Well, the box has been in my barn for a couple of months and today I finally installed my RAS. It was quite a simple process. I read the instructions about 100 times and I read alot here on FTE concerning everyone's own special techniques on the install. (Thanks Joe )

The biggest issue I encountered was the good ole' "welded on" aluminum wheel problem. When I test fit the 08 SD 20's last fall on the passenger side I has the same issue, so I knew I'd face the same today. Nothing alot of PB blaster, strength and a few choice curse words couldn't cure!!

Someone here on FTE gave a suggestion... While the rear axle is on jack-stands, lift the truck a bit from under the tow-receiver to put a bit of space between the u-bolt nuts and the body (so my air tools could fit). It worked like a charm. Thanks!!!

I had only a few threads on the u-bolts showing above the nuts prior to installing the RAS so I was not confident that I could use the stock u-bolts... So I went to the local spring shop and they custom made a set of 13.5 inch u-bolts for me. $50 bucks, nuts & washers included. I had ordered a longer set of u-bolts & nuts from FORD... they were long enough but the thread did not go down the bolt enough click on the link below if you're doing a spacer block upgrade... I'll sell you the u-bolts cheap. (pg 8--post #106)

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ml#post6112072

I forgot to measure ground to rear wheel fender spacing prior to the install as I was in a hurry to install the RAS (Opening day of LITTLE LEAGUE was today )... but I do notice a difference in the rake of the X. Nice

In the limited time I had to drive my X (to the ball-field and back home) since the install... I noticed... nothing. I'll repost my critique of the RAS at a later time after I have more miles and driving experiences with the RAS.

______________________________

Okay... one mod down, a few more in the barn waiting for installation time. (08 SD 20's... 08 SD rear bumper... Landyot Radius Rods... Cryo Powerslots & Hawks... 3rd row seat headrests... luckly I have summers off!!!

 

Bob,

Good job!

Always feels great doesn't it to have something DONE!!!

I'm about to head to the lake to do some crappie fishing in the morning...(in-laws have a cottage up there to sleep tonight...well more drinking actually tonight! )

Let us know how it works out when you get more test miles on the Ex...

I pulled the TT home from the storage barn today...had 30+ MPH CROSS-WINDS on the way home...the RAS as always did not disappoint me...this is my first time towing this year...and it is simply a pleasure to tow with this Ex...I HOPE you achieve this level of stability with your install.

Funny thing on the ole' welded wheel...when I was rotating the tires on the mini last fall...I encountered TWO stuck suckers...this being my first ferrin' car...I wasn't sure if I had missed some secret set screw or something...

But a few well placed blows from a rubber mallet behind the tire...set things straight! Afterall...those mini tires are well...mini compared to mother EX's!

Glad everything worked out (well except for those extra U-Bolts!)

Let us know how it works out when you do some more miles and testing...

Wish me luck on the crappie biting! I'll be back on-line tomorrow...

Joe.

 

I installed my RAS last month and I have to say that it was a relative pleasure to put in. Right away, I noticed smoother acceleration (due to reduced axle wrap) and found that the rear-end was generally better planted when cornering. I do notice that under some certain conditions the rear end felt a little twitchy, but this is very rare. All of my driving has been done unloaded, so I can't wait for my first tow of the season.

Overall, I'm quite happy with what the RAS has done.

In regard to bonded wheels, I got flat on a major mountain highway last year and on top of being on a soft shoulder with tractor trailer rigs flying past me, I couldn't get the wheel off. It took the guy from the auto club 5 smacks of the wheel with a 30 lb log to break it free!

Brian

 

Bob....glad you got it done.

I also did not measure the ride height before....and thought mine was sitting a tad higher in the back. However, I installed this one night at my parent's and realized that if the Ex had gotten any substantial ride height "raise"..it may not have gotten out of the garage with the small margin at which it clears the opening with the standard door. And..if it sits a little higher in the back...fine by me!

Driving impressions...unladen, ride is the same. Handling, I think improved. Trailering also a noticeable improvement...handles the tongue weight better.

Enjoy!!

 

All you had to do... if you were stuck in the garage... Air down your tires... I'm sure you thought of that!!

In the short time I've had the RAS installed, I have noticed that some of the bumps on my usual routes have "changed". Plus, I have a couple of turns (from my street to a 2-lane highway) on my way to work that used to make my X "rock" a bit... the RAS has seemed to lessen the "rock".

Thanks for your input!!!