Unknown bracket on DS rear axle

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

Just found a strange, flat metal bracket on top of my leaf springs with some sort of attachment arm to a computer on the frame. Driver side only. Anyone know what this is?
I had the roadmaster active suspension ordered but I’m afraid this metal piece and it’s arm is going to be an issue.

Sponsored

 

[apMechorse]

I don't know for certain, but my guess would be that is the "squat" switch for your self-leveling LED projector headlights.

But again, that's just a guess.

 

[wmwalker]

I can confirm it is a problem. I added RAS to mine and the installer didn't bother telling me about it. The minute I drove off and flexed those springs, it bent part of that bracket. Any more load and it would have torn it off. I ended up sawing the extra threads off the RAS bracket and bending the mount out of the way. It barely clears, but it works.

And sadly, I don't think it was worth it. I might replace with airbags later.

 

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

I don't know for certain, but my guess would be that is the "squat" switch for your self-leveling LED projector headlights.

But again, that's just a guess.

I was wondering if it had something to do with that. Reached out to the dealer who was less than helpful.

 

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

I can confirm it is a problem. I added RAS to mine and the installer didn't bother telling me about it. The minute I drove off and flexed those springs, it bent part of that bracket. Any more load and it would have torn it off. I ended up sawing the extra threads off the RAS bracket and bending the mount out of the way. It barely clears, but it works.

And sadly, I don't think it was worth it. I might replace with airbags later.

Really sad news here. I’ve looked forward to the RAS for a while and thought it would be a good addition to the truck when towing our camper.
Sorry you had to find out the hard way. I started asking a little early only because I was snooping around when adding some air to the new tires today.

 

[Knickell]

So wait, what does that tab do?

Will it likely be damaged if you level or lift the truck?

 

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

From a Ford techinician:
“This is a height sensor, it is an input for the Vehicle Dynamic Module which in turn feeds data to the rest of the modules through the Gateway Module.”
I’ve asked if it will pose a problem when lifting or leveling... I’ll keep you posted.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

I can confirm it is a problem. I added RAS to mine and the installer didn't bother telling me about it. The minute I drove off and flexed those springs, it bent part of that bracket. Any more load and it would have torn it off. I ended up sawing the extra threads off the RAS bracket and bending the mount out of the way. It barely clears, but it works.

And sadly, I don't think it was worth it. I might replace with airbags later.

And RAS is? Acronyms folks, acronyms...

 

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

And RAS is? Acronyms folks, acronyms...

Roadmaster Active Suspension. It was written out in my original post.

We’ll see how it goes... my shop AND Roadmaster say that there’s no problem with this instal and the bracket/sensor I posted about.

 

[wmwalker]

It was a nice day out so I took some pics. Hopefully it was just my installer and yours will go smoothly.

Not sure if you can tell from these shots but that bracket is bent back a good 1.5-2in.

 

[bobstar]

And RAS is? Acronyms folks, acronyms...

Sorry about your situation, I guess I will scratch that one off my list.

 

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

It is hard to tell from the photos but I get what you mean. What part of the setup was it you had to modify? I’m going in tomorrow and everyone’s confident in the process. We’ll see.

It was a nice day out so I took some pics. Hopefully it was just my installer and yours will go smoothly.

Not sure if you can tell from these shots but that bracket is bent back a good 1.5-2in.

 

[wmwalker]

I had to saw off the end of this bolt.

 

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

Oh I see now! I’ll mention it to my shop tomorrow. thanks

I had to saw off the end of this bolt.

 

[glorifiedambulancedriver]

So far so good and wow what a great ride! Shop said no issues at all. And the customer service from Roadmaster was stellar. They had a rep in contact with the shop through the instal and the guy called me later in the day to check in. Nice touch! Tried to take some photos, hope they are clear enough. They did say that they put the bolt on the last or second to last spot to get ample clearance with the sensor.

Sponsored