How difficult is it to install a Hellwig
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Originally Posted by BAJI26
What does it do?
The nice thing about the RAS is it only kicks in when needed...the unloaded ride really hasn't suffered following install...but drop 1100# of my trailer tongue on the rear of the Ex...and the RAS kicks in to RESIST the sagging from that load...
Picture what would happen to that 'arc' when the axle was loaded and wanted to travel UPWARD...that dimension between the center of the arc and the end point (the area the RAS sits) would ELONGATE if the RAS wasn't there...with the RAS there...it adds spring capacity to the leaf springs to RESIST that elongation (i.e. the axle going up and the rear end sagging).
joe.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Oregon City, OR
I would pipe in that last weekend I was hauling loads of dirt out of my yard. My brother just purchased a dump trailer. I had no idea how heavy it was, and this was my first time towing since installing the RAS. I stopped at a scale on my way to (and from) the dump site to check the weight. The trailer axles weighed 14,400 pounds, and on the way back I had 1400 less pounds on the rear axle of the Ex. I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS THIS HEAVY! But, with the RAS I don't think I had more than a couple inches sag on the rear end. It towed beautifully which it has never done before. I can't wait to hook up my travel trailer and try it out (three weeks till first camping trip).
I also think that the ride feels softer when empty, but that could just be my mind wanting to believe that.
Ryan
I also think that the ride feels softer when empty, but that could just be my mind wanting to believe that.
Ryan
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
If I can add a quick tip from personal experience; Make sure when you install the Ubolts for the shock mounts that you do not catch the brake line between the Ubolt and the axle. It makes for some very loud swearing when you figure it out...
Doug
Doug
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Give this guy a call or e-mail. He can take care of you.
RANDALL RUSSELL
www.roadmasterok.com
randall@roadmasterok.com
800-640-6499
RANDALL RUSSELL
www.roadmasterok.com
randall@roadmasterok.com
800-640-6499
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 145
Likes: 1
From: Princeton NJ
Originally Posted by ocboat
Can this be installed without jacking up the back?
Where I did use a floor jack was to support the shocks when I unbloted the U bolts that held them to the axle. Just place the jack under the shock before you unbolt the shock and it will remain in place until you install the new U bolts.
The instructions mention rerouting the brake cable on the drivers side. They both appear in that area and neither one comes any where near the sway bar or it's hardware so I discounted that intruction. I consider that as just another one of those problems in the translation from Chinese.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by X_Hemi_Guy
The order I'd do the install would be this...
- Unbolt STOCK shocks top and bottom.
- Install Hellwig
- Install Bilsteins (rears will be banded...keep them banded until installed)
- Install RAS
I put it in that order because...I had my RAS on and it raised the rear of the Ex by ~1.25"...which fought me to get the shocks on in a banded state...I was afraid to RELEASE the new shocks until bolted...after I cut the band and the expanded 1/8" with GREAT FORCE...I knew I had made the RIGHT decision!
joe.
- Unbolt STOCK shocks top and bottom.
- Install Hellwig
- Install Bilsteins (rears will be banded...keep them banded until installed)
- Install RAS
I put it in that order because...I had my RAS on and it raised the rear of the Ex by ~1.25"...which fought me to get the shocks on in a banded state...I was afraid to RELEASE the new shocks until bolted...after I cut the band and the expanded 1/8" with GREAT FORCE...I knew I had made the RIGHT decision!
joe.
Chad
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Originally Posted by ChazWiz
Joe do I understand you to say that the RAS lifted your suspension 1-1/4"? I just ordered a set and plan to do the install this weekend, not sure if I can get it in the garage if I get that much lift.
Chad
Chad
Yes...you read that right...you have to remember that yours may be more or less than mine because of the condition of the springs too. My '05s springs were in fairly good shape...so I'm not sure on your '03 how the RAS will or will not affect your height...I have to believe it WILL raise it some...it basically re-arches the springs which would logically mean a raise of the rear.
I clear my garage door by INCHES...when there is snow on the drive...I make sure I shovel the first few feet so the rear of the Ex doesn't raise any more due to the snow under foot!
So I can certainly understand your concern with the added height...
My truck now has a slight rear raised UNHITCHED look vs the stock rear UNHITCHED SAG look...not a big california rake or anything...but you can tell the rear is HIGHER than the front...
BTW...BEFORE the RAS the center of my rear wheel wells were right at 39.5" AFTER the RAS they sit at ~40.5 to 40.75" Both of these are in an UNHITCHED and mostly UNLOADED state.
Hope that helps...
joe.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 32
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Originally Posted by X_Hemi_Guy
Chaz,
Yes...you read that right...you have to remember that yours may be more or less than mine because of the condition of the springs too. My '05s springs were in fairly good shape...so I'm not sure on your '03 how the RAS will or will not affect your height...I have to believe it WILL raise it some...it basically re-arches the springs which would logically mean a raise of the rear.
I clear my garage door by INCHES...when there is snow on the drive...I make sure I shovel the first few feet so the rear of the Ex doesn't raise any more due to the snow under foot!
So I can certainly understand your concern with the added height...
My truck now has a slight rear raised UNHITCHED look vs the stock rear UNHITCHED SAG look...not a big california rake or anything...but you can tell the rear is HIGHER than the front...
BTW...BEFORE the RAS the center of my rear wheel wells were right at 39.5" AFTER the RAS they sit at ~40.5 to 40.75" Both of these are in an UNHITCHED and mostly UNLOADED state.
Hope that helps...
joe.
Yes...you read that right...you have to remember that yours may be more or less than mine because of the condition of the springs too. My '05s springs were in fairly good shape...so I'm not sure on your '03 how the RAS will or will not affect your height...I have to believe it WILL raise it some...it basically re-arches the springs which would logically mean a raise of the rear.
I clear my garage door by INCHES...when there is snow on the drive...I make sure I shovel the first few feet so the rear of the Ex doesn't raise any more due to the snow under foot!
So I can certainly understand your concern with the added height...
My truck now has a slight rear raised UNHITCHED look vs the stock rear UNHITCHED SAG look...not a big california rake or anything...but you can tell the rear is HIGHER than the front...
BTW...BEFORE the RAS the center of my rear wheel wells were right at 39.5" AFTER the RAS they sit at ~40.5 to 40.75" Both of these are in an UNHITCHED and mostly UNLOADED state.
Hope that helps...
joe.
Thanks Joe, fortunately I dont have to worry about snow in SOCAL
rib...rib... I think I may have an inch or two of garage clearance so I might be ok. I guess Ill have to be careful backing out of my garage after the install. BTW I gotta thank you for all the info you have provided me through all the posts I have read and created. You and a few others seem to be on top of most of the main issues with the X and have helped me tremendously. This site is a great resource and hopefully after owning my X for a while longer I will be able to contribute some good advice to others.
Chad
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Originally Posted by X_Hemi_Guy
BTW...BEFORE the RAS the center of my rear wheel wells were right at 39.5" AFTER the RAS they sit at ~40.5 to 40.75" Both of these are in an UNHITCHED and mostly UNLOADED state.
Hope that helps...
joe.