This spring will be my first opportunity to tow with my 'new' EX. It's an 03 with the 6.0 and as far as I can tell, does not have a rear sway bar installed. It also doesn't have the factory 'helper' spring I've seen on some other Ex's. It currently suffers from a slightly sloppy steering issue and a definate sideways 'jump' when I hit larger potholes (seems like the whole truck takes a big shift sideways). Also, the rear of the EX is riding about and inch or two lower than the front.

I will be using this truck for 80% daily travel and people moving, 10% towing of a lighter pontoon trailer (about 200lb tongue weight) and 5% towing a 3,000lb utility trailer, and 5% towing a 32' 8,000lb+ travel trailer (800lb tongue weight). If it tows well, I'd like to take the unit out west for several trips (2000 to 4000 mile trips with the TT) so it could see some more serious pulling time. I currently have a very heavy duty, 1000lb capacity, weight distributing hitch and the stock reciever. I'm running an Edge Evo with monitors for EGT, Trans Temp, Oil Temp, and Boost Guages.

What do you recommend for improvements?

I was thinking:

1. Tighten up the steering box slightly

2. RAS Suspension System

3. Hellwig sway bar

Would these take care of the issues I'm having? Do you recommend anything else? Do you recommend anything different? How hard are the installs for these? Could I do them myself or should I hire it out to a susp shop?


Thanks in advance!

 

For a Weight Distributing hitch I recommend Equalizer

 

First, I would determine why the heck the rear is sitting so much lower than the front, then go from there.

Stewart

 

Maybe a broken leaf spring

 

Just about every EX I see around here has a slightly lower rear than front (or at least it looks that way).

 

No both of my excursions I think are low in the front

 

What are the measurements from the ground to the fender lip on all four wheels? Also, list the tire size and air pressure and we can compare them to our readings.

The front jumping could be bad front shocks. I put Blisteins all around and mine doesn't jump sideways over bumps anymore.

Doug

 

Couple of things to think about. These are just my opinions..I would do air bags in the rear for stability and leveling when towing, Rear sway bar (helwig) Change out from shocks and consider a double shock hoop in the front. also chage out the front steering stabilzer for a rancho or somethig more durable.

 

U gotta think though, if it was a broken leaf, the side that the broken leaf was on would be unlevel. Unless both rear leaf springs are broken? Which i highly doubt.

Aaron, is the truck lifted at all? This could cause a 1 to 2 inch lower rear ride height. My truck is 1 inch lower in the rear (which i have to fix this summer). It anoys the hell out of me.

 

So far your list is on the right path.

Let me add to it.

1. Fix the rear ride height first. This could be a contributing problem.
- A potential fix could be to a F-350 springs, this will also cut down on sway.

2. Before you tighten the steering box, test the steering out first. The one thing you want to look at is: Turn ur steering wheel (not much at all) and if ur steering wheel is moving and ur tires arent, that means ur steering box needs tightening. To tighten up the steering box u need to tighten it a half a turn. Someone on this forum tightend the box a full turn and their steering was worse. Try a half a turn and then test drive the truck. If their is still play in the steering wheel, then do a full turn.

3. Hellwig sway bar. This mod helps alot! Considering that you dont have a sway bar at all.

4. RAS system. If u want more info on it, PM X_Hemi_Guy. He has it on his Ex and he knows alot about this system, how to install and how to trouble shoot it if u are havin problems on it.

5. U also may want air bags, since your TH has a heavy tounge weight.

That should fix your truck. BTW my truck use to feel like the rear end was swaying when ever i went over bumps. It felt like the rear end was goin to the right. Does it do the same to u? If so, i fixed mine. I fixed it buy adding my fabtech 4 inch lift. This cured my "rear end swayin to the right"

 

1. First thing get a good weight distribution hitch like the Equalizer

2. Tighten your steering box

3. Install an aftermarket dual steering stabilizer

4. Install the Firestone Ride Rite air bag system

5. I would also get and aftermarket rear sway bar installed

6. Install the roadmaster active suspension system

7. Make sure your truck is equipped with load E range tires. THe most poular psi to keep the rear at is 75-80 and the front are best at 65 psi while towing. You can always run the rear pressure down when not towing if the ride is to harsh!!

I know seeing this list seems like a lot of stuff, and it is!
It's ridiculous that we Ex owners have to drop this kind of coin into a supposed good towing rig? If you do these 7 steps your Ex will tow awesome! Time to get out the debit/credit card and start buying!

I did everything on this list except for the roadmaster active suspension. I am ok happy with it, I do wish it towed and handled the weight better though!

 

Tires are 265/75R16's load rating C - set at 55psi (max) and stand 30 1/4" tall. The front wheel well is 33 1/2" off the ground and the rear is 36" off the ground. The back is taller, it just looks lower to the ground. Must be the way the body is styled??????

Truck suspension is stock. The 'jumping' seems to be coming from the rear when I hit bumps.

 

Just my opinion but if you install the RAS (which I think is a wise move) there is no point to air bags or F350 springs. NOW BEFORE EVERYBODY STARTS SCREAMING REREAD THE FIRST 3 WORDS OF THIS POST. A Hellwig rear sway bar is also important IF your Ex does not have a factory one. The bilstein or Rancho shocks will also help; which ones are a matter of opinion I like the Bilsteins.

 

Well theirs part of ur problem for ur "jumping". Those C rated tires arent made to support the weight of the ex by anymeans. Get E rated since ull be towin heavy. Ull be happier. Can u take a pic of the truck so we can see the height diff?

 

I agree with rob on the bilsteins. They are more stiffer for better towin handling.