W22 Helper Air Springs for a lean problem

[Dennis37]

My 2004 Fleetwood Pace Arrow on the Workhorse w22 has a lean to the right. Workhorse service center says there is nothing wrong. They offered to install rear helper air springs. When the kit arrived they could not installed it, the lower plate did not have a place to attach the shock. They called Ride Rite which said the my W22 is a 2003 and they do not have a kit for that year.

So my questions: Has anyone had this done on a a 2003 W22? If so did it help with a lean problem and what system was used?
I need to get 2 inches of lift. Would it be more help if I had helper springs in front also?

[M&EM]

I addressed a pass. side lean ( 1 1/2 inches measured at the floor line) condition on mine with 3/4 inch shim in the right rear axle back in 04 and have had a much more level handling condition since.

Marty

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis37 So my questions: Has anyone had this done on a a 2003 W22? If so did it help with a lean problem and what system was used? I need to get 2 inches of lift. Would it be more help if I had helper springs in front also?

You are going to need to fit a set of air bags. Firestone makes a product that can do this. You could also check with Air Lift to see if they have a compatible product or if they would know of a working solution.

[mfire1339]

Dennis37, Before I spent any money on air bags I would get 4 corner weights. I'll bet on a bumb spring.

Mike

[dezertcamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfire1339 Dennis37, Before I spent any money on air bags I would get 4 corner weights. I'll bet on a bumb spring. Mike

I was thinking the same thing. Adding a leaf, air bag or shim (Block) sort of seems like a band aid or ignoring the real issue.

I would skip the WH service center and I would get the RV weighed and take it to a large truck frame and axle shop. Let them see if it is a bad spring. If they find it is a bad spring, many time they can re-arch them to fix the problem. If they say the springs are fine then start looking at the way the coach was mounted on the frame. Maybe the mounts from the frame to box were not welded at the same height on the frame. Measure the frame to ground on both sides and then measure the coach to ground on both sides. Check and see if some weight can be transferred around to get the weights closer on the right and left.

If all checks out I would look at a leaf spring spacer (Block) to help level the coach. The reason I say this is if you are using a "add a leaf" or air bag then you are increasing the spring rate on the particular side which also transfers load to another corner. A leaf spring block or spacer goes between the axle and leaf spring stack. This will not increase the spring rate.

If you are into NASCAR or any form or auto racing then you have heard them mention adding wedge. What this does is lower or lift a particular corner buy adding spring rate, and transfers weight or spring rate to the opposite side or corner of the vehicle.

[JCM]

Firestone makes air bags for a 2003 W22 as my Tripple E Commander came with them. Helped with loads and high crowned roads (had front pump and gauges).

[DriVer]

Rexhall came standard with Firestone Airbags which are really useful to "level the rig." It is not intended that the air bags be used to ADD to the GAWRR of the vehicle.

If you are just trying to level, AND you have exhausted other considerations, air bags will work.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfire1339 I'll bet on a bumb spring.

Mike could you expand on your comment about bumb springs.

[UFO Pilot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer Mike could you expand on your comment about bumb springs.

I thought he meant 'bum' as in bad?

[mfire1339]

I believe I did expand. Bum into Bumb.

Mike

[Dave78Chief]

As far as the rear air springs:
As the OP indicated Firestone Ride-Rite only lists them (P/N 2347) for 04-09 on a W22 chassis (pdf page 19 of http://www.firestoneip.com/site-reso...tion_Guide.pdf)

Air lift lists them for 02 to 09 (P/N 57202, pdf page 15 of http://www.airliftcompany.com/pdf/appguide.pdf).

Comparing the Install instructions between the 2 products the RideRite version (http://innovativediesel.estore.catal...n2346_2347.pdf) is mounted inboard of the leaf spring where the Airlift version (http://www.airliftcompany.com/manuals/MN-569_57202.pdf) is mounted on top of the leaf spring. This difference in mounting location is most likely why the Airlift version can be used back to 2002.

Dave

[Dennis37]

Thanks guys for the great information. I have had the MH weighed on the four corners it is 800 pounds heaver on the right side.
I think I will do as suggested and take it to a good truck shop and see what they think. Again THANKS!!

[dezertcamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis37 Thanks guys for the great information. I have had the MH weighed on the four corners it is 800 pounds heaver on the right side. I think I will do as suggested and take it to a good truck shop and see what they think. Again THANKS!!

Keep us posted on what the frame & axle shop says. I would be interested to know what they find and what you end up doing to fix the problem.

You said you need to lift the right side 2 inches and you are 800 lbs heavier on the right side. I cant see how 800 lbs could cause 2 inches of lean. That is what makes me think the spring has gone flat or something was not mounted correctly.

Also just for kicks have you tried to remove some of the right side weight to see how much lean you can take out? Maybe empty the right side storage compartments. Then try to give yourself a guesstimate on how much you removed and measure your lean again. My guess is you will not see much difference if any on a 22,000 GVWR RV, but it would be interesting.

[Dennis37]

I will post when the problem is fixed, may be a while just out of the shop and the old pocket book took a good hit. Then so did the extended service plan.

I have very little weight on the right side due to the lean.

Thanks Again!