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Topic: 225 Ride Height (Read 939 times) previous topic - next topic

225 Ride Height

Our 225 was just right on one side (32 1/2") and 3/4" low on the other. I just finished raising it on the low side following Brett's great instructions. Anyhow, I wanted to add a couple of comments which might be helpful to someone else doing this and also several photos. Let's see...

1. The bolts are 6" grade eights. I was able to use a deep socket to loosen them. However, after removing the shims (3 in my case. leaving only one) the bolts are too long for a deep socket so I had to use one of those offset claw deals. One of the bolts (naturally, the hardest one to get at) turned and it is very hard to hold a wrench on it so you might have to double nut the bolt as I did.

2. Some of my bolts were real grubby with hard rust gunk built up over the years. If this is the case you can't tighten the nuts into their new position without cleaning the bolts. This is where it gets tricky. The outside four bolts come right out (one at a time, leaving the other three snug) and you can clean them up with a wire brush as I did or replace the bolts. The inner four, however, won't come out without some SERIOUS disassembly. You have to shove them up as far as you can and try to clean what threads you can get to. I used a pistol wire brush.

Anyhow, I have a more photos if anyone is interested. Glad we're now on the level!
jor





93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #1 –
Good job.

If you happen to have a photo of the bolt with tall boy (proper) nut, that may also be helpful for others.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #2 –
Quote
If you happen to have a photo of the bolt with tall boy (proper) nut,
Here is a photo of mine. The nuts are 3/4" deep.
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #3 –
Please send me all the pictures you have.  I may need good photos of what this suspension looks like without barnacles.  I'm talking with a few shops about augmenting with air.  Having the stock suspension in place, just lower than spec, would be good as a back up and good when sitting (especially with no step like mine) then coming up to proper height when the engine is running for travel.  Still haven't figured out which way to go or even if it is possible to add air without removing the torsilastic.  Ralph indicated he sells an air add on but he may be thinking of the Velvet Ride arrangement rather than the Foretravel set up.  I am thinking that as nice and clean as yours look and you had trouble, my totally encrusted bolts and shims would be a nightmare to mess with.  Brett: Did Ralph at Pioneer see your coach or any 225 or 240 that you know of?  Just curious.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #4 –
and I don't have that tall boy nut on any of mine...even up front.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #5 –
Dwayne,

You should be able to get the tall boy nuts at any good bolt shop.  They are grade 8-- just take out one of the outer bolts with you which are easy to remove (the other three will easily hold the suspension place while you shop).

I don't know if Ralph has seen the Foretravel or not.  I do know that Ralph's springs have been successfully used on several Foretravels-- they are the same part number as Foretravel used for the last many many years.

I would NOT assume that the brackets that fit the Safari frame would necessarily line up with the Foretravel frame members.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #6 –
Thanks.  My worry exactly.  Having something fabricated locally where the suspension guy has the coach is the way I'd have to go if I don't just stay OE.  I'd sure love to know if any Foretravels have had air added over the torsilastic.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #7 –
Quote
You should be able to get the tall boy nuts at any good bolt shop.
Dwayne,
  You can probably get them at a spring shop too. I think they are the same as the ones used on axle u-bolts. Sent you a PM re the photos.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #8 –
I think MOT had a U240 last fall that had air bags on the rear.  Might check with them, it was a nice coach
Jimmy Freytag,  Ardmore, Ok
1999 36ft U320. — -SOLD—-
1988 40ft GV        1990 36ft U280
1993 40ft U280      1996 36ft U280
  TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN THE TIME WILL COME
            WHEN YOU NO LONGER CAN.
 

Re: 225 Ride Height

Reply #9 –
Thanks.  I'll do that!
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060