Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Suspension, U240 (Read 553 times) previous topic - next topic

Suspension, U240

Looking at a 1993 U240.
Were they available with airbags or only the Torsilastic system? If Torsilastic, how might I check the Ride Height on initial inspection? Or, is that even possible?
Thanks folks,
Mikeado1

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #1 –
Your fist should fit above all 4 tires, or close to it . 

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #2 –
The height is set by shims. Brett will give the exact method when he sees the post.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #3 –
Quote from: craneman –
The height is set by shims. Brett will give the exact method when he sees the post.
Not Brett, but this may help:

Torsilastic suspension ride height adjustment

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #4 –
Yes, U240 was only on the Torsilastic suspension (as was the U225).

Cut a yard stick off at 33".  On flat ground measure from the "floor" that forms the top of each wheel well behind each tire.  Really only one location at teach wheel position that is close.  Spec is 32-33". Record each wheel position reading.

No count the number of the 1/4" shims in front of and behind each wheel position.  Record that.

Post what you find.  REMOVING one 1/4" shim from in front of and behind a wheel position RAISES ride height by 1/4".  I have done it many, many times using just hand tools.
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: Suspension, U240

Reply #5 –
We're sitting on a tall stack of shims, but looking forward:

Sulastic Rubber Springs. Torsilastic, Eagle, Foretravel Safari, DINA, OISA...
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #6 –
Keep in mind that the hard stick method is for Oe tire size. 
More accurate would involve a distance from axle to bumpstops or other hard point . Imho
It really only to keep the bus level and in the sweet spot of suspension travel. 

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
Keep in mind that the hard stick method is for Oe tire size. 
Mike,

To a point, you are correct.  But the only size tires I have ever seen on a U240 are 9R22.5 and 255/80R22.5.  Both are close enough that the factory published specs are "good to go".

Yes, if another tire size, look at any delta in RADIUS and factor that in.

The only ride height specs for both the U225 and U240 are from ground-- has worked for many, many coaches for many hundreds of thousands of miles.  I know. We sold ours with 170,000 miles on it and it still had a lot of miles left in it.
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: Suspension, U240

Reply #8 –
"Cut a yard stick off at 33".  On flat ground measure from the "floor" that forms the top of each wheel well behind each tire.  Really only one location at teach wheel position that is close.  Spec is 32-33". Record each wheel position reading."

Let me get this straight. Measure from  the ground to the upper surface of the wheel well? Correct?

Will I be able to do this without disassembling anything?

Does anyone have a breakdown from an Illustrated Parts Catalog, so that I can get a better idea of how this torsilastic system interfaces with the structure that attaches it to the coach? Kinda hard to visualize what everyone is talking about.

Also, torsilastic is installed at forward and aft wheel positions or just aft?

Thanks again Ya'll !!!!!!

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #9 –
ANSWER IN SOLID LETTER CAPS

Quote from: Mikeado1 –
"Cut a yard stick off at 33".  On flat ground measure from the "floor" that forms the top of each wheel well behind each tire.  Really only one location at teach wheel position that is close.  Spec is 32-33". Record each wheel position reading."

Let me get this straight. Measure from  the ground to the upper surface of the wheel well? Correct? YES, NOT FENDER, BUT THE AREA BEHIND EACH WHEEL POSITION.

Will I be able to do this without disassembling anything? YOU CAN DO THIS IN 5 MINUTES TOTAL WHILE WEARING A TUX.  NO DISASSEMBLY REQUIRED. NO TOOLS OTHER THAN THE YARD STICK.

Does anyone have a breakdown from an Illustrated Parts Catalog, so that I can get a better idea of how this torsilastic system interfaces with the structure that attaches it to the coach? Kinda hard to visualize what everyone is talking about. SEND ME A PRIVATE MESSAGE WITH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS AND I WILL HUNT UP A COPY.

Also, torsilastic is installed at forward and aft wheel positions or just aft? THE TORSILASTIC SUSPENSION IS AT EACH WHEEL POSITION FRONT AND BACK.  THE ADJUSTMENT SHIMS ARE IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND EACH WHEEL POSITION.

Thanks again Ya'll !!!!!!
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: Suspension, U240

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Mikeado1 –
Does anyone have a breakdown from an Illustrated Parts Catalog, so that I can get a better idea of how this torsilastic system interfaces with the structure that attaches it to the coach? Kinda hard to visualize...
Do a Google search for "torsilastic suspension system".  Click on "Images".  You'll see several illustrations of this type suspension system.  Examples below:

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #11 –
Ah hah !!!
Thanks Chuick and Jeannie!!!!
Mike

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #12 –
The top of the wheel well is around 43-45 in from ground , so the reference point is not that .

Re: Suspension, U240

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
The top of the wheel well is around 43-45 in from ground , so the reference point is not that .

BEHIND each tire.

The part that forms the top of the wheel well, BEHIND each tire.
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