[workhardplayha1]

doxiemom11 wrote:
My understanding is that this is beneficial for the older F53 chassis coaches. Not sure about a new one. Handling difference -- with ours it previously seemed that you had to constantly correct the steering and couldn't go straight down the road. Also when semi's went past it about blew you off the road. It was 2 hands on the wheel and never a moment of easy driving. Now, semi's don't blow you over and steering can be a one hand affair with all the constant back and forth to keep it on the road. We had already tried new tires - front end alignment and put a steering stabalizer on. This adjustment made a world of difference and DH said he wished he would of known about it 3 years ago when we started driving all over.

You have it backwards. This is for the newer F-53

[doxiemom11]

My understanding is that this is beneficial for the older F53 chassis coaches. Not sure about a new one. Handling difference -- with ours it previously seemed that you had to constantly correct the steering and couldn't go straight down the road. Also when semi's went past it about blew you off the road. It was 2 hands on the wheel and never a moment of easy driving. Now, semi's don't blow you over and steering can be a one hand affair with all the constant back and forth to keep it on the road. We had already tried new tires - front end alignment and put a steering stabalizer on. This adjustment made a world of difference and DH said he wished he would of known about it 3 years ago when we started driving all over.

[ezgoin]

I guess I have lots of questions about this. Exactly what kind of difference in handling does this make? How difficult is it to raise the bar once the original bolt location is removed? (i.e. does it move freely once the bolts are removed?). Does it require jacking up the rig, or can it be done by only using the hydraulic leveling jacks?

I have a new 2014 MH on the F-53 chassis but I haven't had much of a chance to get it out on the road yet. I'm curious about this fix since I live out west and drive mostly along interstates in open, windy areas. I'll be interested to see how my new rig handles with all the truck traffic and windy.

[Rodallg]

Exactly what I was look for. This is my next project.
Thanks

[RDG]

http://cm-chapter.com/rv/

Made a big differance in the handling.

[WyoTraveler]

It is called CHF cheap handling fix. There are 1000s of posts on irv2 forum. Like mentioned move the bolts to the rear holes in the factory anti sway bar.It works well. I did both the front and rear. The only disagreement is some people use adjustable hangers on the front. I did use the Helwig adjustable hangers on my MH. I believe it is better withe the adjustable hangers. JMHO. You should read some of the posts. Would be difficult to put that info here.