Cheap Handling Fix

[wyorancher]

Originally Posted by wyorancher

My camber adjust was on an F250, F150, also on a Ramcharger SUV. That is why I asked. Thought the cylinder offset mod was standard in the industry. Once the mod is installed camber is totally adjustable. Wonder why some in the alignment business are totally unaware of the mod. That camber mod was ordered out and installed by alignment specialist within hours so apparently not a hard to find product. Scares me to be taking my MH to Joes alignment and he is still in the 19th century of bending axles. Has the procedure changed?

In fact just googled "camber bushing" Everybody in the world sells them for all vehicles. Joes garage bend my axles? Don't think so. Want a specialist working on my MH.

[chboone]

Originally Posted by wyorancher

In fact just googled "camber bushing" Everybody in the world sells them for all vehicles. Joes garage bend my axles? Don't think so. Want a specialist working on my MH.

Does your 150 and 250 have a straight axle like the F53? I looked up camber bushings, their not for straight axles from what I could see. Looks like their for adjusting the camber at the A arm.

Chuck

[beepaj]

Well I did the CHF last year and noticed a difference immediately. However, I'm presently on a trip and traveled with our fresh water tank not quite 1/4 full. Not only did it handle better but also increased gas mileage . Of course that won't work of you're boondocking

[streamcamper]

After reading much of this thread, my understanding is that many have made the change with a significant benefit to ride stability and little to no issues using the stock Ford links. Is this accurate? There is a lot of information, and it is a lot to read, so I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything before making the change. Thanks in advance for your help.

[SuperSteer]

Camber bushings or "kits" are for ball joint type axles, Kingpins don't take them and axle "straightening" is the only way to to change the camber. It is usually referred to as an axle or camber "correction" to avoid using the word "bending". I have done many "corrections" on Ford twin I-beam's and round tube trailer axles, a competent and well-equipped alignment shop has the proper equipment and experience to do so.

[TeJay]

streamcamper,
So far there are only two issues with the CHF. If you use the stock links when the front is leveled sometime the wheels may come off the ground. That really depends on how high the front needs to be raised to get the camper level. Many have done nothing more than the CHF and are aware of the tires maybe coming off the ground.

Some have elected to buy Helwig links (I think they are over $100) that are about 2" longer so the sway bar will be closer to the stock angle. That gives you a little more wiggle room for the front tires. Even when you use the extended links your front wheels may come off the ground in some camp sights.
If you use the Helwig links the Ford bushing don't interchange exactly. I guess the bolts are different sizes.

Another option if you want to keep the bar angle close to stock is to extend the original links. I think this is the best option. A good welder can add a 2" longer 1/2" black pipe and you will have the original bushings and bolts. That's what I did and it cost me $45 and they lok better than stock.

There is another option from what I've read. Some model years have longer links in the back so you can just swap the rears for the fronts and your back in business. I don't know for sure if that's true but simply measure them and you'll know. Mine (2014) were both the same length.

As far as the CHF. It's been great and I would not go back to stock. I did consider adding another rear anti sway bar but when I found out it was $800 I said NO, NO, NO.

I've got 6,000 miles on the CHF and some have 15,000 or more miles with no problems. I really don't think I'd worry about any issues.

TeJay

TeJay

[al2ride]

Originally Posted by streamcamper

After reading much of this thread, my understanding is that many have made the change with a significant benefit to ride stability and little to no issues using the stock Ford links. Is this accurate? There is a lot of information, and it is a lot to read, so I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything before making the change. Thanks in advance for your help.

Yes, no issues with the stock links. Your tires may come off the ground sooner than you are used to, but no safety issues. Tires on the ground help with stability though. The workaround is to use leveling blocks in the front as needed. If you don't like half-arse then figure a way to get or make longer links to bring the sway bar angle back down.

[streamcamper]

TeJay and al2ride... Thank you for the quick responses. This sounds like a definite mod to do. Looking forward to it.

[al2ride]

I just cut my stock short end links in half and need to cut my steel pipe to the correct longer size. I'm going to take them to a welder to get them done and be able to use the stock poly bushings. IIRC, to be able to bring the sway bar back down to the stock position it needed to be 2" longer. I have Hellwigs on mine already adjusted to the correct length, but my coach is at the dealer for another week or so.

Could someone please measure their longer links and give me the number eye to eye. Thanks in advance, AL

[cc8375]

Just made this comment on the Koni shock thread. I have done the CHF on the front only and Surprised at the improvement. I even changed it back to stock position, to see if there was that much of a improvement, could not wait to get home to put it back to the new CHF position .

OK - Question, Happy with the ride...... What Improvement will I see when I do the CHF on the Rear?

[Dunner]

Not as much, but I'm glad you posted that to verify to the ones sitting on the log, that it does work.

[KTM251ss]

Originally Posted by al2ride

I just cut my stock short end links in half and need to cut my steel pipe to the correct longer size. I'm going to take them to a welder to get them done and be able to use the stock poly bushings. IIRC, to be able to bring the sway bar back down to the stock position it needed to be 2" longer. I have Hellwigs on mine already adjusted to the correct length, but my coach is at the dealer for another week or so.

Could someone please measure their longer links and give me the number eye to eye. Thanks in advance, AL

I made mine 13 inches.

[al2ride]

Originally Posted by cc8375

Just made this comment on the Koni shock thread. I have done the CHF on the front only and Surprised at the improvement. I even changed it back to stock position, to see if there was that much of a improvement, could not wait to get home to put it back to the new CHF position .

OK - Question, Happy with the ride...... What Improvement will I see when I do the CHF on the Rear?

No noticeable change in ours, but we already had a Tiger Trak back there.

[al2ride]

Originally Posted by KTM251ss

I made mine 13 inches.

Thanks KTM, that's what I thought.