Long Term CHF Concerns

[jharrell]

Originally Posted by cbilodeau

But the resulting force when the end link is at an angle can be decompose in two: a vertical and an horizontal. The more the end link is at an angle, the more there will be a horizontal force pushing toward the sway bar in a horizontal direction. This horizontal force on the connection at the eye of the end link can create fatigue since it is not the way it was designed to be.

Again there is no horizontal component that the link including the eye sees. The links swing relatively freely on the two bushings, there is nothing to push against to exert force against the eye other than straight into the link. Unbolt the eye from the sway bar and push on it in that direction, link will simply swing with little resistance, not going to fatigue it by doing that.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by jharrell

There is a more subtle difference with having the angle being off from 90 and have yet to see anyone even mention it, the person who does I will know actually understands suspension physics.

The self proclaimed inventor, John McKinnly, ( not good with names ) mentioned in a post that extending the links negates some of the effect of the fix. I understand why and agree.

[jharrell]

Originally Posted by twinboat

The self proclaimed inventor, John McKinnly, ( not good with names ) mentioned in a post that extending the links negates some of the effect of the fix. I understand why and agree.

No but it is directly related. I have made the point about it lessening the effect multiple times in this forum, as the angle contributes to the stiffness.

[Waiter21]

I would suggest that extended links improves the geometry of the arm. Lo I made several drawings that show this. Scroll down in this article to see the drawings. As Built, Standard CHF, and Extended Strut CHF

Cheap Handling Fix – and then some | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

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[TeJay]

Waiter21,

Very well done article. Nice job!!!! I'm impressed.

Thanks,

[jharrell]

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I would suggest that extended links improves the geometry of the arm. Lo I made several drawings that show this. Scroll down in this article to see the drawings. As Built, Standard CHF, and Extended Strut CHF

Those drawings seem exaggerated, at least with mine on level ground and jacks up the CHF looks like the "Extended Strut" version:

[powercat_ras]

It seems like with CHF front suspension loading forces with normal driving will be exactly the same. However the worst case can be more, as the largest possible movement where suspension hits the bump stop can generate more sway bar torsion with sway bar on inner hole, transferring more forces thru the sway bar bushings, end rods, and end rod connecting bushings. I believe that Ford engineered the whole system to handle the use of the inner hole even without changing link length. The proof of this is that no one has ever reported that after CHF a Ford OEM sway bar failing or the Ford OEM links failing.

One thing one could do if really worried about it, other than not do CHF at all, would be to reduce the chance of worst case movement by replacing the OEM bump stops with a Sumo Springs Front Solo Jounce Kit , $ 230 for parts.
SSF-182-54 - Ford F-53 Class A Motor Home (16K-22K GVWR) 1990-2016 Front Solo Jounce Kit

Anyone replaced their bump stops with a jounce kit? What changed when you did it?

[TeJay]

powercat ras,

For some reason I thought "Jounce bumpers," and "Bump stops" were the same. Actually when I went through the Hunter Alignment school in St. Louis was when I first heard the term, "Jounce Bumpers." I have also heard some refer to them as Bump Stops.

I guess that's why I thought they were the same component with the same job which is to prevent the bottoming-out of the suspension under full compression so metal to metal (leaf spring to frame) contact does not occur.

I looked it up and this links explains how things have changed.

https://www.airliftcompany.com/workshop/jounce-bumper/

Thanks,

[powercat_ras]

I have never used them or had any suspension training, so I don't know. I do think the aftermarket one's main purpose is to address issues with how max loads are being handled by a given vehicle's chassis. I am well within load ratings so I don't have interest in using them on my personal F53.

Their product description is :

SumoSprings are proprietary suspension products designed to enhance load carrying ability, stabilize sway and improve overall driver control and comfort.

Provide progressive load control; easier initial compress allowing softer engagement; greater resistance with heavier load.