Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS)

[MOHunter]

I just got done installing my RAS HD and I should’ve probably waited to say anything until I’ve put a few more miles on it but I was so initially impressed I thought I’d share my current findings. I’ve only got about 25 miles on the RAS, but those were some very good miles. The drive was on crappy, rough pavement with an empty bed and not towing anything. The very first thing I noticed was the fact that it basically eliminated any axle wrap that I was feeling during normal driving conditions. The second thing I immediately noticed was the significant reduction in wheel hop. The third thing was, the RAS raised the rear of my truck by 1.25”. In my case, this was welcomed. This was with the RAS HD set at a very low tension setting (white disc snug in the spring). Now I’ll give you some background on the rest of my current setup, because thus far nearly everything I’ve done has changed the perceived ride feel.

Eibach Lift Springs with Pro Sport shocks: this left me with about 1/4” of rake, so the RAS raising the rear was good for me for hauling stuff in the bed or towing.

Toyo AT3 285/75 (E Rated) on factory rims: After switching the grabbers out to these is when I noticed a substantial amount of axle wrap and some very rough and unpleasant wheel hop. Both issues seem far better now.

Factory Rear Shocks (for now): I felt like these were the likely culprit of my unpleasant ride after switching to the Toyo, but after adding the RAS it made these lackluster shocks seem very tolerable on the highway at least. I will be switching these out for Vertex likely next week. Hopefully in doing so I’ll be able to fine tune this rig to run as smooth as a Bentley on the autobahn (wishful thinking).

I can’t currently think of anything else of importance to add at this point but if anyone has any questions I’m happy to answer them the best that I can. Hopefully this is somewhat informative to anyone considering the RAS.

 

[ChsTremor]

I just got done installing my RAS HD and I should’ve probably waited to say anything until I’ve put a few more miles on it but I was so initially impressed I thought I’d share my current findings. I’ve only got about 25 miles on the RAS, but those were some very good miles. The drive was on crappy, rough pavement with an empty bed and not towing anything. The very first thing I noticed was the fact that it basically eliminated any axle wrap that I was feeling during normal driving conditions. The second thing I immediately noticed was the significant reduction in wheel hop. The third thing was, the RAS raised the rear of my truck by 1.25”. In my case, this was welcomed. This was with the RAS HD set at a very low tension setting (white disc snug in the spring). Now I’ll give you some background on the rest of my current setup, because thus far nearly everything I’ve done has changed the perceived ride feel.

Eibach Lift Springs with Pro Sport shocks: this left me with about 1/4” of rake, so the RAS raising the rear was good for me for hauling stuff in the bed or towing.

Toyo AT3 285/75 (E Rated) on factory rims: After switching the grabbers out to these is when I noticed a substantial amount of axle wrap and some very rough and unpleasant wheel hop. Both issues seem far better now.

Factory Rear Shocks (for now): I felt like these were the likely culprit of my unpleasant ride after switching to the Toyo, but after adding the RAS it made these lackluster shocks seem very tolerable on the highway at least. I will be switching these out for Vertex likely next week. Hopefully in doing so I’ll be able to fine tune this rig to run as smooth as a Bentley on the autobahn (wishful thinking).

I can’t currently think of anything else of importance to add at this point but if anyone has any questions I’m happy to answer them the best that I can. Hopefully this is somewhat informative to anyone considering the RAS.

Does the RAS limit travel? I'm torn between these and airbags. I'm in the same boat as you - almost dead level so hooking up an empty trailer induces sag.

 

[MOHunter]

Does the RAS limit travel? I'm torn between these and airbags. I'm in the same boat as you - almost dead level so hooking up an empty trailer induces sag.

Since it sets on top of the leaf spring I suppose it could limit the more extreme ends of articulation.

 

[FaKtor34]

Does the RAS limit travel? I'm torn between these and airbags. I'm in the same boat as you - almost dead level so hooking up an empty trailer induces sag.

The great thing about the RAS is once setup you can remove them or add them in about 20-30 mins.

 

[Stice1]

Thank you for the update @MOHunter I am following this closely, as I think we are both after a similar setup. (A high performing “leveling” solution that will keep “some” amount of rake as to not squat and preform while towing).
I am interested in your continued reviews and overall impressions especially towing

 

[MOHunter]

Yes sir that’s exactly what I’m going for. I really think most people would be very satisfied with the combination of the Eibach Springs/Sport Shocks/RAS. I could definitely get by with those alone I believe. I think it’ll only get better by adding the Vertex and then likely the SPC uca’s. Just got confirmation that the Vertex came in today. I won’t have a chance to get them until next week but hopefully next week I’ll have some more positives to report.

 

[Fozzy]

Can you get full unobstructed articulation out of the rear springs with these in both directions? Looks like they would limit your flex. I have been thinking about getting the BDS spring bars to help with axle wrap. but these say they help.

 

[MOHunter]

Can you get full unobstructed articulation out of the rear springs with these in both directions? Looks like they would limit your flex. I have been thinking about getting the BDS spring bars to help with axle wrap. but these say they help.

 

[Yeti]

Can you get full unobstructed articulation out of the rear springs with these in both directions? Looks like they would limit your flex. I have been thinking about getting the BDS spring bars to help with axle wrap. but these say they help.

I wasn't able to get them to fully compressed. Well, I may have been able to but had no desire to add 1000 pounds to the bed to try it.

The way they're designed, they should not block any articulation.

 

[ChsTremor]

I wasn't able to get them to fully compressed. Well, I may have been able to but had no desire to add 1000 pounds to the bed to try it.

The way they're designed, they should block any articulation.

Should or shouldn't?

 

[Yeti]

Should or shouldn't?

good catch, corrected

 

[FaKtor34]

good catch, corrected

I was going to say what I had read and watched that it shouldn't but even if it did it's quick and simple to remove.

 

[Fozzy]

View attachment 5086

I need these pics at full stuff and full droop. Then you can add the truck pic’s to the flex thread.

 

[ChsTremor]

I need these pics at full stuff and full droop. Then you can add the truck pic’s to the flex thread.

Agreed!

 

[Bakes]

Tried to install my RAS kit today but I think they shipped me the wrong bumpstop kit. The box says for 2015-present f-150 4x4 but there are no holes in the frame for the spacer pins to li e up with and no hole in the spacer for the tab of my bump stop to line up with. Do these pics look like what you guys had?

 

[MOHunter]

Tried to install my RAS kit today but I think they shipped me the wrong bumpstop kit. The box says for 2015-present f-150 4x4 but there are no holes in the frame for the spacer pins to li e up with and no hole in the spacer for the tab of my bump stop to line up with. Do these pics look like what you guys had?

Yes, I called them and it turns out you do not need to use them on the 21s. I had one hole in my frame where one roll pin could go so I considered pulling one roll pin out and then putting it on but ultimately decided to not use it since they said I didn’t really need it.

 

[Bakes]

Yes, I called them and it turns out you do not need to use them on the 21s. I had one hole in my frame where one roll pin could go so I considered pulling one roll pin out and then putting it on but ultimately decided to not use it since they said I didn’t really need it.

That's great news! Thank you! I'll get them put on later tonight and try to take a flex shot.

 

[MOHunter]

The hardest part is getting them set to the same tension and then not moving it too much when you set the jam nuts. Mine isn’t 100% the same on both sides but it’s close enough I can’t feel a difference when driving it. I’ve decided that it’s basically impossible to be completely identical on both sides.

 

[Bakes]

Just got it installed and it feels great!

 

[Ifineed2]

Yes sir that’s exactly what I’m going for. I really think most people would be very satisfied with the combination of the Eibach Springs/Sport Shocks/RAS. I could definitely get by with those alone I believe. I think it’ll only get better by adding the Vertex and then likely the SPC uca’s. Just got confirmation that the Vertex came in today. I won’t have a chance to get them until next week but hopefully next week I’ll have some more positives to report.

Mo - did you add the vertex installed? I’d be interested in hearing about your setup. I’d prefer to not have a leveling kit installed at all, just go with some combination plus the RAS if it’s needed. I tow so infrequently I’d prefer to not need them, but the stock Tremor rear shocks are very soft and squats so much.