Hey Guys,

I've had my RAS installed for 3 months now and i'm pleased with it. But during the install I took note that the center hole of the U-bolt plate does not seat in the leaf spring bolt. The RAS plate does now, but is there any chance that the U-bolt plate can nudge away from that center area that I tightened them at? The U-bolt nuts are tighter than hell but in my mind there's always a chance for movement.

What do you guys think?

 

well I'm no expert but I would think as long as your U-bolts are torqued properly by the time the plate recieved enough force to be moved that movement would be the least of your problems
why not mark either side of where the plate sits on the springs with a bright colored metal marker so you can easily check for movement ?
if you do discover an issue let us know; lots of us run RAS and possible safety issues are always good to be aware of

 

I guess I never thought about your question before...I assume you mean the center hole in the spring plate shown below...although even if the bolt did slip...both would have to slip and even then you'd have larger issues than that spring keeper plate slipping...the spring keeper plate slipping is really the least of your worries IMO...a bolt that loses torque would cause much larger issues...I view that center hole as a locator hole more than a structural member...the bolts and torque applied in my mind provides the clamping force needed...that plus the sheer forces of the bolts surrounding the spring pack...but I could certainly be wrong...



I've got 10,000 miles of towing my TT with 1100#'s of tongue weight since installing the RAS last July...I used lock-tite on the nuts when installing them...they are still tight...

You can also see some bright neon green paint on my U-bolts and axles...that is my marker as western-star mentioned...I visually can look to see if a U-Bolt has slipped its position...very easy to simply peak underneath the truck...

Keep us updated if you or anyone notices any movement...like western star said...there are lots of us running around with the RAS installed and any issues needs to be circulated.

Joe.

 

X_Hemi_Guy,

Were'd you get those bright yellow frame bumpers? I have an 01 EX 4X4 V10 with 59k and my front frame bumpers are gone, well at least the one was missing the other one was hanging on by a thread. I've looking everywhere for the right part.

 

I'm pretty sure RockAuto has them. If not let me know and I'll get my FORD buddy to dig up a set.

 

No, can't find them. I don't even know the real name for them. What are they called?

 

I've always called them Bump Stops.

Check out this link for some thoughts..

Bump Stops - Performance Suspension Components

Mine are original to the truck...

Good luck!

joe.

 

My Ford buddy says any off a 90's up 3/4 or 1 ton will work; he can't find them listed neither but he is going to keep an eye out when the write off units come in.

 

My local Ford dealer says he can get them for tomorrow. $36 each if they are the correct ones I'll just get them.

Thanks