Community Forums

Roll · 01-30-2013, 11:20 AM

I got the torque values. GA Traveler gave me the Ford Customer Service number and I called. Learned two things.

1) I had an incorrect vin number. I had two "G"s in the number instead of two "6"s which is the correct number. Now I'll have to check the title and make sure it's correct.

2) For the 2011 F53 22,000 GVWR chassis both the links and the clamps are torqued to 66 ft lbs just as has been mentioned here. The 24,000 and 26,000 GVWR chassis is torqued to a higher value therefore if you have the 16,000, 18,000 or 20,500 GVWR chassis you might want to check on the torque value for those, they may be different as well.

I apologize that I wasn't quick thinking enough to ask for the values for all the models or at least confirm they are the same.

Roll

KSCRUDE · 01-30-2013, 01:19 PM

I think they are all the same as the links are all the same. On the newer stuff all the sway bars are smaller then the inch and a half the older rigs had. The older rig also had a lot strong bracket on the rear housing then the glorified hose clamp thing ford uses now. You would have to be a pretty mean ombré to over tighten them with a foot long half inch ratchet.

So 66 foot pounds should be in the ballpark for all the links. Might want to check the axle brackets too while you are under there. And the bushings in the axle brackets as the stockers are just rubber. Not the good neoprene like you can get aftermarket!

Dunner · 01-31-2013, 04:02 AM

66ft lbs on the link retaining bolts.

Roll · 01-31-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

66ft lbs on the link retaining bolts.

According to Ford, 66 ft lbs on the retaining clamp bolts as well; at least for the 22K chassis. That value came as a surprise to me; I expected lower.

For KS. Ford was clear that the larger chassis' 24K and 26K had higher torque values (it was something over 100 ft lbs). Unfortunately I did not ask about the smaller chassis; I know you have suggested they are the same as the 22K. I would not be so sure without checking though because she mentioned that the 22K has a larger anti-sway bar than the 16K and 18K. I think the 20.5K has the same bar as the 22K.

It's a free call to anyone who wants to check. (1 800 444 3311) You’ll need your VIN number.

Roll

Lincolnboy2 · 02-04-2013, 02:24 PM

Dave (Whem2fish) fixed me up Saturday and did the fix.

He was able to adjust the MH with the jacks to line up the front holes. He got the back ones in without having to adjust the MH or having to use the jacks. He did the fix in about an hour.

Whem2fish knows his stuff! He is a helicopter mechanic and he knows his tools and applications and is very appreciated.

Just ordered the rear sway bar bushings since they are in bad shape/degenerating.

Dunner provided this link:

Ford F53 Class A Rear Poly Sway Bar Bushings 1999 2011 | eBay

mfolland · 02-04-2013, 02:45 PM

I finally got to take the MH out this weekend. Initial impressions: it doesn't drive like a Ferrari. I want my money back.

Roll · 02-04-2013, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfolland

I finally got to take the MH out this weekend. Initial impressions: it doesn't drive like a Ferrari. I want my money back.

Well, you should be happy about that. If it did, I would have reversed the CHF. LOL
On the other hand if it would only handle like a Porsche.... Ah that would be heaven.
And for the uninitiated... It's two syllables, Por-sha' not Porsh.

Okay now just give me a second to pull on my flame retardent suit and helmet before you respond.

Dunner · 02-04-2013, 10:17 PM

My MH is like driving a 20,000 (18720) lb sports car.

MEDSTAR 1 · 02-11-2013, 08:34 PM

Thanks for all the input. We just bought a new 2012 Georgetown 360 XL, 22,000 axles, 22.5 wheels on a F-550 SD stripped MH chassis. . First trip out (Holy Bat Poop Bat Man) I thought I was driving a fuel tanker. in addition to a track bar I'm going to experiment the sway bar set-up. Thanks for the information.

C-Leigh Racing · 02-13-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEDSTAR 1

Thanks for all the input. We just bought a new 2012 Georgetown 360 XL, 22,000 axles, 22.5 wheels on a F-550 SD stripped MH chassis. . First trip out (Holy Bat Poop Bat Man) I thought I was driving a fuel tanker. in addition to a track bar I'm going to experiment the sway bar set-up. Thanks for the information.

Driving a fuel tanker, if you felt that, than that must mean you drove one of the conventional Mack tractors, with their copy of Rayco rear springs & hangers, with a 50 ft long, 6 ft thick stick of gas dinomite behind you & those two tandem axles walking back & forth under the chassis. Yeah, now thats some REAL driving for sure.

Now I know real well what that feels like, having been a tanker driver for a few years, knowing how unsafe those tractors are & then Mack wouldnt admit that there was a problem.
A tanker loaded with 10,000 gallons of gas, is unsafe enough if nothing goes wrong, but add that to it while your driving trying not to kill yourself & everybody else within a 1/4 mile, will wear on you after a while.
Neil

mike garry · 02-14-2013, 02:28 PM

did the CHF and it was all everyone said, F53 18000. Picking up new 2013 F53 24000 adventurer 37F and will do the the CHF . Thanks to all

C-Leigh Racing · 02-15-2013, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike garry

did the CHF and it was all everyone said, F53 18000. Picking up new 2013 F53 24000 adventurer 37F and will do the the CHF . Thanks to all

Mike,
Go ahead & plan on installing a rear trac bar on that new WBgo, as well as the CHF, unless it has one on it already, just to cut out that tail wag.
Neil

mike garry · 02-15-2013, 06:36 PM

Neil,

Already scheduled for Monday thanks

Garyzster · 02-19-2013, 12:05 PM

To everyone that participated and contributed to all the posts concerning the quick/cheap fix for the F53 sway bars. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Absolutely remarkable describes it. A definite decline in sway and addition in responsiveness. I also had Bilsteins put all the way around. It drives like a different coach now. Just turned it over 7000 miles. For an 08 Damon Challenger 378, it's certainly had it's share of sitting. BTW, this is my first post after two years,,,I know,,,,I've sure learned a lot from many of you. I send my best.