Rear suspension modifications; which one for which conditions?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 5
Rear suspension modifications; which one for which conditions?
So the rear spring swap is well known. Slightly lesser known is the 2008+ spring upgrade.
The Hellwig sway bar install is popular too..
Then there are airbags and Roadmaster Active Suspension.
Now, I've stumbled on "LandYot" radius bars...
Which ones are best for what symptoms.
Can you do them ALL or do some cancel each other out?
The Hellwig sway bar install is popular too..
Then there are airbags and Roadmaster Active Suspension.
Now, I've stumbled on "LandYot" radius bars...
Which ones are best for what symptoms.
Can you do them ALL or do some cancel each other out?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1
From: Central Tx.
So the rear spring swap is well known. Slightly lesser known is the 2008+ spring upgrade.
The Hellwig sway bar install is popular too..
Then there are airbags and Roadmaster Active Suspension.
Now, I've stumbled on "LandYot" radius bars...
Which ones are best for what symptoms.
Can you do them ALL or do some cancel each other out?
The Hellwig sway bar install is popular too..
Then there are airbags and Roadmaster Active Suspension.
Now, I've stumbled on "LandYot" radius bars...
Which ones are best for what symptoms.
Can you do them ALL or do some cancel each other out?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 0
From: Dustbowl, NV
Replacing the springs helps the 'soccer mom' soft stock suspension, and gives more suspension travel usually with F250 springs (the way Ford should have sold the Excursion).
The rear anti-sway bar (either F350 or Hellwig) helps to stop the top-heavy feeling when cornering these top-heavy trucks (the way Ford should have equipped the Excursion).
The RAS and air bags are a spring helper for towing or heavy loads without having a jack-hammer ride all the time.
The Landyot radius rods help to eliminate axle-wrap and acceleration hop. The best thing is that the 'rear steer' phenomenon whereby the vehicle is actually moved around in the lane because the rear axle is shifting forwards and backwards due to the springs being so soft, is stopped by the rods holding the axle in place. Excellent product.
Each thing contributes to the overall driving experience, depending on your needs and usage.
The rear anti-sway bar (either F350 or Hellwig) helps to stop the top-heavy feeling when cornering these top-heavy trucks (the way Ford should have equipped the Excursion).
The RAS and air bags are a spring helper for towing or heavy loads without having a jack-hammer ride all the time.
The Landyot radius rods help to eliminate axle-wrap and acceleration hop. The best thing is that the 'rear steer' phenomenon whereby the vehicle is actually moved around in the lane because the rear axle is shifting forwards and backwards due to the springs being so soft, is stopped by the rods holding the axle in place. Excellent product.
Each thing contributes to the overall driving experience, depending on your needs and usage.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
I don't think any will cancel each other out.
Are you working with a 2wd or 4wd?
We tow a 7k 23' trailer with our 2002 V10 2wd. I installed Bilstein shocks, F250 rear springs and Hellwig front/rear sway bars. The rear sway bar was the most noticeable addition, probably since there was no rear sway bar to begin with. The Hellwig front sway bar really helps firm up the front end and is matched with the rear. The trailer has an Equalizer WD hitch. I would start with this setup and see if you feel like you need more. Ours feels very much under control, rides nice and tows great. Never have felt a "rear steer", maybe the stiffer F250 springs and the Hellwig front sway bar have helped. The rear end would drop almost 3" with the trailer connected and stock springs. It now drops about 1 1/2" with the F250 springs and sits about 1/2" higher in the rear unloaded.
Are you working with a 2wd or 4wd?
We tow a 7k 23' trailer with our 2002 V10 2wd. I installed Bilstein shocks, F250 rear springs and Hellwig front/rear sway bars. The rear sway bar was the most noticeable addition, probably since there was no rear sway bar to begin with. The Hellwig front sway bar really helps firm up the front end and is matched with the rear. The trailer has an Equalizer WD hitch. I would start with this setup and see if you feel like you need more. Ours feels very much under control, rides nice and tows great. Never have felt a "rear steer", maybe the stiffer F250 springs and the Hellwig front sway bar have helped. The rear end would drop almost 3" with the trailer connected and stock springs. It now drops about 1 1/2" with the F250 springs and sits about 1/2" higher in the rear unloaded.
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