|
|
Post by markt on Sept 20, 2011 4:16:09 GMT -5
The rear of the tow vehicle is beginning to droop(insert your witty comment about my physique here) after 6 seasons of towing a race car and putting around 65k on the originals.
I've read that Bilstein makes a pretty good shock for the F150 but, if most of my use is towing to events, does anyone have further input? With the addition of the tire rack in the last couple years my tongue weight is higher as well.
Thanks,
Mark Seiler
|
|
|
|
Post by cr89x on Sept 20, 2011 5:12:57 GMT -5
lol anyway. SportsCar Mag did a couple of good articles on towing a few months ago. Maybe you should look at your load distribution. Billstein sounds good to me though.
|
|
|
|
Post by czrider on Sept 20, 2011 6:25:51 GMT -5
 Bilstein shocks are good ones, but if your springs are not up to the weight, than the shocks alone will not give the ride height that you want. If your F150 does not have the heavy spring option then I suggest scouting the salvage yards for some springs with more leafs.
|
|
|
|
Post by lagunamiata on Sept 20, 2011 8:56:12 GMT -5
Jeff Raley works (or worked) for a company that makes a add-on spring / load leveler thingy... Hit him up and see what it is all about.
|
|
|
|
Post by clarise on Sept 20, 2011 10:04:29 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by markt on Sept 20, 2011 18:59:00 GMT -5
Thanks for the input. I tried to reset the load distribution(moved the car back on the trailer) and had tie-down issues, angle on rear was waaaay too severe, and it didn't seem to raise the end of the truck(Big Rouge). The bed has minimal weight in it at this point, EZ-UP, chairs, coolers and such. I don't know if it has "heavy spring option", I know it has tow package.
Keep the ideas coming. I'm probably not going to make a move before the winter sets in.
|
|
|
|
Post by philip1 on Sept 20, 2011 20:29:52 GMT -5
Adding a load leveler hitch might be a good idea.
|
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 20, 2011 21:15:54 GMT -5
Adding a load leveler hitch might be a good idea. Yep the load leveler bars definitely help. I used to tow a 5800# camper with a 1/2 ton Suburban. It was impossible without the load levelers and friction anti-sway setup. The downside is that the whole setup takes a few minutes to hookup BEFORE you load. The other downside is price- it ain't cheap unless you can find one used. Having said that, first step is to make sure your springs are fresh - You could have a broken leaf(s).. A good spring shop can also add a leaf, which definitely stiffens it up. |
|
|
|
Post by Donutz on Sept 26, 2011 0:45:33 GMT -5
dunno what year it is but we put some Bilstein HDs on all four corners of the shop F-150 at the end of last summer and they worked great and were an inexpensive option. The truck's primary duties were towing/hauling and it held up nicely (personally drove it a couple hundred miles on the highway myself and it rode nicely too).
|
|
|
|
Post by oldgiracer on Oct 27, 2011 22:57:51 GMT -5
Mark, with a trailer as heavy as yours, the load leveler kit is a must. My trailer came with one already installed and it makes all the difference in the world. Remember that shocks are movement dampers, not load carriers. No doubt at the age and mileage your OE shocks are tired and would benefit from replacement. Bilsteins atre great but pricey. Don't rule out some of the premium shocks from Monroe or Gabriel as they would save some $$. There are a number of spring "helpers" out there but have the leafs checked first for breakage or fatigue. Leafs can be "re-arched", as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by soloracer on Nov 3, 2011 21:21:57 GMT -5
I would suggest you check with Maranello as they change shocks for each course. oh wait , this is a ford pickup, not this years' formula one car from Ferrari.
NEVERMIND
|
|
|
|
Post by markt on Nov 4, 2011 7:51:27 GMT -5
I was going the Ferrari route but, they didn't have a tow package...
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve Eckerich on Nov 4, 2011 8:27:47 GMT -5
I would look at the air bag setups to have the towing capacity when you need it, and smoother ride when you do not. They start at simple that just have an air valve like a tire to set pressure before you tow, to onboard compressors that allow you to adjust going down the road. The compressor is nice because you can hook your air tank to it at the track to have tire air handy. Firestone is best, most good kits use them. www.summitracing.com/search/brand/Firestone-Ride-Rite-Coil-Rite-Sport-Rite/?autoview=ProductName |
|
|
|
Post by markt on Nov 4, 2011 9:37:42 GMT -5
Looks a little pricey but, looks like the best solution. Still need new shocks...and the race car winter list grows longer by the moment...
|
|
|
|
Post by markt on Feb 1, 2012 14:17:07 GMT -5
WOOHOO!! Finally ordered all the truck stuff AND Red fired up yesterday with the new Race Engineering motor...sooooo blessed...
|
|
Bilstein shocks are good ones, but if your springs are not up to the weight, than the shocks alone will not give the ride height that you want. If your F150 does not have the heavy spring option then I suggest scouting the salvage yards for some springs with more leafs.
