Question on CHF for 24k f53 chasis

[wvphil]

I remember seeing info on the CHF for the f53 several times. My question is for those whom have done the mod ie movement of bolts to inner holes whom have a newer 378. I have a 2013 with a 24k gvrw chasis from best i can tell from sticker by driver seat on wall. I completed the mod today on both front and rear and my concern is the clearance on the front to the bottom of the leaf springs. It appears to be significantly closer than before the mod and Im wondering if I will have problems with the sway bar hitting the bottom of the springs? Ive read on another blog site where some folks have replaced the links with longer hellweg adjustable links to bring the front sway bar back down to its original position before moving to the inner holes. Ive read where other folks say the longer adjustable links are not necessary. If any of you have a f53 24k chasis and have completed the mod can you please share with me your experiences after completing the mod ie and problems with clearances on front and or back and your opinion of necessity of adding the longer adjustable links?

[jk510]

After I did my CHF I didn't like the closeness to the front leaf spring either so I opted for the Hellweg adjustables. Another thing that I didn't like was that the with the stock links the front wheels came off the ground much too easily when leveling.
I did have a problem on mine that required that I move the bushings out of the old links and into the new ones. I don't remember exactly what the problem was but I think it was either the bolt hole being too small or the bushing being to long.

[wvphil]

Thank you for the reply. I went ahead and ordered the hellwig 7962 11-14" hangers today. I hope these are the correct ones? Did you do the mod to the rear bar also? Ive read on a couple of blogs to use the old front links on the rear which will bring the rear bar back close to original angle as some folks say they are longer. How did you handle the rear?

[SS396CV]

I am not sure the hellwigs will work. Mine had s shaped links on the front, the hellwigs are straight, I believe. I am going to use BDS links which have offset eyes on the link which should work, I believe the part number is 123004, which fits a 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty.

[jk510]

I did do the rears but didn't see any problems with with the geometry. I suppose you could move the front links to the rear to give you extra length if you wanted to. I'll probably have to go check it now, thanks a lot .

[SS396CV]

The Ford F53 24K and 26K chassis have the S shaped links in the front, the smaller chassis have straight links, hellwigs will work fine on the smaller chassis.

[SS396CV]

WVPhil, the rears were no problem, and that change alone has helped a lot in reducing sway. I will do the front in a couple of weeks.

[wrapperman]

Does anyone know the product number and manufacture of the links that fit the 24,000 lb. chassis?
I sure would like to buy them for my 378.

[SS396CV]

I have heard the BDS links will work on the chassis with the S shaped links part number 123004. ORW (Off Road Warehouse) has them as well as some others

[wrapperman]

Thanks. I'll check on them.

[wvphil]

Woops. Thanks for info on s links. I just looked at mine and yes they are the s links. I did not notice this before i ordered the hellweg's. I just canx the hellweg links from amazon. Glad they had not shipped. I'll look into ordering the bds ones. Has anyone had success with these? I hate to order and them not fit. Thank you guys a bunch for heads up about the s links on 24 k chasis! Saved a big disappointment i would of experienced when the hellwegs arrived.

[SS396CV]

From what I heard on another forum, they work. I have ordered mine and will install within 2 weeks. If you want to wait I will report back if the BDS links work.

[wvphil]

Ok. I will wait to see what you think and what if any mods have to be made as far as fitment with bushings and bolts. I am on the road for another week returning home and have completed the chf without the links for now as I was having terrible handling problems in windy conditions on the way out. Definately an improvement as compared to original configuration however The front bar is closer to the bottom of front leaf springs than I prefer. Thank you for your information and willingness to share.

[SS396CV]

Installed the links today and they work fine. Not an exact offset, but I was able to us washers as spacers on the upper frame bracket and everything lines up well. Two washers on the upper hole and one washer on the lower hole (top link bushing). Lowers the SB end about an inch. Using the jacks on the coach and raising enough to lift wheels off the ground and the SB does not hit the springs. First pic is original link, second BDS Link. Part number for BDS links is 123004

[wvphil]

Thank you for your help. I will get my links on order.