Sway control- OBS vs. SD
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
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From: Newport, WA
Sway control- OBS vs. SD
Some history here- my old truck was a 95 F250HD, XLT, extra cab long box, 460/auto trans, 4x4. 265/75/16 rubber on aftermarket aluminum rims. Being an HD model with various options (trailer tow and camper package IIRC) it had beefed up suspension all around (basically F350 spec suspension) and sway bars front and rear.
My 99 F250 has the standard issue wimpy front and rear springs, a stock front swaybar, and an aftermarket rear sway bar. 285/75/16 rubber on OEM rims. Granted its quite a bit heavier than my old truck, but I'm amazed at how much more unstable it is when loaded down than my OBS was.
My question is, what can I do to get some stability back? I'm looking into adding OEM overloads to the rear springs, considering an OEM swaybar to replace the one I have, and see what that gets me. If I'm still not where I want to be, then X codes up front, then onto airbags if I'm still not happy.
Yes, I'm excessively **** retentive so don't bother pointing that out to me
My 99 F250 has the standard issue wimpy front and rear springs, a stock front swaybar, and an aftermarket rear sway bar. 285/75/16 rubber on OEM rims. Granted its quite a bit heavier than my old truck, but I'm amazed at how much more unstable it is when loaded down than my OBS was.
My question is, what can I do to get some stability back? I'm looking into adding OEM overloads to the rear springs, considering an OEM swaybar to replace the one I have, and see what that gets me. If I'm still not where I want to be, then X codes up front, then onto airbags if I'm still not happy.
Yes, I'm excessively **** retentive so don't bother pointing that out to me
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
I use an add a leaf front and rear. I have zero sway ever. The empty ride can be punishing at times, but the big girl will flat out turn a corner.
Bigger sway bars will help a lot running empty, but there is only so much they can do when the springs are squashed. X-codes and a rear leaf will likely accomplish your goal.
Bigger sway bars will help a lot running empty, but there is only so much they can do when the springs are squashed. X-codes and a rear leaf will likely accomplish your goal.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
I agree on the front springs. My truck has a V codes, and an extra full length leaf. Also a replacement rear pack, that is enormous. Takes a turn like a champ, and sits were I like it, and I do notice if the front swaybar is disconnected, so I would go for X codes, and then whatever it takes to level out the rear. You will more then likely be happy. I dont have a 5th wheel, but I do pull a big tandem axle bumper pull, with a pretty big skid loader on it, and have absolutely no sway issues.
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