I have a 1992 Dodge Ram D-350, 5spd, and 3.54 with 93,000. I'm going to work for my father-in-law in his construction business.

What would be the best upgrades for towing 10k-15k a few times a week in arkansas ?

Thanks !

 

Brake controller.

 

Got that thanks !

 

I just went through this..

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...l-t303179.html


I need to address my rear suspension, as the rear springs are not sufficient for adding a trailer after 20 years without doing so.

I'm going to have my rear springs rebuilt and add an air ride system to the rear sector.



You should change out your gear oil and switch to a severe duty gear oil such as the 75-140 weights... and don't forget your additive if you have a limited slip diff.

 

All the above, incl synthetic engine oil in the Getrag. I tow somewhat lighter than you, (5th wheel camper trailer) and my most persistent problem has been coolant overheating. This off-season I swapped out the radiator so we'll see what happens this summer.

 

Replace the brake system and make sure it's working perfect, rears are adjusted, drums are turned straight, shoes are high quality so they won't crack. Make sure the front rotors are good and thick and haven't been cut 10x.

You won't have a problem pulling it. Stopping on the other hand.

I'm about to convert to Hydroboost brakes, i'm expecting a drastic improvement when towing.

 

Suspension wise you may want to consider adding extra load support for the rear springs depending on how much your truck ends up squatting. You could do this a couple of different ways such as rearching your leafs, replacing them, adding a leaf, or adding air bags.

If you consider air bags and look at our products, the kit for your application would be 57215. If you have any questions regarding adding air I would be happy to help even if they are questions about other companies products.

 

Great advice....


Make sure your electric trailer brake controller is functioning and dialed in correctly based upon the load you're hauling. I recently set mine up, and it explained in the instructions that I travel ~25mph, and actuate the brake controller multiple times to where the brakes do not lock up, and sufficient stopping power is applied. Balanced brakes are important, as with not enough on the settings will overtax your braking system, and too much will lock up the trailer brakes each time you apply them.

 

how much do you want to spend?

 

I'm willing to spend up to $1000.00

Thanks guys !

 

Be very gentle with the pedal the first time you go to stop after doing so, I almost ate my steering wheel when I converted my truck the first time I hit the brakes

 

Ditto on stopping being the weak link.

I'd invest in some gauges too so you can monitor the systems. EGTs, etc.

Have you already overfilled the Getrag? They don't like to be lugged in 5th.

 

Get a good exhaust brake and HD valve springs and let your engine compression stop you, no sense wearing out your friction brakes.
Also gauges, don't want your EGT getting away from you on a grade.