Post-Covid Suspension - A summary
Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2020 10:07 pm
Hello,
I recently bought a 1990 B190 from WA. and drove it all the way to California. The driving in the highway was scary full of "white knuckle moments" and I figured suspension needs some adjustments. I read most of the suspension-related posts on this forum and found them to be very helpful. Here's the summary I have written for myself along with some questions:
1) Keeping from and rear tire pressures 50 and 80 psi. This is easy enough and I will do it.
2) Shocks: Based on reading this forum, looks like people recommend Bilstein HD Shock 33-176857 and 33-187570 for rear and front. I called Bilstein USA and they mentioned that they haven't built those socks for E350 and instead recommended I use 24-184663 and 24-184656 shocks for rear and front. The technician's reasoning was that even though it is an RV and is pretty heavy, I don't necessarily need a heavy duty shock. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. Has anybody contacted Bilstein regarding the use of 33-176857 and 33-187570? If you have those shocks on, what has been your experience.
3) Anti-sway bars: It seems that everyone recommends installing Hellwig sway bar 7183 for rear. I am planning to go with this option for the rear. I called Hellwig and their technician mentioned the rear anti-sway bar should be plenty and I don't need front anti-sway bar. If I want to get a anti sway bar, considering that my B190 model is 1990, the only part that fits is Hellwig sway bar 7158 which has been discontinued. PNs 7604 and 7008 would not fit on my vehicle. Do you think it is worth the effort to fish for PN 7158 for front and have that in addition to 7183 for rear?
4) Safe-T-plus steering assist PN 31-140: I have already ordered this and am going to have it installed.
5) Roadmaster Active Suspension: I am not sure if/how combining this with safe-T-plus steering assist with help ( Roadmaster Active Suspension)
6) Leaf Spring: I have bought a 30 year old vehicle and some people argue that I should change the leaf springs. Other people say I should get a leaf spring helper and that should be enough help.
7) Air bag: I decided not to bother with installing air bag after reading this post
I would appreciate your thoughts especially on shocks, front anti-sway bar and leaf spring. Thanks.
I recently bought a 1990 B190 from WA. and drove it all the way to California. The driving in the highway was scary full of "white knuckle moments" and I figured suspension needs some adjustments. I read most of the suspension-related posts on this forum and found them to be very helpful. Here's the summary I have written for myself along with some questions:
1) Keeping from and rear tire pressures 50 and 80 psi. This is easy enough and I will do it.
2) Shocks: Based on reading this forum, looks like people recommend Bilstein HD Shock 33-176857 and 33-187570 for rear and front. I called Bilstein USA and they mentioned that they haven't built those socks for E350 and instead recommended I use 24-184663 and 24-184656 shocks for rear and front. The technician's reasoning was that even though it is an RV and is pretty heavy, I don't necessarily need a heavy duty shock. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. Has anybody contacted Bilstein regarding the use of 33-176857 and 33-187570? If you have those shocks on, what has been your experience.
3) Anti-sway bars: It seems that everyone recommends installing Hellwig sway bar 7183 for rear. I am planning to go with this option for the rear. I called Hellwig and their technician mentioned the rear anti-sway bar should be plenty and I don't need front anti-sway bar. If I want to get a anti sway bar, considering that my B190 model is 1990, the only part that fits is Hellwig sway bar 7158 which has been discontinued. PNs 7604 and 7008 would not fit on my vehicle. Do you think it is worth the effort to fish for PN 7158 for front and have that in addition to 7183 for rear?
4) Safe-T-plus steering assist PN 31-140: I have already ordered this and am going to have it installed.
5) Roadmaster Active Suspension: I am not sure if/how combining this with safe-T-plus steering assist with help ( Roadmaster Active Suspension)
6) Leaf Spring: I have bought a 30 year old vehicle and some people argue that I should change the leaf springs. Other people say I should get a leaf spring helper and that should be enough help.
7) Air bag: I decided not to bother with installing air bag after reading this post
I would appreciate your thoughts especially on shocks, front anti-sway bar and leaf spring. Thanks.