When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Installed the Roadmaster Active Suspension kit on my 2019 4x4
So after adding a toolbox and a B&W turnover hitch I found the rear of my truck sat 1/4” lower than the front. I wanted something to give a little height but also wanted something to stop the very noticeable axle wrap. So I tired the RAS. Rear end is 3/4” higher now (I added a brush guard up front so that difference might’ve been less without it) but most importantly I can no longer feel the axle wrap. Also, I used to feel a bounce when the gears would change that felt just like the axle wrap did. All that is GONE. What a difference. Can’t speak too much on the load handling as I haven’t gotten to test that out yet but if anyone feels their axle wrap or the same weird bounciness during gear changes I highly recommend these. Buy them from Amazon so that if you don’t feel like they make a difference you can return them easily.
also there was hardly any noticeable changes to how the rear suspension felt over stock.
I installed mine a couple weeks ago. Really nice for pulling my boat and trailer,feels a lot more stable. And when empty the ride is great,not harsh, maybe a little less bounce in the rear. Highly recommend them if you are towing. Another bonus is you can adjust the firmness of the springs easily.
I completely agree, I've had mine installed for a few weeks now and have hauled with it quite a bit, various loads such as a chipper, 10,000 lbs equipment trailer, tandem axle Diamond-C Low Pro Dump trailer etc. And it handles it well and reduced the squat A LOT!
Very cool concept. Have never owned this part, but have been keeping my eyes on it. I don't tow a ton. Anyone have thoughts on these vs the Torklift Stableloads? Seems to a different way to do roughly the same thing.
Very cool concept. Have never owned this part, but have been keeping my eyes on it. I don't tow a ton. Anyone have thoughts on these vs the Torklift Stableloads? Seems to a different way to do roughly the same thing.
Torklift puts a wedge between the overload and the leafpack.
RAS uses the coil spring in their system to preload the arch, so you won't get the slap off the overloads like you will with Torklift. The unloaded ride with RAS is outstanding. This is my third truck with them installed.
I've thought the RAS to be the way to go just for the axle wrap, loads would be a bonus for me. How do these hold up as far as corrosion in places that have winter?
Torklift puts a wedge between the overload and the leafpack.
RAS uses the coil spring in their system to preload the arch, so you won't get the slap off the overloads like you will with Torklift. The unloaded ride with RAS is outstanding. This is my third truck with them installed.
Yeah, sounds about right. Some drawbacks from the cheaper Torklift system. Still, it's cheaper, so it's an option.
I've thought the RAS to be the way to go just for the axle wrap, loads would be a bonus for me. How do these hold up as far as corrosion in places that have winter?
VA DOT uses a nasty salt brine. I've used Fluid Film in the past, and now I'm using Mavcoat on my suspension components. Holds up well it appears. I didn't have issues with the FF on the prior two applications over about 5 years of use total.
Originally Posted by seventyseven250
Yeah, sounds about right. Some drawbacks from the cheaper Torklift system. Still, it's cheaper, so it's an option.
I admire the Torklift system, but engaging it always seems like a hassle (in my opinion).
VA DOT uses a nasty salt brine. I've used Fluid Film in the past, and now I'm using Mavcoat on my suspension components. Holds up well it appears. I didn't have issues with the FF on the prior two applications over about 5 years of use total.
If I ever decide to get that RAS, that would be good idea. That FF and the WoolWax, are worth their weight in gold.
If I ever decide to get that RAS, that would be good idea. That FF and the WoolWax, are worth their weight in gold.
I too like FF, however for areas with tight tolerances, I'm liking Mavcoat Steel Shield better. It actually dries, without being tacky. FF likes to attract dust. Mavcoat goes on clear with a blue tracer, and dries to a matte finish.
Just saw a reference touting the merits of RAS on one of my RV forums and a review in an on-line RV magazine. Sounds impressive. Suddenly, I am seriously considering any upgrade to my 2020 F150 4x4 lariat with 6.5 foot bed and V8. I tow monthly and my trailer is on the outer edge of my truck's capabilities (2800BH Grand Design Imagine) and while I don't have issues per se, I know I have had better towing experiences with the bigger trucks. Thinking this might make that extra bit of improvement. Now if I could get more torque out of that V8.
I just installed the RAS on my 2019 Lariat. Why I didn’t do this sooner I’ll never know. Even empty with no trailer, it’s like night snd day. Absolutely no body roll in turns, wheel hop is gone on hard acceleration, no bed bouncing on bumps, and the truck feels extremely planted all the time.
Now, I installed 3” rear blocks before installing the RAS because my stacked rear blocks that came with the 2-1/4” front level I thought were clapping on certain inclined turns. Since the stacked 1-1/4” factory rear and 1” added blocks were replaced with one 3”, the noise is gone. But, my level is now gone, and the 3/4” rake I had has got to be 2-1/2” to 3”. Not roadster, but more like original factory rake. I guess I have a Polish lift now. 😆 I don’t care. The ride and tow this weekend is unbelievably better. Now, I wonder if I want a Hensley or ProPride.
Hello MCDAVIS,
I have a few questions about your truck set up. I just installed a RAS HD on my 2018 F-150. It did increase the rear height of the truck by just over an inch. I was already thinking about installing a 2 inch level kit (puck style) on my truck. After installing the RAS the rake of the truck is even greater. I noticed from your pictures that you may have also installed a level kit to your truck and perhaps gotten larger tires. Is that true, and if so what leveling kit did you install & what size of tires did you put on it. Also, do tow anything with your truck? If so, with a leveling kit installed are you still able to maintain a level truck? By the way, I love the color of your truck. I also have the same Blue Jeans color on my truck and love it. Thanks!
Originally Posted by MCDavis
Torklift puts a wedge between the overload and the leafpack.
RAS uses the coil spring in their system to preload the arch, so you won't get the slap off the overloads like you will with Torklift. The unloaded ride with RAS is outstanding. This is my third truck with them installed.
Hello MCDAVIS,
I have a few questions about your truck set up. I just installed a RAS HD on my 2018 F-150. It did increase the rear height of the truck by just over an inch. I was already thinking about installing a 2 inch level kit (puck style) on my truck. After installing the RAS the rake of the truck is even greater. I noticed from your pictures that you may have also installed a level kit to your truck and perhaps gotten larger tires. Is that true, and if so what leveling kit did you install & what size of tires did you put on it. Also, do tow anything with your truck? If so, with a leveling kit installed are you still able to maintain a level truck? By the way, I love the color of your truck. I also have the same Blue Jeans color on my truck and love it. Thanks!
Bilstein 5100s installed at 1.7" up front. And I'm running 275/65/20 tires. I have about 1" of rake with this setup. I've had as much as 1200lbs loaded in the bed and the truck sits just below level with that payload.
04-02-2021, 12:50 PM
