Shock upgrade V/S anti-sway bar

[Billpaw]

I have a 2023 XLT FX4 Supercab. The truck rocks from side to side at low speed. With my 1500# camper installed, the rocking/swaying is very pronounced. have Firestone airbags to level the load.
What suspension mod would best address this issue; Bilsteen 5100 shocks or a Helwig rear anti-sway bar? Thanks!

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[EJH]

Shocks. Not only would they help with the side to side, but the overall ride quality 100% of the time will be improved. Any of the name brand options will work.

 

[RangerPNW]

Shocks help, but I think with a camper in the bed then you're definitely the use case for those Helwig sway bars.

 

[Frenchy]

Do your shocks first and reevaluate. The sway bar could help but at the same time might not.

 

[Muffin1]

I don’t have a camper top like you, I changed to 5100 adjustable’s in the front to level it and 4600s in the rear, the side to side bobble head motion is pretty much gone but not completely, certain road and speed condt’s I still notice it.

 

[Dereku]

Both if you could swing it. Will make a huge difference.

 

[Cinci36]

I pull a trailer alot with lawn mowing equipment, that anti sway bar is the fix, recomend by trailer dealer, Ford and the rv place, I am looking to buy a camper, anti roll bar is what I used and solved 90% of issue, then some eibach shocks for other 10%, it also help with cornering, and the bounce when driving on the highway..

 

[The Last Ranger]

I just pulled the trigger on the Hellwig sway bar, should have it by the end of the week. I have the bilstein 5100 shocks and have been satisfied in the improvement in stability. The issue is at 65-70 mph on the highway I just don't feel confident in a quick reaction as the truck feels floaty to me.

That said I felt the same way about a 2010 Subaru Forester and replaced the rear sway bar with one from a Subaru Outback which was thicker. It made an improvement and I felt more confident in handling. I expect similar results with the Hellwig and I could adjust with the 3 holes for stiffness if it needs it.

Yes the Hellwig is extremely pricy but I like more control in my steering which is worth it to me. I will give an update when its installed and driven.

 

[Fitzmotor]

The names say it all;

Sway bar, designed to reduce sway.

Shock absorber, designed to dampen.

I know it's more complicated than that, as a shock can slow down the sway effect.

The shock is unable to pull the chassis back down (or push it up) the way a sway bar does, it connects both sides of the suspension trying to keep the load level, when one side compresses the other side is trying to push it up.

I would go straight to a sway bar, set it on the firmest setting, if it was a empty truck the shocks probably would do the trick, but with a 1500# load, my 2 cents is on a bar for best improvement.

I have the Hellwig on a empty truck, a member here told me to go straight to firm, I tried all three settings, ended up on firm, even though it's 7/8" you can twist it by hand, it's not overkill that's for sure.

Best bet would be to try for both shocks and bar, you have a pretty good load in the back, but in picking one, I vote for the bar.

Good luck!

 

[Grumpaw]

I'll throw this out for you to look at.....
Roadmaster Active Suspension set up....
Acts as a sway bar, an overload set up, traction bar and a track bar....all in one.
It's a "passive system" until you load the bed up, carry a heave load, hook up a trailer with a heavy tongue weight. When running empty there is no added stiffness....the system works only when a load is placed on it and that includes cornering where it acts as a sway bar.
Have a set up on my 2021, and pull a heavy camper with a 700 lb tongue weight.
Costs less than a sway bar set up, and takes about 45 minutes to install with some wrench's and sockets.
The only downside, at least on a 2 WD pickup is that it adds about 1/2-3/4 inch in height to the "empty" truck rear, due to the "tension" springs and the way their set up.
Would also get a set of upgraded rear shocks.

 

[Frenchy]

The names say it all;

Sway bar, designed to reduce sway.

Shock absorber, designed to dampen.

I know it's more complicated than that, as a shock can slow down the sway effect.

The shock is unable to pull the chassis back down (or push it up) the way a sway bar does, it connects both sides of the suspension trying to keep the load level, when one side compresses the other side is trying to push it up.

I would go straight to a sway bar, set it on the firmest setting, if it was a empty truck the shocks probably would do the trick, but with a 1500# load, my 2 cents is on a bar for best improvement.

I have the Hellwig on a empty truck, a member here told me to go straight to firm, I tried all three settings, ended up on firm, even though it's 7/8" you can twist it by hand, it's not overkill that's for sure.

Best bet would be to try for both shocks and bar, you have a pretty good load in the back, but in picking one, I vote for the bar.

Good luck!

As much as I will agree with you, it is well known that the OEM Shocks that come on the Ranger(Tremor not included) suck and cause a lot of poor steering and handling. I would start with a set of shocks first as everyone here will agree it's a huge improvement

 

[The Last Ranger]

I just received an email reply from Hellwig as I asked how to properly install the bar and he said "The hump in the bar should be going down" per tech support. I saw an install video where it appears the hump is facing up so I needed clarification. I'm not going offroad so if the bar is slightly below the pumkin its not an issue for me.

 

[Billpaw]

Thanks everyone. Any further thoughts on the Roadmaster Active Suspension vs Helwig anti-sway bar?

 

[EJH]

Thanks everyone. Any further thoughts on the Roadmaster Active Suspension vs Helwig anti-sway bar?

I agree with Grumpaw (he's a very knowledgeable dude, especially when it comes to towing). The only con (and my hesitation on the RAS) is the increase in rear height unloaded, or lightly loaded. IMHO, our trucks are already too high in the rear and I don't want that increased on my truck. If the RAS did not raise the rear, I would have one on my truck. If you can tolerate the rear height increase, go for it. Also, with your 1500 lbs payload, you probably won't have this as an issue

 

[Grumpaw]

Thanks everyone. Any further thoughts on the Roadmaster Active Suspension vs Helwig anti-sway bar?

I would recomend going to their web site and view all their vid's, and the info available. I went with their system after doing a lot of research. The only thing a sway bar does is reduce sway. It does nothing for load handling.
The Roadmaster , for my needs and application just made more sense to me as my Ranger is used about 50% of the time for heavy towing and the load associated with tongue weight and bed cargo.
It's just another option to consider, but it does work.
BUT....I re-read your initial post and that you have an airbag set up......not totally sure but the Roadmaster system may not be compatible with the airbags. If at all in doubt just call Roadmaster....their great to work with and answer any questions.
There are posts on some of the F-150 forums where both are used together, but I would contact Roadmaster about the specific's with the Ranger.

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