I have been searching and reading a ton trying to decide how to tune up the handling of my Excursion. I decided to start with the Roadmaster Active Suspension on the rear to help with its manners with the Travel Trailer hooked up. I know all of the V/B guys will say that I should swap the springs but I am going the route I can afford at the moment. I'm sure I will end up swapping the springs some day.
I searched around and decided to buy it from JC Whitney because they have it cheaper then anyone else and if you spend a few min online searching for coupons you can get anything from free shipping to 15% off your order.
Several members who ordered from then were told they had a 3-4 week backorder. I paid $5 extra for the 3-5 day shipping option from JC Whitney and got mine in 3 days. The surprise was that it direct shipped from RAS. My total was $282.99.

Here is the package that the wonderful Fed Ex guy dropped off this afternoon.
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I was very happy to find that it is the new style. After reading the instructions I found this is the newest style with extra extension plates for the anchor bar when used on a Ford.
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This is used on Fords to make sure the bar sits in its intended spot under the leaf spring.
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I started with backing the Ex into the driveway and blocking the front tires in place. I grabbed the painters tape and put a stripe over each wheel and put a line on it to measure the before and after. I will just give you guys the gain numbers since everyone seems to measure to a little different spot over the wheels. I jacked it up and put the jack stands on the frame at the front of the rear spring mount. I pulled off the wheels and dropped the axle to full droop as the instructions said. I then raised it 1/2" and started placing the RAS components into place.
Stripped and ready to start the install.
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The RAS placed on top of the spring so I could get the axle mount into place and the hook over the end of the leaf spring.
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Sliding it forward I needed to extend the length by unscrewing the spring on the threaded shaft.
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I put the Ford extensions together and into place. Then tighten the extension plate nuts down, then the anchor bolt. Last step is to tighten the coil spring until you achieve the gap setting you wanted. I went for the dime gap for the 25% increase in load rating and improvement in handling. I figure I can always increase it to the quarter gap for the 40% increase later.
Finished product.
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All done and ready to go. All of the pics are from the passenger side because the install is he same, and it was getting dark and my cell camera sucks at night. I gained 1/4" height on the front and 7/8" height on the rear. I did not get to take it for a driving test tonight so I don't know how much it is going to settle or how much better it drives yet. If I want more I figure I can crank it up the the quarter gap and see if I gain any more height or improvement in handling.
I started this after dinner and was done 45 min later in time to put my son to bed. It really is a simple install.
WARNING!!!!! You will need a 22mm open end wrench for this install to set the lock nuts into place. I don't know why all of the mounting bolts and nuts are 3/4" and then they used a 22mm nut on the threaded shaft for the lock nuts. I had to hit Sears after striking out at Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes trying to find one. You could use an adjustable wrench or vice grips if you want, I just used it as a reason to buy another tool. I also picked up another set of jack stands since they were on sale.

 

Nice write up.

 

Nice install write-up, waiting to read the roadtest review!

 

Nice job! I also got mine from JCWhitney for $291 to my door. I was planning to install mine this weekend but the weather here has gone to crap with constant downpour almost all week. The new drain behind my retaining wall is doing a great job though! It's gushing like a raging river taking water that used to swamp my whole back yard and sending it down the street!

 

Excellent write up. Thank you for taking the time to take pics and posting.

Is that an OEM shock?

 

X2 Great write up and great pictures. Thanks for taking the time to post. Just decided to pull the trigger on this mod!!! Reps

 

I must have the old style like in this video......

Roadmaster Active Suspension Kits - Haul more safely! - YouTube

 

Nice job!!

 

I just looked on JC Whitney and it shows manufacturer part number SKU #: 1JA 502814 Mfr #: 2451

I looked on the RAD site and they show 3621 as the part number.

Just want to make sure i am getting the right part. JC Whitney sure is cheaper than summit and amazon, etc.

Thanks,
D.

 

any updates on the handling? do you notice much of a difference?

 

Wow, I thought I had updated this but I guess I missed it.
The Ex handles a ton better. The rear only squats about an inch when I hook up the TT now. Towing is no longer a white knuckle experience on the interstate. I have almost no body roll when cornering with or without the TT hooked up. I would say this was a great purchase.
On a budget note, I also did the Rancho RS9000's on the Ex about 3 months after the RAS since they had the great rebate deal going on and can say having shocks that actually work is another huge improvement.
Now I just need to get some more time and $$$ to do something about the 1 inch of uptravel in the front suspension.

 

So, there are two ways to install the RAS? One is behind the axle and the newer one is in front of the axle?

 

What is the tongue weight of your TT? Are you measuring the squat with or without theWD hitch?
I have about 1,100lbs and my X squats 3-4 inches without WD. With WD I am squatting about 2"

 

Tongue weight changes depending on how long the trip is and how much time I have to load. Average is around 650lbs and the 1" squat is without the WD hitch hooked up. I haven't even used the WD hitch on the last 2 trips.

 

Nope! both versions are behind the axle!