Suspension upgrades for a 2001 X - Page 2 - Diesel Forum

Bruce1954 · 06-19-2003, 09:30 AM

OK Mark
Sounds like you have a well laid plan please let us know what your before and after measurements are so we can all benefit. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
Are you using new or used V codes?

Bruce

ScaldedDog · 06-19-2003, 09:54 AM

Will do, and many thanks for all the help! The V-codes are new, and may go in this weeekend or next. I'll post back to this thread.

Mark

ScaldedDog · 08-29-2003, 01:17 AM

Well, I'm finally getting around to reporting on this project. I actually did all the work back in June, and I've got a couple thousand miles of seat time, but no real towing, since then:

V-code front springs - lifted the front about 1.5" and *greatly* improved the ride. It's no IFS 'burb, but if I had wanted one of those, I'd have bought one. I didn't even replace the stock bump stops and still have plenty of travel for the street and dirt road driving we do. Plus, at 82" it fits in the garage, which was a requirement for the project.

The install was a serious pain, as I did it by myself and apparently didn't read enough beforehand. If you're going to do this swap, take the front bumper off. I didn't on the first one, and nearly disassembled the left front quadrant of the truck in an effort to make the job "easier". Bad idea. I reused my front u-bolts and haven't seen the front axle in my rear view mirror yet, but time will tell.

Hellwig rear sway bar - Though it didn't make the huge difference I was expecting at first, it just made the thing easier and much more fun to drive. Definitely a worthwhile addition to any pre-'03 X.

The install was OK. You just have to assume when you order one that you'll have to throw out the mismatched hardware they include and buy your own at the local Ace Hardware.

Air-Lift rear air springs - I haven't towed much with these yet, so I can't truly evaluate them. I leave them at 10lbs to raise the rear a little to match the new front springs. I used the Air-lift compressor and control, which are fine. Rather than putting the gauges and switch in the ****pit, I put them below the rear AC unit so I can hook up the trailer and raise the rear end back up from the same position.

The install wasn't bad. Drilling through the rear bump stops turned out to be a non-event, and I figured that would be the hardest part.

I hope this helps someone as much as you guys have helped me. Thanks to all who listened to my loud thinking and contributed to the success of this project.

Mark

Bruce1954 · 09-01-2003, 10:57 AM

Glad it all worked out for you Mark

Bruce

ScaldedDog · 09-01-2003, 11:15 PM

Thanks Bruce. Your help was invaluable!

Man, I love driving this thing. We just got back from a 600 mile weekend trip, only used 3/4 tank of fuel, and went up every pass (Vail, Eisenhower approach) at 70mph in overdrive with the cruise control on. Three people and three adult-sized bikes, more luggage than anyone needs and a zoo full of stuffed animals - all inside in air-conditioned comfort. This might be my all time favorite vehicle.

Thanks again,

Mark

Pharmer · 09-03-2003, 01:03 PM

seseattle,

Explain how the install was for the Hellwig rear helpers. Was all the tweaking to get just the correct height? I have U-codes on a V10, equal to a PSD with V-codes according to measurements. Thanks again to Bruce. After 20K on U-codes front has settled so truck is level even with a load. Not sure if I need the slight rake, since I don't tow.

Kevin