I am considering doing a spring swap on my 2005 Ex Limited to F-250 springs. Has anyone tried this? If so, is it pretty pricey and does it help? I've also considered adding the Hellwig sway bar, Landyot Radius Rods, and some stiffer shocks as a different option. Any advice would be great. These upgrades are for everyday driving AND pulling a 30' TT.

 

Bart,

I don't normally suggest this...but this topic is covered twice per week...if you do a search of springs, V/B code or the like you will have LOTS of reading...even some great information on part numbers and the likes...

If you are considering the F250 spring swap...I'd say HOLD OFF ON THE LANDYOTS. The Landyots help with the WEAK/SOFT OEM Ex springs...the condition that causes the rear spring wrap while inherent in a leaf sprung vehicle...it is accentuated on the Ex due to the tall spacer block AND soft springs...going to stiffer springs will likely eliminate the need for the Landyots (IMO and based on others that have been down this road).

A Hellwig is cheap and IMO a must for the Ex due to the HIGH CG on this HEAVY vehicle.

Shocks...not a bad option either...I swapped out my OEM's with 32K on the clock...I tow a 35' hitch to bumper 9000# TT behind my Ex and the Bilsteins REALLY helped to eliminate tongue weight induced BUMP shocks...one bump and you're done...i.e. no porpoising.

I went RoadMaster Active Suspension (RAS) on the rear of my Ex with Hellwig and I tow LONG HARD days...NO LANDYOTS for me and I am VERY pleased.

Tire pressure is another overlooked tuning item on our Ex's. I found 70 rear was all that she would tolerate...more pressure meant WORSE handling. Also 60 front was all that was needed...but that was determined based on starting at the minimum psi due to load and working UP in 5 psi increments until I hit on the winning combo of 60/70.

Sorry to not address your question on springs...but it really is a well discussed topic that I know you will find your FILL of reading using the search feature...

Also I've got a detailed write up on the RAS as well if you do a search of that...

The main reason I responded was to say do NOT jump to the Landyots...I'm not a big fan as I feel springs and/or RAS provide so much MORE improvements to the handling and rear end sag for those of us that tow. If you never tow with your Ex...the Landyots are a good option to correct that one symptom...but as a heavy tower...I want rear spring capacity which also corrects spring wrap (IMO and experiences).

Good luck!
joe.

 

I use a rear hellwig sway bar and that is all I need.
It makes a big difference. I suggest you try it first

 

Thks Joe. What exactly is the Roadmaster Active Rear Suspension. Pardon my ignorance...

 

Bart,


Take a look here...

http://www.activesuspension.com/

I can tell you that it does what they 'claim'...I am a happy camper (no pun intended)

Joe.

 

Plus 1,000,000!

This really does seem like a weekly topic. If you look on this first page, there are two threads already covering spring swap/steering wander/spring lift that your question can be partially answered by.

Do a search using my user name or Joe's user name (X_Hemi_Guy) using the search terms "wander" "springs" "RAS" "steering wander" etc and you'll get tons of info that will help you out tremendously.

Using the search function helps a lot, especially with topics like this that are always being asked.

Stewart

 

I've checked into the Roadmasters and I'm going to go look at some. I'm going to try the Roadmasters, Hellwig rear sway, and some Billstein's and see where that put's me on handling.
Bart R
2005 Ex Limited V-10
Duals and Flowmasters
...No other upgrades yet.

 

Bart,

I can say that if you do what you just said...your Ex will be EXACTLY where my Ex is suspension wise...

I can tell you this...

I've tugged my 35' hitch to bumper 9000# TT 5000 miles this year. Including one 630 mile day in 12 hours. The TRUCK is IMPRESSIVE to tow with these mods.

But also do NOT discount tire pressures.

Do you know if you have E range tires on your Ex?

if so...my 'magic' number for my 1100-1200# tongue on the Ex is 60 psi front and 70 psi rear. Those figures took a few tows altering psi in 5 psi increments to hit on the what I consider perfectly balanced setup. Start at the MINIMUM you need for the load and work up from there. Too much pressure can NEGATIVELY effect handling...trust me...I've been there...lower in this case was BETTER.

Good luck...I don't think you can go wrong with what you are planning.

Let me know if you have any questions on the RAS install. Here are some photos of my install...just click on the thumbnail below...




joe.

 

Joe,
I do have "E" rated tires and have played with the tire pressure a little. I have made the mistake of thinking the max tire pressure would be the best when towing the 30' Springdale. I'm gonna try to have the previously listed updates done in a month or two. We go to Talladega in the Spring and that will be a good test to see where I'm at.
Thks, Bart

 

You may be correct. There is more than one way to skin this cat. Installing F250 springs offers more suspension travel as an added bonus. However, you may want to consider the amount of work to install a new set of springs vs. Landyots radius rods. I installed the radius rods at 8,000 miles and now have over 135,000 miles. They definitely cured the "wandering Excursion" problem--and they were much easier to install.

We tow a heavy trailer--Arctic Fox 32D weighing in at about 9,500 lb and almost 34 feet long. The radius rods work well for this. We also have the Hellwig rear sway bar and air bags to assist with the tongue weight. For us, we use 80 psig rear, 75 psig front on Michelin load range E tires. The entire rig exhibits superb handling.

The trailer can also have an affect on handling. Our trailer also has E range tires, running at 80 psig. This trailer tows much better than our previous Terry Quantum with D range tires. I think the trailer frame flexes less.

 

Your next statement pretty much tells me I am...sorry

You installed the Hellwig, Landyots AND AIRBAGS.


I've installed the RAS and Hellwig...

My two components do precisely what you had to install THREE to do...that's my point about the Landyots...they do NOTHING for rear spring capacity.

I agree with you that the F250 springs 'may' do all...but I'd still think the Hellwig would be cheap insurance.

Again my point is that the RAS and Hellwig (i.e. 2 components) fix the Ex vs the Landyots and two more...that's all...

not arguing...just making my point as you seemed to have missed it.

I'm glad you figured out your Ex as they are tempermental for sure...each person has to figure out what way they want to skin the cat...there are a few ways to shore up the design. Some take more components but certainly all are viable approaches...

joe.

 

Easy fellas!...You guys are great and I really appreciate all the good advice. I'll keep you updated on my progress and how it pulls to Talladega this Spring.

Bart out!