SumoSpring unloaded gap

[G-man]

Hey all,
I have installed a set of the SumoSprings to my 2025 XLT. I tow a small 3700lb camper. These work great had them on my Taco, helped keep the truck from squatting.
According to SumoSpring tech support, there should be ~ .5" to 1" gap between the spring and the axle when unloaded. This helps for a smoother ride for everyday driving. What is odd is the passenger rear sits with a nice gap, while the drivers rear is resting on the axle.
Photos are with the truck on level ground, unloaded. I'll have the dealer look at this when I bring it in for the curtain airbag recall.
Anyone encounter something similar? This variation doesn't seem right.

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[just a guy with a truck]

how full is your gas tank?

 

[el_sabio]

Search this forum for the 'lean'. Many have noted there's a factory lean to driver side on this truck. Once you see it, you can't un-see. Of note, this is common on Tacos and other makes as well.

 

[ATestBishop]

Ford puts an additional axle block spacer on drivers side that could account for some of the difference. I think I measured the thickness to 5-7mm but I could check if needed

 

[el_sabio]

Do you notice a difference with 'squat' when towing? Do these help as I've been contemplating them as well. I have a small 2400# trailer, but once I load up the bed for all the fun, there is noticeable squat.

 

[G-man]

Appreciate the help
I don’t see a difference with the gas tank full or empty but will monitor. This doesn’t bother the truck when towing only when unloaded it rides a little stiff. I think I’ll take these off for the winter as they turn to bricks when temperatures drop.
The blue springs are the least stiff out of the three options. These take out most of the squat and dampens the bounce over rough roads. Was looking at the RAS or airbags and these are a good lower cost option.

 

[ATestBishop]

How much do they compress in relation to their overall height for any given weight vs stock? I didn't fully understand the material difference vs stock black rubber

 

[G-man]

The blue springs are rated for 1000 lbs when compressed at 50%. These are 5.25 inches tall and don’t compress much when I’m loaded. My hitch weight is around 350 lbs with a few hundred more cargo in the bed. I’ll see how much they compress when I’m hooked up this weekend.

 

[ATestBishop]

Thank you, I do wonder why they couldn't use dual or multiple compounds to get a progressive spring rate throughout travel?

 

[AUME1996]

Hey all,
I have installed a set of the SumoSprings to my 2025 XLT. I tow a small 3700lb camper. These work great had them on my Taco, helped keep the truck from squatting.
According to SumoSpring tech support, there should be ~ .5" to 1" gap between the spring and the axle when unloaded. This helps for a smoother ride for everyday driving. What is odd is the passenger rear sits with a nice gap, while the drivers rear is resting on the axle.
Photos are with the truck on level ground, unloaded. I'll have the dealer look at this when I bring it in for the curtain airbag recall.
Anyone encounter something similar? This variation doesn't seem right.

I had a similar issue on a FX4, where both springs contacted at no load. Discussed with Sumo and their only warranty voiding idea was to trim the springs (they can be cut). Eventually took them off as the ride was jolting. Have not tried cutting them yet.

 

[simonsays]

The blue springs are rated for 1000 lbs when compressed at 50%. These are 5.25 inches tall and don’t compress much when I’m loaded. My hitch weight is around 350 lbs with a few hundred more cargo in the bed. I’ll see how much they compress when I’m hooked up this weekend.

Do you have a picture of the squat? I am getting a similar setup. 22ft long 3700 pounds travel trailer with 340 pounds hitch weight. I'm lifting the front suspension 1" and I fear the rear will be too squatted. I'd be interested to see how these sumos could help have a better leveled ride.

 

[G-man]

Do you have a picture of the squat? I am getting a similar setup. 22ft long 3700 pounds travel trailer with 340 pounds hitch weight. I'm lifting the front suspension 1" and I fear the rear will be too squatted. I'd be interested to see how these sumos could help have a better leveled ride.

I don’t have a good picture with my camper. This was last fall. I think I measured the rear squat was ~ 1 or 1.5 inches with the sumos.

 

[simonsays]

I don’t have a good picture with my camper. This was last fall. I think I measured the rear squat was ~ 1 or 1.5 inches with the sumos.

Thanks for the pic! I would have thought it would squat a bit less with the sumos. Do you a weight distribution hitch on this setup? I see something that looks like it on your picture but not sure. Kinda looks like a chain instead of a metal bar.

 

[OxygenMask]

Appreciate the help
I don’t see a difference with the gas tank full or empty but will monitor. This doesn’t bother the truck when towing only when unloaded it rides a little stiff. I think I’ll take these off for the winter as they turn to bricks when temperatures drop.
The blue springs are the least stiff out of the three options. These take out most of the squat and dampens the bounce over rough roads. Was looking at the RAS or airbags and these are a good lower cost option.

I did airbags on my F150 after I got a bigger 5th wheel. Excellent decision, you can add air to any amount to tune the squat and the ride. Then let them down to 5psi when not needed and it's like they aren't even there. As I recall they were cheaper than Sumo springs, which have a reputation for rough ride.

I ran the air valves to the rear and replaced my license plate bolts with them. A couple months after I sold it I get a call asking where the valves were....

 

[RB205]

Eventually took them off as the ride was jolting. Have not tried cutting them yet.

Sharp razor blade should take care of it easily. These look similar to the foam bump stop material on most factory coilovers.

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