Rear leaf springs

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Oct 23, 2003 | 03:56 PM

nanuke1

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 192

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From: Scandia, MN

Rear leaf springs

I'm confused about the best and least expensive method to beef up my rear end when pulling my trailer. I've heard about airbags, blocks and F350 springs. What is the best route to go. I like my X the way it currently rides but need more when putting on the trailer. Remember, I'm a norwegion from Minesote so keep it simple.

Oct 23, 2003 | 04:25 PM

Landyot

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 394

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From: SEVA

Least expensive? Years ago, all we did was install some Gabriel "Hi-Jackers" (air shocks). I don't know if those things are still made, let alone if they're available for the Mighty-X. Your next best bet might be air bags .... at least you could adjust them depending on your load.

Oct 23, 2003 | 04:29 PM

Landyot

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 394

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From: SEVA

PS - If your tongue weight is that high, why not a simple weight distributing hitch arrangement? Unless, of course, you're towing a boat trailer with hydraulic brakes. The weight distributing hitch also makes for more stable towing ... 'tis what I use when towing my car trailer.

Oct 24, 2003 | 08:17 AM

nanuke1

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 192

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From: Scandia, MN

air bags

Landyot, thanks for the comments. However, I also want to increase the rear end height as well when the trailer gets attached. I'm used to my F350 and have designed my trailers around that height although that is more than I need. It sounds like the airbag idea would be preferred. Have you or anyone reading this used these on the X? How did it affect the ride? Where did you place the valve?
Thanks

Oct 24, 2003 | 04:28 PM

Landyot

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Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 394

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From: SEVA

Sorry, but I don't have any personal experience with the airbags. The weight distributing hitch I'm using on the X is the same Reese set-up I used on my old '87 F350 crew-cab. Receiver heights were within a couple inches of each other. If you've never tried such a hitch, I highly recommend it. I went a few years just bumper towing. Once I tried the W-D hitch, I kicked myself in the hind-parts for not using it sooner .... and I'm only towing about 5,200 pounds. It made that big of a difference ... the rear stopped going up & down ... and towing was much more stable.

Good luck on whichever route you take!

Ken E.

Oct 25, 2003 | 03:05 AM

Monsta

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Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 18,308

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From: Washington State

Do a search for "aribags" in the Excursion forum. There are a few users who have "bagged" the back of thier X. I cannot remember all the folks, so a search would be best.