We own a 2010 Ford Ranger 2WD Dual Cab 2.5Litre Diesel. My wife has recently had multiple operations on her back and neck and we now find the ride in this vehicle too rough.
We pull a 15ft Pop Top van and do not really want to compromise the towing capability. Have considered putting in a suspension seat but our vehicle has side air bags in the factory seats, so that can't be done.
Have thought about air bag suspension but apparently that only improves the handling for heavier loads.
Have sought advice on resetting rear springs but that would alter towing and payload.
Has anyone else had this problem they have been able to overcome without replacing the vehicle as the dual cab suits us perfectly other than the ride, and have had canopy / dual battery system / elec brakes etc all fitted to this vehicle and as we are only pensioners can't afford to now replace the vehicle.
Any advice / comments would be appreciated.
Hi KW
Had a bit of a trawl across the internet and found this Australian based company that has upgraded seats for orthopaedic purposes. Take a look, it may help.
We own a 2010 Ford Ranger 2WD Dual Cab 2.5Litre Diesel. My wife has recently had multiple operations on her back and neck and we now find the ride in this vehicle too rough.
We pull a 15ft Pop Top van and do not really want to compromise the towing capability. Have considered putting in a suspension seat but our vehicle has side air bags in the factory seats, so that can't be done.
Have thought about air bag suspension but apparently that only improves the handling for heavier loads.
Have sought advice on resetting rear springs but that would alter towing and payload.
Has anyone else had this problem they have been able to overcome without replacing the vehicle as the dual cab suits us perfectly other than the ride, and have had canopy / dual battery system / elec brakes etc all fitted to this vehicle and as we are only pensioners can't afford to now replace the vehicle.
Any advice / comments would be appreciated.
Dougwe said
06:36 PM Jul 21, 2013
Hi KW and welcome, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Have you looked into a better shock absorber system maybe.
The other thing you could do is pop your question into 'Techies Corner' as you might get a better response in there. Some people only go into that area and might just have the answer.
bill12 said
08:27 PM Jul 21, 2013
Could you tellme what sort of fuel figures you get? I amthinking of buying the 2.5 model. Thanks, Bill
brickies said
08:29 PM Jul 21, 2013
Hi KW I have used City Suspensions Springwood brisbane Q in the past and found I was happy with there work you could ring them for advice , I have found them only to happy to discuss problem and outcomes
Yuglamron said
10:25 PM Jul 21, 2013
Hi Guys, Have you thought about changing the seat to an air suspended seat. Depends on the measurements of course ,if you have the room to fit one.
This website is an Aussie company that specialises in aftermarket seating. If you click on each seat it gives the dimensions and maybe there is one that would fit your vehicle. This is one of many on the web that do air suspended seats.
Hi KW, the air bag in the seat I dont know about, but if the seat is removed does this affect any other computor / electric controled system?
As mark has suggested there are after market seats available. As you may have read we just bought another tug which has height adjust & spring suspension seats. I done a 1400kl turn around trip in three days to pick this unit up, 700k up in a small car & my crushed section of spine was not happy at all.
So to step into a different vehicle with a back that was not happy to start with was going to be interesting, I spent a little time playing with the height & suspension adjustments before I headed off, followed by a couple of adjustments back for more leg room, doing the last 500 on that setting. On arrival back home the old back was improving, felt less fatige & much happier with the more upright positions.
You may have to sacrifice the side air bag & hope that you never need it, in return for a more comfortable outcome.
JC
kw said
10:12 PM Jul 22, 2013
Hi Mark & Linda,
Had looked at these seats and thought they would definately solve the problem. I had checked them out at a supplier of these seats on the Sunshine Coast, but when they realised that my seats had side air bags they said they would not be able to fit them.
Since your reply, I am revisiting the option of fitting one of these seats and have contacted a different supplier after speaking with Qld Transport about have a mod plate fitted. Have contaced Strato direct to get the story correct.
If I can get this done without making the vehicle unroadworthy it is definately the way I will go. I think I may have been talking to someone relatively new when I made my first enquiry about them.
Thanks heaps for your advice.
kw said
10:18 PM Jul 22, 2013
Hi Bill,
As for fuel consumption, can't tell you exactly, but am pulling about 550 klm per tank without a load and it probably comes back to about 450 with the caravan on (15ft Jaco Pop Top). Oh and don't forget, ours is an AUTOMATIC.
Tell you what, next time I fuel up I'll do a consumtpion check and get back to you. And keep in mind, I have a canopy on the back and Roof Bars on all the time, Driver and Passanger Weathershields, they all play a part in fuel consumption.
Other than being a little harsh on the comfort side of things (as are all commercial vehicles) we love the Ranger.
kw said
10:22 PM Jul 22, 2013
Hi Doug,
thanks for your tip, in addition to looking again at the Stratos Suspension seat again, I have also spoken with Fulcrum and will get them to also have a look at the set of the springs, they thing they should be able to do something if the look at (and possible reset) the second spring and use air bags to keep good towing capability. But if I can get this suspension seat to replace the original with the side air bag I will probably definately go that way.
Thaks
Kw
kw said
10:26 PM Jul 22, 2013
Hi Brikkies
thanks for you imput, have now spoken with Fulcrum Suspension and going to have them have a good look to see what may be able to be done with the suspension.
Thaks
kw
kw said
10:28 PM Jul 22, 2013
Hi JC,
yes, I think this is the way to go, am now looking to see if I can get a Mod Plate for the seat because of removing factory side air bag (safety issue).
Thanks for your imput.
kw
Mark said
10:32 PM Jul 22, 2013
kw wrote:
Hi JC,
yes, I think this is the way to go, am now looking to see if I can get a Mod Plate for the seat because of removing factory side air bag (safety issue).
Thanks for your imput.
kw
Hi Kw
Whatever way you go, I hope you are successful in getting the problem resolved.
In a previous role, I have modified vehicles that have either negated an air bag, or have added seating where no air bag could be provided. With the right information and total openness with the road transport authority, AND your insurance company it can be done, it's a disclaimer effect that you have to acknowledge.
I just re-read your replies and noted the comment about the suspension. Just a bit more advice.............
The idea of an independently suspended seat is to take away the up's and down's of the road. A suspended seat gains it's own momentum and negates the momentum of the road undulations. An upgrade to the suspension doesn't do that in any shape or form, it merely makes the ride harder or softer, it will not remove the problem, in fact, given that you tow, it may create problems elsewhere and give you a bouncy ride. Hope you get it sorted out so you can continue to enjoy your outings.
Edited section
Good luck
Mark
-- Edited by Mark on Monday 22nd of July 2013 10:40:41 PM
kw said
06:42 AM Jul 23, 2013
Hi Mark,
yes I think I will probably go with the seat, and yes, been around too long to take shortcuts. Have spoken with Qld Tpt and they have put me onto an engineer in Brisbane who they recognise, so all being well, just have to advise the insurance comapny.
Thanks kw
Mark said
06:49 AM Jul 23, 2013
Well done, hope it all works out well for you and the missus. An outcome follow-up would be great.
Cheers Mark
kw said
06:54 AM Jul 23, 2013
Will post the outcome, but may not be for a few weeks or so
Mark said
03:00 AM Jul 24, 2013
No worries, would just be a great end to the thread knowing something has worked.
Cheers
Mark
kw said
03:27 PM Jul 24, 2013
Hi Everyone,
just like to thank you for all your comments. Just for anyone else out there with simialr situations, this is what has evolved so far.
Because we purchased a vehicle an automatic, and the auto came with compulsory safety pack (safety pack included side air bags)
Because you can not procure a suspension seat with side air bags, we would be replacing a seat with a side air bag with a seat without an air bag.
Now, this is not as major a problem as one would think. I checked with Queensland Transport and the results were that it would be ok to do this providing it was done by a Qld Tpt recognised engineer and a modification plate fitted. PROVIDED THAT BEFORE IT WAS DONE a letter war forwarded to Qld Tpt FROM THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER (in this case Ford) stating that the removal of the passanger seat and air bag would in no way interfere with the operation of other safety features of the vehicle. ie. the driver side and front air bags. Contacted Ford yesterday and the would not put that in writing becuase they (Ford) had not had this vehicle tested for Air Bag Deployment with only one air bag. So, to put it in a nut shell, in Queensland, this seat replacement would render the vehicle unroadworthy.
Ok, this doesn't mean we give up, just back to looking to see WHAT IF ANYTHING can be accomplished with the Tyres and Suspension. Will head off down to Brisbane in the next week or so and talk to Fulcurm to see if they can offer any suggestions and talk to some tyre people. But, because it being a light commercial and requires light truck tyres. And, light truck tyres, being what they are, are by there very nature a hard rubber tyre, could be getting into a difficult area. The only saving grace is to find out how wide I can go with another tyre and I believe that maybe a slightly wider tyre may give some relief to the situation, and with a little tinkering with the suspension, like changing shocks and a slight reset on the springs.
But the moral of the story is, if you are going to purchase a new dual cab and there is any possobility whatsover of maybe one day wanting to put in a suspension seat, forget about a vehicle with side air bags in the seats.
The only reason I am keeping this thread going now is for anyone else out there that may have this problem in the future to see what, if anything, can be done.
Gerty Dancer said
06:03 PM Jul 24, 2013
I've been watching this thread as I also have back/neck pain especially if travelling on corrugations. The suspension in our Prado was upgraded for rough conditions but that made the ride rougher. I suppose you have experimented with the various seat cushions available?
It seems a difficult problem kw, I'll be very interested to hear the outcome.
kw said
06:19 PM Jul 24, 2013
Hi Gerty,
yes, started out with a piece of foam but that was useless, then went to talk to a couple of motor trimmers about getting the seat repadded and they advised against that as they had tried this for other people and it can turn out worse than the original seat. That was the same response from two of them.
Then I bought two good quality purpose specific cussions from Clark Rubber, one gave a little relief from the bumps but the wedge shape of it makes her feel like she is sliding forward off the seat. But I must admit, that cussion has given her the only relief she has been getting in the vehicle at all.
Interesting what you say about having your Prado suspension upgraded for rough conditions, do you know specifically what was done ?? and was it done to soften the ride for your back and neck? I would be interested to hear back from you.
Thanks
kw
Gerty Dancer said
06:28 PM Jul 24, 2013
I'll get my partner to give you the tech details kw, but as I understand it, it was to strengthen the shock absorbers rather than soften the ride. The vehicle is an inch or so higher because of it.
My arthritis problem is more recent, and lately I try to persuade him to stick to the highway ..... although we both love being out in the bush.
By the way those side airbags also limit the type of seat cover you can use to the very expensive type!
brickies said
06:35 PM Jul 24, 2013
When we got our Prado the ride was to soft me and had decided to get the suspension looked at. Then someone asked me had I look at tyre pressure well the tyre was 38 PSI and told to try 40 PSI I could not believe the difference just a thought , you may need to lower tyre pressure to make a softer ride
kw said
07:00 PM Jul 24, 2013
Yup, have got the tyre pressure down to 28lb.
kw said
07:04 PM Jul 24, 2013
I know that these vehicles are not built for comfort, but, apart from this, which I will fix one way or the other, it is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned.
Well, apart for my 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster that is, and what a coincidence, that had really hard suspension too lol.
Mark said
08:41 PM Jul 24, 2013
Hi Kw
I won't paste all of your previous thread, but refer to the bit about the disconnection of one air bag.
I think Fords answer is rubbish and is more to do with CBA (Can't Be Arsed) IMHO.
The technical department at Ford HQ (not a dealership) would be able to confirm the actions of the air-bag system. This would be a mandatory question that they would HAVE to be able to answer, know about, and understand. Can you imagine the court cases if they didn't know how the air-bag system operated in the event of a fatality !! No mate, keep pestering them.
Looking at how air-bags are wired, I cannot see how the disconnection of one would negate all. Front seats have sensors in them, when you drive off without your seat belt on what happens "PING-PING-PING" an annoying warning tells you to belt up, and a light stay on the dash, but it doesn't happen when there is only one occupant who IS wearing the seatbelt does it?? This is "one of the reasons" why children under a certain age are not allowed to be seated in the front as their weight does not activate the sensor telling the computer that there is an occupant in that seat.
When a vehicle is involved in an accident, (and I see quite a few being towed in at work) do all the air bags go off?? No, only the ones that have been activated by pressure (seats) or by sensors in the impact zone and some even work off of inertia. (sudden speed reduction - reversed) (Inertia ?? - imagine an apple on the back seat of the car when you brake, the apple still moves forward. Air bags can also be deployed using a similar switching method - not with an apple though!!!)
The sensors in the seat are for the front facing and possibly the side air bag, so, the replacement seat manufacturer should be able to put that sensor into their own seat and reconnect the harness. Does the seat itself have air-bags that come out of the seat???? - if it does, then I can understand Fords reluctance, but my own research shows that you have what are called side Thorax air-bags which come out of the door panel which, if this is the case only leaves the seat sensor by the seat manufacturer to move into their new seat.
Have you asked the seat manufacturer about the air-bag sensor being moved into their own seat ???
Have you thought about an independent assessor? - one who specialises in Fords. They normally have extremely good access into the HQ technical department as they are actually assisting the manufacturer in product development and problem identification ? They don't come cheap, are normally self employed, and LOVE a challenge.
I do again strongly advise that tinkering with the suspension is not the answer. Suspension changes for a 4X4 are normally to improve ride by stiffening up the ride, not making it softer. Also the ride height can be altered, normally higher, to increase the ground clearance, but again this makes it a harder ride. As I said before, if you go softer it won't do the towing characteristics much good and will certainly not help when you go off road, you'll end up with two lumps in the roof panel !!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbag (you'll have to copy the text and paste it in to the url, I can't make the damn thing work!! - somebody will, but I can't)
I dunno Mark, just copied and pasted then hit the space bar. Others say you have to hit Enter at the end. I'm not very computer-savvy so am really thrilled I can actually do something!
Mark said
11:02 PM Jul 24, 2013
Gerty Dancer wrote:
I dunno Mark, just copied and pasted then hit the space bar. Others say you have to hit Enter at the end. I'm not very computer-savvy so am really thrilled I can actually do something!
LOL............. Well done for getting it to work
Have a good day.
kw said
11:44 PM Jul 24, 2013
Hi Mark,
Yes it was actually Ford Australia head office that I went back to trying to get confirmation for Qld Tpt that disconecting the Passanger Side Seat Air Bag would not interfere with the remaing air bags and was told in no uncertain terms that they would confirm that.
Qld Transort were quite adamant that the letter from the manufacturer was the only way that they would except the modification.
Probably now just looking at a wider, better quality tyre, maybe resetting the springs a little and different shockies and maybe air bags for towing. Can't do much now until I get down to Brisbane and see some Tyre people and some suspension people, then make a decision from there.
Hi KW
Had a bit of a trawl across the internet and found this Australian based company that has upgraded seats for orthopaedic purposes. Take a look, it may help.
http://www.stratos.com.au/Page/ford-ranger-pk-seat
-- Edited by Mark on Sunday 21st of July 2013 01:27:33 PM
Hi,
We own a 2010 Ford Ranger 2WD Dual Cab 2.5Litre Diesel. My wife has recently had multiple operations on her back and neck and we now find the ride in this vehicle too rough.
We pull a 15ft Pop Top van and do not really want to compromise the towing capability. Have considered putting in a suspension seat but our vehicle has side air bags in the factory seats, so that can't be done.
Have thought about air bag suspension but apparently that only improves the handling for heavier loads.
Have sought advice on resetting rear springs but that would alter towing and payload.
Has anyone else had this problem they have been able to overcome without replacing the vehicle as the dual cab suits us perfectly other than the ride, and have had canopy / dual battery system / elec brakes etc all fitted to this vehicle and as we are only pensioners can't afford to now replace the vehicle.
Any advice / comments would be appreciated.
Have you looked into a better shock absorber system maybe.
The other thing you could do is pop your question into 'Techies Corner' as you might get a better response in there. Some people only go into that area and might just have the answer.
Hi Guys, Have you thought about changing the seat to an air suspended seat. Depends on the measurements of course ,if you have the room to fit one.
This website is an Aussie company that specialises in aftermarket seating. If you click on each seat it gives the dimensions and maybe there is one that would fit your vehicle. This is one of many on the web that do air suspended seats.
http://www.kabseats.com.au/transport-seats.shtml
Hi KW, the air bag in the seat I dont know about, but if the seat is removed does this affect any other computor / electric controled system?
As mark has suggested there are after market seats available. As you may have read we just bought another tug which has height adjust & spring suspension seats. I done a 1400kl turn around trip in three days to pick this unit up, 700k up in a small car & my crushed section of spine was not happy at all.
So to step into a different vehicle with a back that was not happy to start with was going to be interesting, I spent a little time playing with the height & suspension adjustments before I headed off, followed by a couple of adjustments back for more leg room, doing the last 500 on that setting. On arrival back home the old back was improving, felt less fatige & much happier with the more upright positions.
You may have to sacrifice the side air bag & hope that you never need it, in return for a more comfortable outcome.
JC
Hi Mark & Linda,
Had looked at these seats and thought they would definately solve the problem. I had checked them out at a supplier of these seats on the Sunshine Coast, but when they realised that my seats had side air bags they said they would not be able to fit them.
Since your reply, I am revisiting the option of fitting one of these seats and have contacted a different supplier after speaking with Qld Transport about have a mod plate fitted. Have contaced Strato direct to get the story correct.
If I can get this done without making the vehicle unroadworthy it is definately the way I will go. I think I may have been talking to someone relatively new when I made my first enquiry about them.
Thanks heaps for your advice.
Hi Bill,
As for fuel consumption, can't tell you exactly, but am pulling about 550 klm per tank without a load and it probably comes back to about 450 with the caravan on (15ft Jaco Pop Top). Oh and don't forget, ours is an AUTOMATIC.
Tell you what, next time I fuel up I'll do a consumtpion check and get back to you. And keep in mind, I have a canopy on the back and Roof Bars on all the time, Driver and Passanger Weathershields, they all play a part in fuel consumption.
Other than being a little harsh on the comfort side of things (as are all commercial vehicles) we love the Ranger.
Hi Doug,
thanks for your tip, in addition to looking again at the Stratos Suspension seat again, I have also spoken with Fulcrum and will get them to also have a look at the set of the springs, they thing they should be able to do something if the look at (and possible reset) the second spring and use air bags to keep good towing capability. But if I can get this suspension seat to replace the original with the side air bag I will probably definately go that way.
Thaks
Kw
Hi Brikkies
thanks for you imput, have now spoken with Fulcrum Suspension and going to have them have a good look to see what may be able to be done with the suspension.
Thaks
kw
Hi JC,
yes, I think this is the way to go, am now looking to see if I can get a Mod Plate for the seat because of removing factory side air bag (safety issue).
Thanks for your imput.
kw
Hi Kw
Whatever way you go, I hope you are successful in getting the problem resolved.
In a previous role, I have modified vehicles that have either negated an air bag, or have added seating where no air bag could be provided.
With the right information and total openness with the road transport authority, AND your insurance company it can be done, it's a disclaimer effect that you have to acknowledge.
I just re-read your replies and noted the comment about the suspension. Just a bit more advice.............
The idea of an independently suspended seat is to take away the up's and down's of the road. A suspended seat gains it's own momentum and negates the momentum of the road undulations. An upgrade to the suspension doesn't do that in any shape or form, it merely makes the ride harder or softer, it will not remove the problem, in fact, given that you tow, it may create problems elsewhere and give you a bouncy ride. Hope you get it sorted out so you can continue to enjoy your outings.
Edited section
Good luck
Mark
-- Edited by Mark on Monday 22nd of July 2013 10:40:41 PM
Hi Mark,
yes I think I will probably go with the seat, and yes, been around too long to take shortcuts. Have spoken with Qld Tpt and they have put me onto an engineer in Brisbane who they recognise, so all being well, just have to advise the insurance comapny.
Thanks
kw
Well done, hope it all works out well for you and the missus.
An outcome follow-up would be great.
Cheers
Mark
No worries, would just be a great end to the thread knowing something has worked.
Cheers
Mark
Hi Everyone,
just like to thank you for all your comments. Just for anyone else out there with simialr situations, this is what has evolved so far.
Because we purchased a vehicle an automatic, and the auto came with compulsory safety pack (safety pack included side air bags)
Because you can not procure a suspension seat with side air bags, we would be replacing a seat with a side air bag with a seat without an air bag.
Now, this is not as major a problem as one would think. I checked with Queensland Transport and the results were that it would be ok to do this providing it was done by a Qld Tpt recognised engineer and a modification plate fitted. PROVIDED THAT BEFORE IT WAS DONE a letter war forwarded to Qld Tpt FROM THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER (in this case Ford) stating that the removal of the passanger seat and air bag would in no way interfere with the operation of other safety features of the vehicle. ie. the driver side and front air bags. Contacted Ford yesterday and the would not put that in writing becuase they (Ford) had not had this vehicle tested for Air Bag Deployment with only one air bag. So, to put it in a nut shell, in Queensland, this seat replacement would render the vehicle unroadworthy.
Ok, this doesn't mean we give up, just back to looking to see WHAT IF ANYTHING can be accomplished with the Tyres and Suspension. Will head off down to Brisbane in the next week or so and talk to Fulcurm to see if they can offer any suggestions and talk to some tyre people. But, because it being a light commercial and requires light truck tyres. And, light truck tyres, being what they are, are by there very nature a hard rubber tyre, could be getting into a difficult area. The only saving grace is to find out how wide I can go with another tyre and I believe that maybe a slightly wider tyre may give some relief to the situation, and with a little tinkering with the suspension, like changing shocks and a slight reset on the springs.
But the moral of the story is, if you are going to purchase a new dual cab and there is any possobility whatsover of maybe one day wanting to put in a suspension seat, forget about a vehicle with side air bags in the seats.
The only reason I am keeping this thread going now is for anyone else out there that may have this problem in the future to see what, if anything, can be done.
It seems a difficult problem kw, I'll be very interested to hear the outcome.
yes, started out with a piece of foam but that was useless, then went to talk to a couple of motor trimmers about getting the seat repadded and they advised against that as they had tried this for other people and it can turn out worse than the original seat. That was the same response from two of them.
Then I bought two good quality purpose specific cussions from Clark Rubber, one gave a little relief from the bumps but the wedge shape of it makes her feel like she is sliding forward off the seat. But I must admit, that cussion has given her the only relief she has been getting in the vehicle at all.
Interesting what you say about having your Prado suspension upgraded for rough conditions, do you know specifically what was done ?? and was it done to soften the ride for your back and neck? I would be interested to hear back from you.
Thanks
kw
My arthritis problem is more recent, and lately I try to persuade him to stick to the highway ..... although we both love being out in the bush.
By the way those side airbags also limit the type of seat cover you can use to the very expensive type!
Yup, have got the tyre pressure down to 28lb.
I know that these vehicles are not built for comfort, but, apart from this, which I will fix one way or the other, it is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned.
Well, apart for my 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster that is, and what a coincidence, that had really hard suspension too lol.
Hi Kw
I won't paste all of your previous thread, but refer to the bit about the disconnection of one air bag.
I think Fords answer is rubbish and is more to do with CBA (Can't Be Arsed) IMHO.
The technical department at Ford HQ (not a dealership) would be able to confirm the actions of the air-bag system.
This would be a mandatory question that they would HAVE to be able to answer, know about, and understand.
Can you imagine the court cases if they didn't know how the air-bag system operated in the event of a fatality !!
No mate, keep pestering them.
Looking at how air-bags are wired, I cannot see how the disconnection of one would negate all.
Front seats have sensors in them, when you drive off without your seat belt on what happens "PING-PING-PING" an annoying warning tells you to belt up, and a light stay on the dash, but it doesn't happen when there is only one occupant who IS wearing the seatbelt does it??
This is "one of the reasons" why children under a certain age are not allowed to be seated in the front as their weight does not activate the sensor telling the computer that there is an occupant in that seat.
When a vehicle is involved in an accident, (and I see quite a few being towed in at work) do all the air bags go off??
No, only the ones that have been activated by pressure (seats) or by sensors in the impact zone and some even work off of inertia. (sudden speed reduction - reversed)
(Inertia ?? - imagine an apple on the back seat of the car when you brake, the apple still moves forward. Air bags can also be deployed using a similar switching method - not with an apple though!!!)
The sensors in the seat are for the front facing and possibly the side air bag, so, the replacement seat manufacturer should be able to put that sensor into their own seat and reconnect the harness. Does the seat itself have air-bags that come out of the seat???? - if it does, then I can understand Fords reluctance, but my own research shows that you have what are called side Thorax air-bags which come out of the door panel which, if this is the case only leaves the seat sensor by the seat manufacturer to move into their new seat.
Have you asked the seat manufacturer about the air-bag sensor being moved into their own seat ???
Have you thought about an independent assessor? - one who specialises in Fords.
They normally have extremely good access into the HQ technical department as they are actually assisting the manufacturer in product development and problem identification ? They don't come cheap, are normally self employed, and LOVE a challenge.
I do again strongly advise that tinkering with the suspension is not the answer.
Suspension changes for a 4X4 are normally to improve ride by stiffening up the ride, not making it softer.
Also the ride height can be altered, normally higher, to increase the ground clearance, but again this makes it a harder ride.
As I said before, if you go softer it won't do the towing characteristics much good and will certainly not help when you go off road, you'll end up with two lumps in the roof panel !!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbag
(you'll have to copy the text and paste it in to the url, I can't make the damn thing work!! - somebody will, but I can't)
HOW????
Cheers
LOL............. Well done for getting it to work
Have a good day.
Hi Mark,
Yes it was actually Ford Australia head office that I went back to trying to get confirmation for Qld Tpt that disconecting the Passanger Side Seat Air Bag would not interfere with the remaing air bags and was told in no uncertain terms that they would confirm that.
Qld Transort were quite adamant that the letter from the manufacturer was the only way that they would except the modification.
Probably now just looking at a wider, better quality tyre, maybe resetting the springs a little and different shockies and maybe air bags for towing. Can't do much now until I get down to Brisbane and see some Tyre people and some suspension people, then make a decision from there.