I'am having a hard time finding heavy duty oem replacement springs. I have read all the post on the skyjackers, and they sound like they ride nice, but don't have the "heavy duty" part. Perhaps I'm wrong. Oem from the local Chrysler dealership are nearly 300 a piece, for that i can go with weak front springs and ride rite air bags. I just got a quote from Otto max for 193.00 a spring plus shipping for 2100 lbs capacity. I guess my real question is what is a good, very heavy duty spring? Or should I go with skyjackers for around 300 a set and just bag the front? I know this subject has been done to death, but fire wood season is nearly here, i just got this truck, and i want to carry a HUGE load of oak and laugh at the new trucks that squat with 3000 lbs

 

If you want to spend the money the only way to go is with national springs, I have them and they do not sag one bit. They are a little pricey but worth every penny. Give them a call for a price, I'm not sure what they want for them depending on what size you want.

 

check out this site for replacement springs

http://www.stengelbros.com/HeavyDutyLeafSprings.htm

 

The two biggest problems with the 1st gen front springs are travel and friction. You can get a better than stock ride with a stiffer spring if it gives you a little more travel, so don't worry about a little extra stiffness. Get it up an inch or two and it really helps. The friction between the leaves is very bad too. Get springs with the plastic pads between the leaves. Or, at least grease between te leaves. Pads are the best and make a difference

Another way to add travel is to move the bump stops up an inch or so. I put the lower bolt in the upper hole on the bracket and drilled a new lower hole. This moved the stop up and helped too.

Then get shocks that are no stiffer than necessary. I had my springs out of the truck over and over. I kept trying different combinations of leaves and arches. What a pain for a little gain!

If you do the rear springs be sure to keep the lifting blocks and not go with the arched springs that replace the blocks. The truck will handle much better and there will be no interference with the shackles.

Sorry if this has all been posted before.


John

 

I am having my front re arched this weekend with a add a leaf should get me a good 2.5" of lift and the add a leaf should keep them from sagging for quit a while. A friend of mine had it done a couple of years ago and no sag as of yet.

Greg

 

Thanks for the replys, all this input helps. I need to call skyjacker and grill a rep. I just need to make sure that they will hold up with 2 1/2 tons and not be to soft. a lot is price, i think i can get the skyjackers for a little over 300, free shipping while a lot of spring makers want between 200-300 per side plus shipping.

 

If you're just going for the front springs I don't think they're too soft. I hauled a 4000lb pallet of flagstone a month ago and had to air my bags up to 90psi to get the truck to sit level. The front didn't sag at all that I could tell, nor was it "squishy" going down the road.