Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Effect of added leaf springs? (Read 447 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.
Effect of added leaf springs?
The previous owner of my rig added two rear leaf springs because (according to the service technician's note) the owner said the rear was too low. I am now thinking of replacing the shocks all around with Bilsteins and wonder what the effect on ride and handling will be given the added leaf springs. In other words, do the added leaf springs change the behavior of the vehicle? Thanks.
2006 RB
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #1 –
Of course they will.  By changing the height of the center of gravity, they change handling characteristics.  By changing the angle of the frame to the road, the alignment can be affected. 

Here is a key question.  If you park on a level surface, is the floor of the rig level?  If so, then in fact, the springs were letting the frame sit too low and the added springs brought the rig back to proper position.  If the rear sits higher than the front, then the rear is too high. 

Adding new shocks may have an effect on the cornering, sway and drift, improving cornering by reducing sway and drift.  They will have no effect on issues such as alignment and tire wear.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #2 –
"The previous owner of my rig added two rear leaf springs because (according to the service technician's note) the owner said the rear was too low."

Ken asks the right question, as usual. In other words, did the previous owner need extra rear springs because he or she was overloading the rig?
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #3 –
The original owner of my LD had national spring put on additional leaves in the rear and make some new coils for the front.  I didnt really notice until I went to the Morro Bay GTG and noticed that other 31 coaches didnt have a slight rake like mine.  I contacted the original owner and he said that he had a steep driveway in Topanga, CA and added the springs and a pair of rollers in the back to keep from scrapeing the vehicle.   I have attached a photo taken behind my office building, you can see the rake compared to the building roofline.
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #4 –
Here is my 26.5 RB and you can also see the rake. It works for me since I have a steep driveway and I still scrape the rear unless I drive in at an angle.

The installer did an alignment at the time the springs were added.
2006 RB
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #5 –
There are some on the forum that don't think too much of Bilstein shocks.  In fact, one member of our LD group had them and couldn't wait to remove them.  I have no personal experience to call on here, but just wanted you to know that some owners really don't like the Bilsteins.

Bob
2011 MB
 
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #6 –
Thanks Bob. I may defer installing the Bilstein shocks. I am trying to improve the wandering steering wheel issue. New sway bars helped a little, and I will next try replacing the OEM steering damper with Bilsteins.
2006 RB
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #7 –
Explanation of the function of vehicle shock absorbers:

What is the Function of Shock Absorbers? | It Still Runs

Re: Bilstein shocks. Despite Ed's admonitions, I had Bilsteins installed on my 2003 23.5 at the factory before I took delivery; they have worked for my rig for 116k miles, so I've had no reasons to change. If I changed shocks, my choice would be Koni; one might want to start researching both Bilstein and Koni, starting with these two links:

Search Results

KONI NA | Motorhome

Note: the Bilstein link is a sample used for shock selection for a 2003.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #8 –
You said, "I am trying to improve the wandering steering wheel issue."  My first thought would be tires.  My second would be alignment.  After that would come things like worn components of the suspension system.  That could be loose bushings, weak shocks or stabilizers, or unequal springs.

I will share a personal experience regarding tires.  When new, my rig had Michelins on it.  Per the manufacturer's chart and my axle weights, I ran 65 pounds in the front and 70 in the back.  My rig tended to drift, but I adapted to it.  A few years later, it was time to replace the tires, and I went with all steel Goodyear tires.  The stiffer sidewalls made a huge difference.  The drifting was totally gone.  When I wore out the Goodyears, replacements were not available and I went back to Michelins.  The drift came back.  Knowing that the drift related to the tires and a softer sidewall, I increased my tire pressures by 7 PSI.  (I found that number by creeping up on it.)  With 72 in the front and 77 in the back, my drifting disappeared.

The point of all this is NOT to tell you to add more air to your tires.  It is to convey the idea that drift can be attributable to many sources.  A rig that is riding with the stern too high, an alignment problem, uneven spring support, worn steering or suspension components, or tire issues are all possibilities.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #9 –
For us, the ride of the original Ford shocks was hard enough. We went with the Koni's would do so again. However, we didn't have the steering problem you mentioned so I'm not sure that helps you. The Koni's did improve the ride comfort a bit.

Jim
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #10 –
The information at this link might be of interest to some; also see the article on how steering stabilizers work linked at page right.

How Car Suspensions Work | HowStuffWorks
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #11 –
when I purchased my LD it the ride was a little tight, but not bad for me as I had always owned sports cars and trucks of one sort or another.  As time went on the ride got better but the LD handled worse in wind and when trucks passed.  Yaup.  Bad shocks.  It was not a surprise as the LD is over 10 years old.  I replaced them with Koni  FSD shocks.  The smooth soft ride on bumps (like the worn shocks) was still there but the reaction to wind from cross winds and trucks was instant.   I also had the ball joints and tie rod ends replaced.  No more wondering on the road.  A twist of the steering wheel is no longer wrestling with a stear wheeling.  So before you spend money on suspension upgrades make sure the other bits are up to snuff.
John 07 MB
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #12 –
I get buffeted by vans and trucks passing me by on the freeway and have to hold tight to the wheel, and there is a bit of wallowing when I go into dips. Also, I don't feel comfortable exceeding 65 MPH (I understand that is not recommended) as I have to constantly adjust the steering wheel back and forth to keep going straight. As far as the ride, it is a heavy vehicle so I don't expect a car experience, but it can be jarring when I run over something in the road.

So, what do you think doc?
2006 RB
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #13 –
Cebuano, I believe that the information at the "How Things Work" link posted above will answer many of your questions. There are many components in the "steering system", and the ride symptoms that you're experiencing can be matched up with the components that affect/control them. Once you know what does what, you can isolate the behaviors of the rig and decide on how to correct them.

As ever, YMMV.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #14 –
Cebuano, if you want to really lock things down, Henderson Line-Up in Grants Pass, OR, is the answer.  Have your rig loaded the way it will be when traveling.  They start by one of their people taking the RV on an evaluation ride on a portion of road they know.  They evaluate all aspects of handling.  They weigh all 4 corners.  They check front and rear alignment, they look for play or weakness in any components, they examine tires for signs of uneven wear or pressure, then they discuss the findings with you, along with any recommendations. 

When I was there, they did a minor alignment for me.  I needed nothing else.  Others have had stabilizers, sway bars and so on, added.  When done, it is time for another check ride.

Simply picking and adding "stuff" without coordination to assure that the components match each other is something I do not recommend.  I also know that few of us have enough understanding of our suspension systems to evaluate compatibility.  My recommendation is to get to Henderson if you can.  If they are too far away, try to find someplace like that, that specializes in RV's and has a good reputation, to do a professional evaluation on your rig.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #15 –
"Henderson Line-Up in Grants Pass, OR, is the answer."

I'll endorse that in spades! Back in 2004, shortly after I took delivery I went straight to Henderson's for the initial alignment. Much to my surprise the service folks came to me and said that they would have to do a 'rear end' alignment before the front end alignment could be accomplished.   :o

Their explanation was that during the build when they'd lengthened the frame, the 'U' bolts had not been torqued properly, allowing the rear to go out of alignment. I thank my lucky stars that the problem was found and fixed... I hate to think of the subsequent consequence. I've since dropped a lot of coin at Henderson's and it was worth every farthing!   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Effect of added leaf springs?
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Cebuano54  - 
I may defer installing the Bilstein shocks. I am trying to improve the wandering steering wheel issue. New sway bars helped a little, and I will next try replacing the OEM steering damper with Bilsteins.

Instead of throwing money at the problem, hoping the problem will away, have a front-end shop inspect your rig, you might have worn ball joints or other parts that are the underlying cause of the wandering. I have seen E450s with worn out ball joints are 60,000 miles, usually caused by the lack of periodic lubing. A loose steering box or tie-rod end could also be the cause.
Older and higher mileage rigs can benefit from new sway bar bushings and many times the trailing arm bushings are worn out .
The Bilstein steering stabilizer is a good unit but before replacing the OEM stabilizer, it can be checked by disconnecting one end of it and then cycling it, to check for smooth motion in both directions. Any loose spots indicates it's defective .

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze