RAS and Hellwig?
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
Both are good, both together are better. I have only added the Hellwig but I'm swapping out the rear springs for a set of (modded) B codes to address towing/load rear suspension issues instead of the RAS. I got the springs for free so it was an easy choice.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Ex Time,
Do you tow?
What is your application you are trying to fit with your Ex since that will help me with my advice.
In 'general' the RAS (and B code springs for that matter) will help with body roll over stock springs. Hellwig (i.e. a roll bar) is designed specifically for addressing body roll by tying the frame to the axle thru the spring bar...
The RAS adds the benefit of reduction of axle wrap as well as adding some spring capacity to offset any sag from heavy tongue weights like I carry (1100-1200#'s)...
RAS will also stiffen the ride some.
So each has a slight benefit over the other and it really depends on what you are trying to target specifically. If you do not tow...go with a Hellwig would be my advice. If you do tow a long and heavier trailer like I do...both are a great addition. If you only tow occasionally and only a small trailer...Hellwig would be great there too...it all depends on YOUR situation...sorry to not be concrete on my answer because it really does depend...sorry.
Let us know what you are attempting to correct body roll from...simply driving or towing.
Thanks and WELCOME to FTE!
Joe.
Do you tow?
What is your application you are trying to fit with your Ex since that will help me with my advice.
In 'general' the RAS (and B code springs for that matter) will help with body roll over stock springs. Hellwig (i.e. a roll bar) is designed specifically for addressing body roll by tying the frame to the axle thru the spring bar...
The RAS adds the benefit of reduction of axle wrap as well as adding some spring capacity to offset any sag from heavy tongue weights like I carry (1100-1200#'s)...
RAS will also stiffen the ride some.
So each has a slight benefit over the other and it really depends on what you are trying to target specifically. If you do not tow...go with a Hellwig would be my advice. If you do tow a long and heavier trailer like I do...both are a great addition. If you only tow occasionally and only a small trailer...Hellwig would be great there too...it all depends on YOUR situation...sorry to not be concrete on my answer because it really does depend...sorry.
Let us know what you are attempting to correct body roll from...simply driving or towing.
Thanks and WELCOME to FTE!
Joe.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Thanks to VR6Nutt here on the Forum, I will be adding RAS to my EX on Friday this week. The Hellwig I put on several months ago really helped with the Body Roll and tow handlign to some degree.
As X_Hemi_Guy says, I think both are the ticket (or modded B codes &
Hellwig) if you're towing heavy like I do. I really like the idea of some help wiht the axle wrap and the sag issue.
If you can find the B codes (free is always good) then that's a good mod. I just haven't been able to find them at a reaonable cost (new or used).
D
As X_Hemi_Guy says, I think both are the ticket (or modded B codes &
Hellwig) if you're towing heavy like I do. I really like the idea of some help wiht the axle wrap and the sag issue.
If you can find the B codes (free is always good) then that's a good mod. I just haven't been able to find them at a reaonable cost (new or used).
D
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Ex Time,
Do you tow?
What is your application you are trying to fit with your Ex since that will help me with my advice.
In 'general' the RAS (and B code springs for that matter) will help with body roll over stock springs. Hellwig (i.e. a roll bar) is designed specifically for addressing body roll by tying the frame to the axle thru the spring bar...
The RAS adds the benefit of reduction of axle wrap as well as adding some spring capacity to offset any sag from heavy tongue weights like I carry (1100-1200#'s)...
RAS will also stiffen the ride some.
So each has a slight benefit over the other and it really depends on what you are trying to target specifically. If you do not tow...go with a Hellwig would be my advice. If you do tow a long and heavier trailer like I do...both are a great addition. If you only tow occasionally and only a small trailer...Hellwig would be great there too...it all depends on YOUR situation...sorry to not be concrete on my answer because it really does depend...sorry.
Let us know what you are attempting to correct body roll from...simply driving or towing.
Thanks and WELCOME to FTE!
Joe.
Do you tow?
What is your application you are trying to fit with your Ex since that will help me with my advice.
In 'general' the RAS (and B code springs for that matter) will help with body roll over stock springs. Hellwig (i.e. a roll bar) is designed specifically for addressing body roll by tying the frame to the axle thru the spring bar...
The RAS adds the benefit of reduction of axle wrap as well as adding some spring capacity to offset any sag from heavy tongue weights like I carry (1100-1200#'s)...
RAS will also stiffen the ride some.
So each has a slight benefit over the other and it really depends on what you are trying to target specifically. If you do not tow...go with a Hellwig would be my advice. If you do tow a long and heavier trailer like I do...both are a great addition. If you only tow occasionally and only a small trailer...Hellwig would be great there too...it all depends on YOUR situation...sorry to not be concrete on my answer because it really does depend...sorry.
Let us know what you are attempting to correct body roll from...simply driving or towing.
Thanks and WELCOME to FTE!
Joe.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Given the application of the heavy TT...I don't think you could go wrong with BOTH...I know my 9000-9100# TT sure likes both.
However if cost is an issue...I'd start with the RAS first and see how your setup handles it and then if you still feel there is more body roll than you like...add the Hellwig at that point. I recommend the RAS first due to the softer Ex stock springs and them needing some assistance to carry the tongue weight of your heavy TT which the RAS assists with.
Good luck,
Joe.
However if cost is an issue...I'd start with the RAS first and see how your setup handles it and then if you still feel there is more body roll than you like...add the Hellwig at that point. I recommend the RAS first due to the softer Ex stock springs and them needing some assistance to carry the tongue weight of your heavy TT which the RAS assists with.
Good luck,
Joe.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 214
Likes: 7
From: East Tenn
Yes - do it immediately if you haven't already. Single greatest mod I've made on any car or truck I've ever owned. I'm amazed that Ford didn't install these on every Ex - the difference is night and day.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
Thanks Scoob!
I had an '80 firebird (no rear sway bar from factory) when I added
a rear aftermarket sway bar it caused bad oversteer
(even with an upgraded front bar).
I've got a few things to do first (don't we always).
Merry Christmas.
I had an '80 firebird (no rear sway bar from factory) when I added
a rear aftermarket sway bar it caused bad oversteer
(even with an upgraded front bar).
I've got a few things to do first (don't we always).
Merry Christmas.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
I don't tow...but I just installed the RAS on my lifted 4x4..and it is wonderful. I just drove to the airport with the X loaded with family and luggage. I drove the winding highway down and across the golden gate..which has always been scary. This time it was easy and relaxing. My wife even noticed that I wasn't fighting the wheel keeping the X in it's lane. And the ride was smoother than ever. I have the stock rear springs on blocks.
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