Dan Walker
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• Stevenson Ranch, CA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/5/2004 |
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• 6 posts |
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 Posted:11/14/2005 11:06 |
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Howdy,
Okay, from my previous post on airbags vs sway bar I realize I'll be getting the sway bar.
Now, my question is air lift bags vs. an add-a-leaf kit.
The add-a-leaf looks easier to install, a bit cheaper, and a do it and forget system - perhaps at the expense of ride comfort ( one of the things I''m trying to improve ).
The airbags are better for varying loads and any side to side correction I may need.
Here is my situation: 4x2 v10 2002 Ex.
My wifes daily driver and kid hauler. Ride much improved with new tires and I will be ordering my Rancho 9000's this week. We go camping at least once a month in a travel trailer we bought in August. It's a Jayco 31ft. that weighs almost 7000 lbs. dry and probably at least 8000 lbs. with all our crap. It does have weight distributing bars but the rear end squat is pretty bad and it makes the steering a little light.
I wouldn't mind something easy, but I much prefer doing things right. I need this rig to be perfected before my big trip from california to seattle and canada this april.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
ps: Yes I will eventually get radius rods, but they'll probably be the final part of the package. |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
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Posted:11/14/2005 11:17 |
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In my opinion for a install and forget setup I'd swap out the softie stock springs and install "B" codes which are typically found on F250 SuperDuty trucks,will give abit more height,improved capacity and better handling 
Here's a THREAD from Dennis "Snowman269" that recently installed B codes on his X 
Here's Dennis' Trailer
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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kiarasue
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• Enumclaw, WA, USA |
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• Registered on 9/27/2005 |
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• 81 posts |
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Posted:11/14/2005 13:49 |
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Hi Dan,I have been going thru the same thing, Trying to get a balance between daily driver and hauler. I have done the add-a-leaf and gained 21/2" in height with very little ride difference. I still get more squat with my trailer than I like. I am not a fan of the leveling bars. What this does is bridge the load by picking up the rear axle and dividing the load between the steer axle and the trailer axles. The problem is handling. If you change lanes inter corners in wet conditions you will have a tendancy to jacknife. Here in Washington state I see many accidents with vehicles on there side in a corner with the front of the trailer and the rear of the truck all mashed in besides the damage from skiding on ther side. 9 out of 10 have leveling hitchs. Build the truck for what you need it to do. I have the Firestone system off my Superduty. To make things easyer I am going to install mine with a leveling valve on the rearend so what ever load is put on, the truck will return to its own standard ride height. Make shure you have tires rated for your max load and also aired properly. |
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