Installed the Roadmaster Active Suspension
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
Installed the Roadmaster Active Suspension
I figured a new thread was best for this. Here's a quick run-down.
Last night, we installed a Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS) in my 2005 V10 Ex. The instructions wer good, but left some parts (at least for us) a bit of work to make sure we understood exactly.
Jacked up the truck, supported it under the rear axle, pulled the wheels.
Loosened or removed the nuts that retain the "U" bolts. Placed forward plate of RAS between spring and plate. The RAS plate must be 100% in line with the leaf spring. Tighten nuts.
Jack up truck again...moving stands to the frame..so that suspension unloads.
Slid rear end of RAS over rear part of spring. Adjust RAS spring. Replace wheels.
I will have to update after I have driven a bit to see how much better it is...but initial impressions are positive. No change in ride height. (If it had been raised any noticeable amount..it would not have come back out of my garage.) Ride is no harsher, but over rough spots in the road the truck seems better footed.
I'll update again on this as I only have driven about 5 miles since the install. If this does half of what the maker claims...it will be awesome.
Last night, we installed a Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS) in my 2005 V10 Ex. The instructions wer good, but left some parts (at least for us) a bit of work to make sure we understood exactly.
Jacked up the truck, supported it under the rear axle, pulled the wheels.
Loosened or removed the nuts that retain the "U" bolts. Placed forward plate of RAS between spring and plate. The RAS plate must be 100% in line with the leaf spring. Tighten nuts.
Jack up truck again...moving stands to the frame..so that suspension unloads.
Slid rear end of RAS over rear part of spring. Adjust RAS spring. Replace wheels.
I will have to update after I have driven a bit to see how much better it is...but initial impressions are positive. No change in ride height. (If it had been raised any noticeable amount..it would not have come back out of my garage.) Ride is no harsher, but over rough spots in the road the truck seems better footed.
I'll update again on this as I only have driven about 5 miles since the install. If this does half of what the maker claims...it will be awesome.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, Ohio
While I have Timbrens installed, I'm curious if RAS helps the rear stay up when hooked to a travel tailer? I could use a little more help, and if RAS stops axle wrap too, they might be a good addition for me.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
clevelandjim...I have yet to hook up my car trailer (22' enclosed), but so far, it's a very nice addition.
I even went by the Ford dealership today to show it to the Techs there that I discussed it with prior to buying. One of them has an 03 Ex. We all went fro a ride, and one said to the other after a turn..."will your truck do that?"....the other said..."yeah....but ti would be in the other lane.". Seemed to impress those guys too.
I even went by the Ford dealership today to show it to the Techs there that I discussed it with prior to buying. One of them has an 03 Ex. We all went fro a ride, and one said to the other after a turn..."will your truck do that?"....the other said..."yeah....but ti would be in the other lane.". Seemed to impress those guys too.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: California
Matt M,
keep us informed of when you do hook up your trailer. I was of planning on doing this later on. When you installed it, did you have to remove anything else other then the wheels or just loosen it enough? Where did you purchase the RAS and how much did it cost? One last question, How do you adjust it?.
Pictures would be nice to see the whole setup.
Thanks
Ruben G
2004 EB 6.0 4X4 Excursion
keep us informed of when you do hook up your trailer. I was of planning on doing this later on. When you installed it, did you have to remove anything else other then the wheels or just loosen it enough? Where did you purchase the RAS and how much did it cost? One last question, How do you adjust it?.
Pictures would be nice to see the whole setup.
Thanks
Ruben G
2004 EB 6.0 4X4 Excursion
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
RubenG...re-read my original post. I think it's self explanatory. Not easy to get pics, as the RAS is on top of the spring...and behind the inner fender.
Here's a link..
www.activesuspension.com
Here's a link..
www.activesuspension.com
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: California
Thanks Matt M,
I was just checking out the installation videos,
How did you know how much to preload the springs? did you do that
"quarter between the springs like it shows on the active suspension website?
(http://www.activesuspension.com/media.htm)
Ruben G
I was just checking out the installation videos,
How did you know how much to preload the springs? did you do that
"quarter between the springs like it shows on the active suspension website?
(http://www.activesuspension.com/media.htm)
Ruben G
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
RubenG....with the suspension hanging..and the truck supported by jack stands...there is a screw on the end of the RAS that you tighten until you can just pass a quarter through the spring's coils. Yes...did that.
I showed it to two Ford Techs I know...one of which has a 2003 Ex. We went for a short ride. When I went around a corner one asked the other..."will your truck do that?". He replied..."sure..but not in the same lane.".
I showed it to two Ford Techs I know...one of which has a 2003 Ex. We went for a short ride. When I went around a corner one asked the other..."will your truck do that?". He replied..."sure..but not in the same lane.".
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 451
Likes: 5
From: Raleigh, NC.
Matt, glad to hear someone that installed this. I wondered when I first got my X if anyone had installed this system, but you seem to be the first. I am strongly considering this.
Where did you get yours? How much?
Wondering if I can order from someone online?
Where did you get yours? How much?
Wondering if I can order from someone online?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Stewart_H
Excursion - King of SUVs
127
Oct 24, 2017 11:57 AM
Sous
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
14
Jun 2, 2015 12:08 AM
Ultraboy
Excursion - King of SUVs
7
Apr 4, 2015 10:30 PM
Hunter,DDS
Excursion - King of SUVs
67
Sep 22, 2012 01:48 AM
acitve, active, excursion, f150, ford, install, installation, instructions, master, preload, problems, ras, road, roadmaster, suspension
