Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Low buck suspension improvements for higher mileage LDs (Read 326 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Low buck suspension improvements for higher mileage LDs
Yahoo Message Number: 148639
Over the last year or two, the handling of our 2003 FL has deteriorated, with increased bouncing and swaying. At 80,000 miles, the condition of the Bilsteins was in doubt

Late this spring, the search for a cure was on.
 For several years, we have known that the top nuts, on the front shocks, are prone to loosening.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157631188332896/show
Our LD's  fronts were tight but the rears had not been checked in several years. It was surprising how much the rear shock's top nuts had loosen, due to the compression of the rubber bushings.
 All four of the shocks top nuts were tightened to about 25 ft/lbs of torque, fairly tight.
Taken out for a road test, the results were immediately noticed with the excess bouncing eliminated. Happy to see that the Bilsteins are still in good shape.

The next quest was to cure the swaying. Inspecting the front sway bar, light could be seen all the way around both front sway bars where they pass through the I-beams. It should be a tight fit.
 The rear sway bar bushing at the bottom of the links coming down from the frame were chewed up and not reusable. Ordered up a complete set of polyurethane bushings for the front sway bar. The rear sway bar needed the bushings on the bottom of the links and on the axle replaced.
 The results were as good as new or even better. A three hour project that yielded great improvement for fifty bucks.
 The wheel bearings had a bit more play than what I like so they were slightly tightened.
 Lastly, the ball joints and tie-rod ends were checked and found to be tight. Adding grease fittings to the ball joints, when the rig was new, and lubing them every oil change has paid off.

2003 E450
Rear sway bar bushings - Polyurethane
http://www.aftermarketsuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=19426
http://www.aftermarketsuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MOOG-K8655

Front sway bar kit - Polyurethane
 http://www.aftermarketsuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=61151

5000 miles of driving this summer, much of it on back roads, has been much more enjoyable with theses low buck replacement and adjustments.

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
Re: Low buck suspension improvements for higher mileage LDs
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148640
Thanks Larry. This is great information to follow up on. Do I owe you a consultation fee?

Aad
2001 MB
Re: Low buck suspension improvements for higher mileage LDs
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148641
Very good and complete information. Gives me a good idea what to check on my E-350 with same mileage.
Thank toy for sharing.

Bob 01 23.5 with toys