roadmaster active suspension review

[msnunes]

Just got this done today, and like it. I could tell a difference as soon as I left the place and drove off a driveway. Less body roll, more control, and more spring, which makes sense as it is essentially putting some arch back into the rear half of the spring pack. They went on pretty fast, the most time was to bend my rear a/c lines upward to get some clearance on the driver's side. They only used one jack stand and one floor jack, to do one side at a time. Seemingly simpler than what Roadmaster would have you do. Not sure it would make any difference. I think I gained between 1/2 and 1 inch in ride height, but I didn't get good before/after measurements.

[Super_Dave]

Ok, guys... Here's the question.

What is the order or mods? Should one put on the RAS on the rear springs first? Or rear wheel spacers?

[msnunes]

Don't think it really matters. I've had spacers for quite a while, and got them so the rear would look right under fender flares, mainly. I don't remember what things were like without them, but I think they are good to have anyway.

[Alaskapsdvan]

When I first bought my E350 with the 7.3 in May of '03 my first upgrade was the swaybar from Helllwig, mainly because I had knowledge of the swaybars to help with the body roll. Then I learned of the spacers for the rear and by early winter I did the spacers from then Correctrack. This year I finally replaced all the shocks for the van and used the RV types for the rear.
Mid to late summer I learned of the Roadmaster set up and had them on by the end of Summer..
Mine was as I learned of something is when it was done, now today all that information is out there at one time.
There most likely will be more items in the future and I might try them or not.
The set up that I have right now as a whole will have a try out with the Alaskan winter... should be fun and informative.

[Shermzoo]

Hey Birdman, is that offer still up for grabs?

[Super_Dave]

Originally Posted by Alaskapsdvan

The set up that I have right now as a whole will have a try out with the Alaskan winter... should be fun and informative.

Yeah, look forward to hearing about it.

I would think the RAS might increase the spring rate, thus, traction would be reduced. But if the spring's regular tendency was to warp under various acceleration loads, maybe that increases the rate substantially more than what the RAS does. So, could it work better in the snow?

I see you've got an Aeroturbine muffler. Been thinking about one as my oem muffler is spent. I think Blackhole diesel says it works better placed closer to the down pipe. So, did you just install the Aeroturbine in the OEM location or... Inquiring minds want to know.

[Alaskapsdvan]

Today -2F, the joys of Alaska.

We have had ice covered roads in the mountains now for about a month, and the trip that I have done through them over the last few weeks the van has handled very well.

The question is what will it be like when there is snow on the road before the plows have had a chance to clear the roads.

As for the Aero.. it is in the oem spot, been there now for 4-5 years and yes there was a bit of a bump in mpg with it.

[msnunes]

Regarding the Aeroturbine, it would be best to mount is as far forward as possible, to help eliminate drone. In my case, it was too loud by itself, so I had another straight-thru muffler mounted after it.

But back on topic, the RAS seems to just put arch back in your springs, so you can avoid hitting the stiffer part of the spring pack when hitting bumps. Don't see how it would affect traction....

[Alaskapsdvan]

Growing up around airplanes the aeroturbine reminds me of the turbo-prop planes from the inside... so for me it is like music.

I have seen less wheel hop when going over gravel roads with the wash board effect , thus better traction and when there is ice or snow pack on the roads that means better traction.

[msnunes]

Even today, I noticed the most difference, with MUCH LESS body roll on a very deep ditch-like transition from a street into a residential side street in my neighborhood. Where I used to dread going over it, and would get knocked around side-to-side pretty badly, tonight I hardly noticed it. My springs must be shot.

[Super_Dave]

Originally Posted by msnunes

.
But back on topic, the RAS seems to just put arch back in your springs, so you can avoid hitting the stiffer part of the spring pack when hitting bumps. Don't see how it would affect traction....

If the spring rate is high because of either a bad selection of rate or progression of the rate, it can overwhelm the ability to "get" traction.

A vehicle with a high load capacity will usually have a pretty stiff spring rate. Leave it unloaded of cargo, it can loose traction more easily than when it is loaded.

It can get complicated when a light spring rate is over loaded. Because then parts contact each other (bump stops, coil springs having contact with other coils), and then the rate increases exponentially which is back to the issue of the spring rate issue and traction.