Cheap handling fix with adjustable links?

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Deb&RickTX

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Rick does not want to do the CHF to the front because it changes the geometry. He's thinking of adding these links:

11-14 Adjustable Extended End-Links (Pair) [7962] | $164.95 | SD Truck Springs | Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts

11-14 Adjustable Extended End-Links (Pair) [7962] | Description These end links will convert bayonet (stem style) end links to heavy duty polyurethane bushings. Hellwig adjustable end links are constructed of powder coated components, zinc plated hardware and are designed to handle rough roads...
www.sdtrucksprings.com

Has anyone tried something similar? What are the pros and cons?
 
When I did the cheap fix I noticed right away some improvement. Plus it didn't cost anything. If you do it and don't like what you end up with, switch it back.
 
Rick here; Further clarification: In researching the CHF I've seen quite a few references to the major change in geometry when just moving the links to the second hole. This makes sense. I've also seen reference to extending the links to correct this. Some used a separate bracket supplied by someone for some years, but now unavailable. the latest I ran across was an article from a guy in another forum who did the CHF and extended his links by cutting them and welding them into a piece of pipe. Works for him but I don't weld very well. And I'm a bit leery of the unknown quality of whatever pipe might be acquired. A response to his article mentioned the adjustable links by Hellwig. I measured ours and it looks like the 11-14" set would fit admirably. Anyone done this? Anything to watch out for?
 
A picture is worth,...
CHF_Compare.jpg
 
Rick, there's a guy on EBAY (or email him directly) selling the "extension" plates that were originally available from a user on IRV2, [email protected] - he makes and sells poly bushings for the swaybars as well.
 
Found him, thanks. Bushings yes, no plates.
Sent him a direct email.
 
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Yes, it's an F53. Push pull from passing semis has been somewhat mitigated by proper air pressure. But excessive roll is my main issue.
 
First, you can do the fix to the rear without the extreme change in geometry. This is because the rear suspension has way less travel than the front. Mine's been done in the rear for 6 years with no adverse effects.
For the front, some you can do by just swapping holes, some you have to extend the links, it varies between coaches. The problem lies in the possibility that the links will "over-center" if you hang the front axle in the air with the levelers.
You can have a welding shop extend the links fairly inexpensively, or you can buy adjustable links from a place like Summit Racing.
Do the rear first and then take a trip. You might find that you don't need to do the front. I did. Again, 6 years, rear only, no problems.
 
Deb&RickTX said:
Yes, it's an F53. Push pull from passing semis has been somewhat mitigated by proper air pressure. But excessive roll is my main issue
Click to expand...
At the risk of instigating an air pressure war, what adjustments to psi did you make, as in from what to what.
 
The Helwig links would certainly do the trick if you deem them sturdy enough. The poly bushings will last forever, unlike rubber and I suspect that you would be happy with the results. Its only a matter of how expensive they are. Helwig is a large company and makes lots of anti-sway bars and other equipment. Its largely a matter of which is cheaper, brackets (if available) or links.

Summit Racing is $195 on the same links as posted above, so the SD Truck Springs price is a good one.

Charles
 
Onyrlef said:
At the risk of instigating an air pressure war, what adjustments to psi did you make, as in from what to what.
Click to expand...
It's not any specific set of numbers. It's a matter of optimizing the tire pressure for the actual weight the wheels are carrying. You weigh the rig when loaded, preferably wheel by wheel, and then adjust pressure per the tire manufacturers load tables.
 
Gary RV_Wizard said:
It's not any specific set of numbers. It's a matter of optimizing the tire pressure for the actual weight the wheels are carrying. You weigh the rig when loaded, preferably wheel by wheel, and then adjust pressure per the tire manufacturers load tables.
Click to expand...
Thanks, however I'm aware of that Gary, I know how to use the tire manufacturers tables. I'm interested in what he specifically did with psi that remediated the problem he was experiencing with bow wave turbulence from overtaking trucks. I've got both a sway bar in the rear, safe steer on the front, all the chf's, coach psi is set to scale weights and Michelin tables and still I get pushed around some. Thought maybe there's something I might be missing there. Doesn't hurt to ask.
 
I put Hellwig adjustable links on our 2008 Winnebago Sightseer 29R a few years ago. Haven't had any problems after. Sorry, I don't remember the part number. What I do remember is that I had to do some changing of the bolts and bushings on the Hellwig using some of the stock parts.
 
OK folks, here's where we're at. The guy phil-t mentioned (Skuterdude) Does still make and sell the extension plates. He's in the process of applying for an application patent so doesn't have them listed on evil-bay. A previous product of his was apparently copied (stolen) because he didn't have that protection in place. However, they are still available, priced reasonably and seem to be a good product. I particularly like the adjustment options he built in. We have a pair ordered. Eric (Skuterdude) seems quite personable and knowledgeable. He was a friend of the original manufacturer of these plates and took over the product when the older guy (in his 80's) retired. He gave me permission to pass on his contact info: [email protected]


The improvement in bow wave turbulence handling was simply putting all tires at the wall sticker pressure (82psi). The previous owner was supposed to have them aired properly before we picked it up in Indiana last December. He was a hands-off kind of guy so trusted his dealer or whatever to air them up. They must have done a couple because the ones I could check were up. However at the time and place I didn't have the tools in place to check everything thoroughly. After we got it back to TX I could more properly adjust, and it helped. Not a complete fix but better. Several were as low as 64psi. And no, I haven't gotten 4 corner weights done yet. We did weigh it front and back for title purposes and the axle weights were within range.

Thanks for the info, folks. I hope to have the plates installed and the CHF done before our next foray. Will try to report results.

Rick
 
You might want to consider getting polyurethane sway bar bushings from skuterdude at the same time.
 
Deb&RickTX said:
Not a complete fix but better. Several were as low as 64psi. And no, I haven't gotten 4 corner weights done yet. We did weigh it front and back for title purposes and the axle weights were within range.
Click to expand...
We do want to get 4 corner weights at some point. But for now, we're changing what we take and where we store it on every trip. We need to get closer to a "standard" loadout before that will be a big help.
- Deb
 
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