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Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: minpin on June 03, 2014, 04:37:41 pm

Title: Supersprings
Post by: minpin on June 03, 2014, 04:37:41 pm
Has anyone installed Supersprings to upgrade their suspension?  In the video (link is enclosed), it looks like the installation is pretty easy if done on the chassis before the coach is put on the motorhome.  I put airbags on my 2350, but they really didn't help much.


http://supersprings.com/videos/installation_got-a-minute-install-ss-ford.asp
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Ron Dittmer on June 03, 2014, 04:57:16 pm
It sounds like you seek a means to lift up your rear end.  Am I right?  I am surprised the air bags didn't lift the rear for you.

From day one, our 2007 2350 has been a bit low in back but not by much, maybe 2" at most, strictly visual, not a mechanical concern.  I don't scrape anything.  I am concerned of raising our rear by any amount for fear of a rougher ride.  For me, the quality of the ride would take priority over a 2" rear lift.

I had considered Sulatic Shackles (http://www.sulastic.com/sa-06-hdd?make=FORD&model=E-450&year=2007&motor=&viewmode=list) to make our ride softer in back, but the design seems scary to me and they are pricy too .  I don't feel comfortable, concerned with their reliability, wondering what would happen if they fail.  But they are simple by design and seemingly very effective in offering a softer ride.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Denny & Barb on June 03, 2014, 06:07:29 pm
Ron, I just installed Firestone air bags.  At first I did 60 lbs which did raise the rear some 2" needed.
But yes, it certainly did make for a stiff ride back there.  So next I reduced the air to 40 lbs.  Surprisingly, that didn't lower the rear.  (I made before and after measurements). But that 40lbs, returned the ride back there to what I would say normal.  So I'm happy with the bags.  Installation wasn't all that bad ether.

Denny and Barb
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: bhgareau on June 03, 2014, 09:51:20 pm
After consulting a bunch of truck and motorhome people we went with adding a leaf to the rear set. We gained 2 inches ride height and improved ride. The cost was considerably less than the quotes we received for air bags.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Ron Dittmer on June 03, 2014, 10:05:28 pm
After consulting a bunch of truck and motorhome people we went with adding a leaf to the rear set. We gained 2 inches ride height and improved ride. The cost was considerably less than the quotes we received for air bags.
When you say "improved ride", do you mean better handling, or a softer more cushier ride?  I would think more leafs would yield a more harsh ride.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: bhgareau on June 04, 2014, 02:25:15 am
The addition leaf improved handling and reduced travel of the rear suspension without making the ride harsh or stiff. We were very pleasantly surprised. Keep in mind we have 4 wheel drive so our suspension is somewhat more rigid than a stock unit. 
   
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Denny & Barb on June 04, 2014, 09:12:14 am
This is what I did, and as I mentioned, 40 lbs made the ride normal but still raised the rear 2".

http://www.truckspring.com/Search.aspx?p=Suspension-Parts%2fManufacturer%3aFirestone%2fAir-Springs-Kits%2fMake%3aFord%2fYear%3a2012%2fModel%3aE-350-Super-Duty&c=Firestone-Ride-Rite
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Paul/Marilyn on June 04, 2014, 05:45:30 pm
 (exactly) After dragging a few times in our 2100 we also added a leaf to the rear on each side which helped greatly and the ride is fine. We can now drive into our driveway without damaging anything!
Marilyn & Paul
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: randallandchris on June 04, 2014, 06:08:06 pm
Denny, saw you added skid rollers, before the airbags?  Where, what situations were you dragging?
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Denny & Barb on June 04, 2014, 10:34:09 pm
Before the air bags, I was hitting bottom just coming out of some gas stations. Then out west they have flood dips, and occasionally I would hit there
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: David J. Rotelle on June 11, 2014, 06:23:34 pm
I added Supersprings to our 24' Born Free as well as Bilstein comfort shocks and was pleased with the much smoother ride in the rear. Prior to installing the Supersprings we had a very harsh ride especially noticeable on highway seems. It also raised the back end an inch or so. I should mention we did remove the factory installed Firestone airbags.
We recently placed and order for a new Phoenix 2350 with the one foot stretch.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: TomHanlon on June 12, 2014, 07:34:52 am
Welcome David.

If you guys are going to add super springs to the E-350 after you get your new PC, why not consider up grading to the E-450 before the build. You would get the heavier suspension plus the added payload. The wheel base remains the same for both models, so turning and parking are the same. The E-450 rear wheels are one inch wider for a better ride. I did this back in 2010 when I ordered my first PC, a 2350. Then I replaced the shocks with Bilstein HD Shocks and was all set to go. Just something to think about.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Ron Dittmer on June 12, 2014, 08:49:29 am
I agree with you Tom, "Completely Agree".  If I am adding springs to my E350, I should have gotten an E450.  If I was getting that new 2350 stretched version called a 2450, I'd surely pay the extra moiney for an E450 chassis.

As I mentioned before, our 2007 E350 does have a little rear-end sag.  Just moments ago I placed my 4 foot level on the vinyl flooring and confirmed our floor has a minor slope down to the rear.  This considering that our rig is loaded up minus fresh water, food and clothing.  The slope will surely get worse when loaded for a trip.  I never considered the sag to be of concern as we don't feel the slope, nor do we scrape the street when exiting gas stations and such.  It just doesn't look quite right.  You can see what I mean when closely examining this picture, taken during a trip.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4038/5161179007_8d1fdc6468_b.jpg)

We do have a unique matter concerning our garage.  If we raised the rig that 2", our a/c cover would not clear the door frame.  That is why I consider the Firestone air bags which would allow me to lower the rig when back at home.

I'd like all your opinions looking at my picture.  Do you feel my sag is worth doing something about?  It is more of a "mental thing" to me.....so I think.  I suppose if we had a slide out, the condition would be more severe.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Barry-Sue on June 12, 2014, 10:42:30 am
Ron

Quote
Just moments ago I placed my 4 foot level on the vinyl flooring and confirmed our floor has a minor slope down to the rear.

Most garage floors have a slope to aid in draining water.  Did you account for this slope when you measured your rig?


Quote
I suppose if we had a slide out, the condition would be more severe.

You raise an interesting point, it appears the slide would add weight between the front and rear wheels.  This might reduce the weight ratio of the rear overhang.  Our 2008 2350 with slide had no sag.  
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: David J. Rotelle on June 12, 2014, 10:50:02 am
Thank you for your advice I plan on discussing the possibility of stepping up to the 450 with Earl.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: David J. Rotelle on June 12, 2014, 11:25:20 am
We have owned three Born Free's over the years, this is our first Phoenix Cruiser. We have enjoyed working with Earl and were impressed with our recent tour of the factory. We had the opportunity to meet Kermit and some of the employees, Kermit was working in a new coach they were getting ready for delivery, pretty impressive.
Anyone else own a Born Free in the past, it would be interesting to hear why you switched?


Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Ron Dittmer on June 12, 2014, 11:27:03 am
Ron

Quote
Just moments ago I placed my 4 foot level on the vinyl flooring and confirmed our floor has a minor slope down to the rear.

Most garage floors have a slope to aid in draining water.  Did you account for this slope when you measured your rig?


Quote
I suppose if we had a slide out, the condition would be more severe.

You raise an interesting point, it appears the slide would add weight between the front and rear wheels.  This might reduce the weight ratio of the rear overhang.  Our 2008 2350 with slide had no sag.  

Ah!  Great point Barry!  Yes our garage floor is sloped rearward towards the garage door.  I forgot about that.  My PC's floor might be level after-all.  At next opportunity, I'll place the level on the garage floor and compare it to the PC floor.

Interesting point about the slide-out.  It might be a counter-balance, leveling the rig.
Title: Re: Supersprings
Post by: Ron Dittmer on June 12, 2014, 11:34:09 am
Thank you for your advice I plan on discussing the possibility of stepping up to the 450 with Earl.
Yes David, I would seriously consider the E450 for your made-to-order 2450.

I have so many ideas on how I would special order a 2450 for us.  Of coarse you all would find most of them repulsive, ha, ha.

I do think a 2450 will fit inside our garage..... but I'm not going there unless it rains money instead of water one day at home.