Needed Modifications for Boat Towing - Diesel Forum

JasonRider · 06-22-2001, 01:50 AM

I'm looking into geting an X within the next few months. My wife is looking at a nice new 26' boat that she'd like.
After reading through the posts looks like I need to do a few modifications to the X if I really want to use it to tow such a thing. So far I've noticed mention of shocks..Bilstiens, and adding a rear sway-bar by Helwig. Anything else? The boat, dry is supposed to weigh around 6500 pounds.
Am I new to towing..no..but new in this situation. (Used to drive 18 wheeler).
Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Ray Klett · 06-22-2001, 08:17 PM

JasonRider:

Bilstiens are an expensive option. Trailmaster is a more cost effective option and the 9000's allow adjustment. There are posts that mention "A solid, firm" ride using the Bilstiens. Personally I have had good results with trailmasters and they are cost effective if ordered from a mail order house such as Summit racing. I tow a trailer in the +6000 lb class and was not happy until I put the Hellwig bar in the rear. Again I recommend Summit as the source. They do not staock these bars but you get them for about 40% less than I have seen people mention on this site.

Enjoy your 'X' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

H ED S · 06-22-2001, 11:51 PM

Jason welcome to the forum and look around and enjoy it as most of us do.

Ray is right on and you might also include a heavy duty steering stabilizer. If Ford has not changed this item it is crap. You can tell if they have changed by when you are turning and hit a little bump and the steering viberates like you ran over a washboard.

Take care,

POLR BR · 06-23-2001, 01:51 AM

JasonR,

You may want to consider swapping out the springs before you take delivery. The X comes standard with 3,800 lb springs, and weighs almost 1,000 lbs more than its pick-up cousin, the Crew Cab. The crew cab comes with 5400 lb springs standard. As you can see, the X is softly sprung which is why so many have had serious suspension performance problems and why the X sways and porpoises.

I installed the x code springs which are 6000 lb springs and am extremely happy with the results. The shocks and springs are the primary deficiencies and really should be replaced at delivery.

The springs cost the dealer a little under $200 and would take about 3.5 hours of mechanic time to install. Since the front shocks have to come off during the install, I would hand the dealer a set of Edelbrocks IAS or Bilsteins and the Helwig rear stabilizer and tell him to replace the shocks and install the stabilizer as well. The stabilizer install is about .5 hours if the truck is already on the lift. The dealer keeps the OEM shocks, gives you the springs in exchange and absorbs the labor as part of the new car deal. You will save a whole bunch of time and money and will have a great vehicle right from the beginning. The dealer is out 4 hours mechanics time on a new car deal but I am sure he will take care of himself somewhere in the transaction.

Now for tires ....

JasonRider · 06-24-2001, 01:04 AM

Now If I could get a dealer to do that that would be great. It'd save me a bunch of time too!
Thanks for the ideas.
Were the springs a ford product? Or aftermarket?

Ray Klett · 06-24-2001, 06:18 PM

Jason,

One correction the 9000's are from Rancho. Since you are towing a boat I would make the spring option number 2 or three on the list. The basic chassis matches the SD p/u's and in fact is assembled on an adjacent(sp?) line. My company made many of the chassis tools for the new SD line including the 'X'. Polr Br is correct the springs can be upgraded if needed for high weight options however, remember there goes the ride!

BTW they are Ford parts that he refers to.
[img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img]

shamuex2000 · 06-25-2001, 08:11 AM

Jason, I agree with Polar Bear's advice on springs. It may sound odd to up-grade the front springs for towing, but it's very helpfull to control the ride and improve the tracking down the road. As for the ride quality, bouncing and control issues will get you sick before a firm ride will. I'd pick the Rancho shocks for the adjustment feature. The fronts you could probably set and leave alone towing or not. The rears you could firm up when towing, and back off when enpty. The dealer spring install is excellent advice.