RAS still suggested??
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
RAS still suggested??
Hey guys, just curious if the RAS is still a well thought of system for beefing up the rear end of these beasts. I tried a set a few years back on my truck, but ended up going with an airbag setup instead. However, I really liked the way the RAS improved the ride of the truck. I think it would be the perfect solution for my Ex's aging springs. The Ex actually has airlift airbags on it now, installed by previous owner, but they don't really give me the ride I'm looking for. Plus they're leaking, so they probably need to be replaced anyways.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
No, never "well thought of" they are an expensive add a leaf that adds spring rate which is not needed.
If your leaf springs have sagged you need new leaf springs that have the correct arch for the ride height you desire.
To determine if your leafs have sagged or how much they have sagged measure from the center of your wheel hub to the bottom of the fender arch at all 4 corners.
Stock new should be:
Front 23
Rear 24
Important to remember that ride quality is determined by your shocks not the springs. That said it is likely your right front leaf is sagged the most and has blown off the bump stop and your shocks are shoot.
If your leaf springs have sagged you need new leaf springs that have the correct arch for the ride height you desire.
To determine if your leafs have sagged or how much they have sagged measure from the center of your wheel hub to the bottom of the fender arch at all 4 corners.
Stock new should be:
Front 23
Rear 24
Important to remember that ride quality is determined by your shocks not the springs. That said it is likely your right front leaf is sagged the most and has blown off the bump stop and your shocks are shoot.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
No, never "well thought of" they are an expensive add a leaf that adds spring rate which is not needed.
If your leaf springs have sagged you need new leaf springs that have the correct arch for the ride height you desire.
To determine if your leafs have sagged or how much they have sagged measure from the center of your wheel hub to the bottom of the fender arch at all 4 corners.
Stock new should be:
Front 23
Rear 24
Important to remember that ride quality is determined by your shocks not the springs. That said it is likely your right front leaf is sagged the most and has blown off the bump stop and your shocks are shoot.
If your leaf springs have sagged you need new leaf springs that have the correct arch for the ride height you desire.
To determine if your leafs have sagged or how much they have sagged measure from the center of your wheel hub to the bottom of the fender arch at all 4 corners.
Stock new should be:
Front 23
Rear 24
Important to remember that ride quality is determined by your shocks not the springs. That said it is likely your right front leaf is sagged the most and has blown off the bump stop and your shocks are shoot.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Port Coquitlam, BC
I had a new main leaf and a mid pack leaf added and my Ex barely squats when I put my trailer on and it has a 1300lb ball weight. I do have air bags still but there is only 20lbs in them so they really aren't doing much now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
2wd should be
Front 21"
Rear 22"
Before you go adding aftermarket bandaids to cure your problem figure out what the problem actually is.
In proper working order your Ex should not be bottoming out during normal driving on moderate roads, if you are jumping it or hoping curbs then sure.
Front 21"
Rear 22"
Before you go adding aftermarket bandaids to cure your problem figure out what the problem actually is.
In proper working order your Ex should not be bottoming out during normal driving on moderate roads, if you are jumping it or hoping curbs then sure.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
Oh no, not jumping or hopping curbs, just anything other than a slow crawl over railroad tracks, potholes, etc. Normal driving. I agree that there is a problem. The measurements don't show one, but I know it shouldn't ride that poorly. I believe I installed some Monroe shocks, but I honestly can't remember which ones. Whichever they were, I remember when researching it about 6 months ago, they were fairly well recommended. Besides anything should've been an improvement over the stocks that were still on there.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
When you get a chance crawl under and get a picture of each side leaf spring.
Check your air bag mount setup. Just a thought but perhaps the mounts are wonky and limiting travel.
When you measure remember to let all the air out of your air bags.
Check your air bag mount setup. Just a thought but perhaps the mounts are wonky and limiting travel.
When you measure remember to let all the air out of your air bags.
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
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From: Central Coast of CA
While I am of the same mindset as Camo (fix the problem, don't use a band-aid), the RAS will do what you're hoping.
I've had an RAS sitting in my garage for over 10 years, and just put it on earlier this year and it works well for what it was designed to do, assist the rear suspension in handling weight.
Stewart
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
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I'll try and get some pics. Will probably be tomorrow at this point. Thanks!
New User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 20
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From: Willow Spring, N.C.
If your ever up in the Raleigh, NC area let me know...I have a set I would give to you for free, even install them for you! They came off of a 2001 F250 I used to have, held on to them since, I have no need for them and would like them gone.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
Thanks!
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
The RAS will raise the rear a bit.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart