40k Mile Suspension Checkup: binding, a blown shock, and a bent frame

[CineSLR]

The one thing to double check with the bump-stop kits is that the bumps should not be 100% vertical, they should be slightly angled to match the path of the axle.

 

[BigScott]

Big J
You say passenger shock was blown, but it was the drivers side that the frame was slightly bent ? How about the passenger side frame ? and what you are using for a straight edge is maybe not the best straight edge ? Maybe I missed something ?

 

[BigJ]

Big J
You say passenger shock was blown, but it was the drivers side that the frame was slightly bent ? How about the passenger side frame ? and what you are using for a straight edge is maybe not the best straight edge ? Maybe I missed something ?

Yeah for sure. I tried to find a better edge but that extension was the best I could do at the time. It works and provided an accurate visualization of the issue, but I would rather have found a ruler or some such.

We did check the passenger side and it was a bit worse. Maybe a total of 1/2"? That showed up when installing the frame supports. Check here for those details:

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f5/rpgs-stage-2-kit-rear-frame-support-fox-air-bumps-10553/

 

[ruffstuff]

BigJ - What did the factory bumpstops look like? I recall reading the Ford Engineer saying how the bumpstop and cup go thru a deformation process when the suspension makes contact. Just wondering if you have pics of what they looked like off your truck.

 

[RPG]

The one thing to double check with the bump-stop kits is that the bumps should not be 100% vertical, they should be slightly angled to match the path of the axle.

You are correct.

Needs to follow the correct arch of travel.

---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:00 PM ----------

Big J
You say passenger shock was blown, but it was the drivers side that the frame was slightly bent ? How about the passenger side frame ? and what you are using for a straight edge is maybe not the best straight edge ? Maybe I missed something ?

To give you and idea, of the 16 plus installs we have done, not including all the kits shipped out of state. Only two frames have not been bent. Some less than others, but bent none the less.

 

[f16YODA]

Mine's brand new...it better not be bent!!!

 

[RPG]

BigJ - What did the factory bumpstops look like? I recall reading the Ford Engineer saying how the bumpstop and cup go thru a deformation process when the suspension makes contact. Just wondering if you have pics of what they looked like off your truck.

Whats real interesting is when the OE bump starts to go, it bends forward towards the front of the truck. The exact opposite of what our kit does.

Some of them come off pretty screwed up looking.

 

[Nacho]

Great write up J. I'm with you. I believe we should all stop every so often and inspect our trucks and keep them well maintained. Especially for those of us who partake in weekend shenanigans. Good luck with the repairs/rebuild. keep us all up to date. On that note, I'm going to go out and check up on mine in the AM lol

 

[BlueSVT]

You are correct.

Needs to follow the correct arch of travel.

---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:00 PM ----------



To give you and idea, of the 16 plus installs we have done, not including all the kits shipped out of state. Only two frames have not been bent. Some less than others, but bent none the less.

So 85% of the customers who bought your kit already had a deformed frame in some capacity, and most didn't know until they went to install it? I heard the same thing from SDHQ early on...

 

[BigJ]

BigJ - What did the factory bumpstops look like? I recall reading the Ford Engineer saying how the bumpstop and cup go thru a deformation process when the suspension makes contact. Just wondering if you have pics of what they looked like off your truck.

I just went thru all the pics I took and I coulda swore I took more than these. But this is all I got.





I don't recall them looking particularly bad, and the pics would seem to suggest they're ok? If more detail can help, maybe I can grab a few more next time I'm down there (I left them with RPG). Just let me know.