Community Forums

navychaps · 10-01-2011, 05:12 PM

Just crawled under the rear end, looks like I will need to have new bushings as the rubber ones are all but gone.

When doing the rear fix, has any one used the Hellwig links on the rear?

macnkat · 10-01-2011, 05:30 PM

I did mine today as well. Looks like the previous owner has taken good care of this unit, bushings already replaced with neoprene along with Steer Safe. And I thought Ford didn't start putting Bilstein shocks on until 2005 or so, this 2001 has them. I'm heading to Las Vegas this weekend so I'll report back on the results.

Dunner · 10-01-2011, 06:39 PM

My `04 Sea Breeze with a build date of late `03 has Bilstein's. Only 15K, so they might be stock.

Dunner · 10-02-2011, 03:25 PM

Finally tested my "Fix". Don't know how much it helped, but it didn't seem to sway very much.

navychaps · 10-02-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

Finally tested my "Fix". Don't know how much it helped, but it didn't seem to sway very much.

I think we will both find out on our next trip.

navychaps · 10-02-2011, 05:19 PM

Dunner,

Did you fab some new links?

Dunner · 10-02-2011, 06:25 PM

No, but I looked under it and don't think it is really necessary. If I run out of things on my "TO-DO" list, I might fab some up.

Dunner · 10-02-2011, 06:32 PM

I was thinking about using some shock ends welded to some chromoly tubing. Gotta look in the attic to see what I have up there. Might even have some with spuds already welded on.

navychaps · 10-02-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

No, but I looked under it and don't think it is really necessary. If I run out of things on my "TO-DO" list, I might fab some up.

I am waiting to do the rear on mine till the bushings get here.

Dunner · 10-02-2011, 07:28 PM

When I drove it today, I didn't hear any strange sounds. Probably wouldn't hurt to WD-40 the bushings.

navychaps · 10-08-2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navychaps

Just crawled under the rear end, looks like I will need to have new bushings as the rubber ones are all but gone.

When doing the rear fix, has any one used the Hellwig links on the rear?

Drove 93 miles on Highways and country roads last night.

Handling is greatly improved, the rig seems much more responsive in turns.

New bushings tightened up rearend and I haven't done the "fix" there yet.

Minimum buffeting behind trucks at highway speed.

Still an RV but WOW, what a difference!

macnkat · 10-08-2011, 08:23 AM

Yep, same here. First trip with the new "adjustment" and amazing difference. Anyone that's driven to Vegas from So Cal knows the crosswinds are brutal...this was so stable my wife had to tell me to shut up about it already! LOL

Dunner · 10-08-2011, 09:15 AM

Almost makes me want to un-do my fix to see what it's like without it. I only drove about 5 freeway miles home from the dealer before "fixing" it. Mind you, I said "almost".

alyupe11 · 10-15-2011, 08:12 AM

Cheap fix completed front and back. I did a 100 mile test drive that included mixed terrain, mountain roads and uneven pavement. I difference in sway control is excellent as the body sway has been decreased significantly. Now its time to work on the harshness of the ride. My next step is shocks and possible air bags to help towing stability.