Timbren TFRF53A Install Issue On Ford F53 With Limited Driver Side Clearance

Updated 05/11/2026 | Published 05/05/2026

Question:

Hi Etrailer, I am installing the Timbren TFRF53A rear suspension on a 2022 Entegra Vision 29s. I have a question concerning one of the suspension installation. The passenger side installation went OK with nothing in the way. A different story on the drivers side. I have included a picture of the installation. I had positioned the suspension more forward but it seemed to come down on cable or hose. I positioned it back, but it seems to be next to a bracket. Is this installation going to be a problem? Can l send a picture of the installation?

asked by: Don R

Expert Reply:

Hey Don, thanks for reaching out. Yeah, the driver’s side on those F53 chassis can get tight, you’ve usually got brake lines, wiring, or a bracket sitting right where you want that Timbren to live. You’re doing the right thing paying attention to it, because you don’t want that spring contacting anything once it starts working.

What matters is that the Timbren can compress straight up and down without hitting or rubbing anything through its full travel. If it’s sitting right next to a bracket or line, that’s usually fine as long as there’s a little clearance and it won’t make contact under load. What you don’t want is it resting on a hose or cable or being so close that when the suspension cycles it starts rubbing, that’ll cause problems pretty quick.

If you had to shift it slightly to avoid that line, that’s normal, just make sure it’s still sitting flat on the mounting surface and lined up with the contact point above. A lot of installs on these aren’t perfectly symmetrical side to side. If it clears everything with a bit of space and cycles clean, you’re good. If it’s really tight, you can usually reposition the line to get a little breathing room, but don’t leave it where it’s touching anything.

If you have pictures, you can feel free to email those to me and I'm happy to take a look. My email is [email protected].

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jim

5/8/2026

Hi Don, Same issue when installed mine. It’s the brake wear sensor. When brakes wear out it contacts the rotor and triggers a dash message. My fix, I bent it out of the way and repositioned the wire. No issues for over 12k miles. Jim

Jesse M.

5/8/2026

@Jim Oh nice! Thanks for the tip!

Marty

5/8/2026

the timbren kit was a great help on bumps and top heavy feeling, but i also put a super steer track bar on my 2016 newmar 3401 and no more tail wagging the dog supersteer out of oregon under 700.00for kit less than 2 hrs to put on go to there website

Jesse M.

5/11/2026

@Marty Nice! Glad to hear the Timbrens are working out! I've heard of supersteer before but I'm not super familiar with them. I'll check it out!

Gregg H.

5/8/2026

Fortunately on my 2014 F53 I had no obstructions and did the rear install in 30 minutes. The front ones were much more difficult because I did it with the tires still on but I eventually got it. I am very pleased with the result.

Jesse M.

5/11/2026

@GreggH Nice! Glad to hear you got it done and are happy with the results. Thanks for sharing!

Rufus

5/9/2026

I have a 2023 Thor Ace that I installed on. It might be the year or manufacturer but I had no problem installing either side. I have put about 7000 miles on since doing so and what a difference in the ride. Wish I could be of more help.

Jesse M.

5/11/2026

@Rufus Nice! Glad to hear the Timbrens are making such a big difference. Thank for sharing!

Ray

5/10/2026

I had the same issue when I put them on the rear of my 2006 Damon Challenger. I bent the brake line to get the clearance needed with the utmost care and the installation went smoothly. Adding these to our motor home was the best addition I could have done. The added control on the highway and over all ride improvements make them a must have for motor homes without any factory enhancements.

Jesse M.

5/11/2026

@Ray Thanks for sharing that, Ray, really appreciate the insight. It’s helpful to hear how you worked around the clearance issue and still got a clean install. Glad to hear it made such a big difference in control and ride quality on your Challenger. That kind of feedback goes a long way for others looking to upgrade.