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Must read:I might have the cure for bouncy poor handling truck!

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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 09:17 PM
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Tommy93w350's Avatar
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From: Foothills, NC
Smile Must read:I might have the cure for bouncy poor handling truck!

I've been reading on different websites and combining all the information to help my truck handle better. I have bilstein shocks on the front, but it still handles mushy, bouncy, and wanders down the road.

My track bar will bottom out and hit the axle driving of railroad tracks. I have a brand new 2.5 spacer to install, but don't want the lift with a mushy and bouncy truck. I like a stiffer feel.

When I haul a trailer, it lifts the front of the truck just enough to make it drive awesome! I thought it was toe out or in when hauling, so I tried it both ways unloaded, no help.

So, I've read about the coil spring's weight rating and what springs came out with different trucks. My springs are a tag # 039 on the drivers side and 038 on the passenger side. A plow prep truck will have a 047 and 046 spring. A cab and chassis has a 048 spring on both sides. The higher the number the more weight the spring can carry. A 038 spring can handle 1500lbs, a 048 can handle 2200 lbs. All of them are the same height and came on 2500 and 3500 trucks (cab chassis is only 048).

Also the there's a thick rubber spring isolator on top of the coil spring that will get mushy and weak. This might also contribute to the poor handling.

So, I ordered a new 048 for the drivers side and a 047 for the passenger with new rubber isolators and new sway bar bushings for my truck. I should be able to install all of it this weekend and report the difference.

Do a yahoo search on this springs and check Dave Fritz site it has the coil spring rating by the number and lbs.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 10:41 PM
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hmmm i have the plow package so i guess i have 047 and 046 springs.

truck handles fine unless you hit bumps while braking.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:36 AM
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sounds like a solid theory to me. Keep us posted if it works or not.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 10:01 AM
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when i read the title I thought this was going to be another concrete bed liner thread.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 10:18 AM
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Here is the website for spring ratings. look at your springs they will have a tough paper tag with the number on it. Then compare it to the chart.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/springs.htm

Here is a good article on the Plowsite.http://www.plowsite.com/archive/index.php/t-29423.html


Here's another article on TDR.
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...nt-part-s.html
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 10:23 AM
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What

Dude you drive a diesel... I mean come on.. If you want a good ride buy a cadillac.. OR you can do the Air Ride route?!!!
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 05:34 PM
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I don't want a cadilac ride, dude. I want a diesel truck ride, dude. Did you read my first post, "I like a stiffer feel". That's the whole scope of the project to upgrade to a ton truck stiff suspension. To adequately support or over compensate the weight of the Cummins, big bumper, plow, or a 12,000lb trailer.

Please read more in depth with the thread, it could help your truck.

Thanks
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 07:09 PM
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here is one that may further inspire your research but its the rearend.my truck an 02 duelly exstended cab long box.if you hit a hole or large bump in the road its seems to feel like the entire truck lifts up and you can actually feel the truck pitch a little sideways.is this because the duellys are so stiff in the rear or is it a big problem?it only dose it unloaded ofcoures
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 08:59 PM
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Please keep us posted. I want to know too!
-P
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:01 PM
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From: Powhatan, Virginia
I know I am driving a truck, and I know it's a heavy diesel in the front, but I am tired of my coffee being spilt, even with a lid on it, because the truck bounces so much. Doggone it, if it has to be this rough they should put air-ride seats in them like a Peterbuilt.
I must say that my 99 rides better than my 96, but both could use improvement.
I'm all ears, but I already have the plow package on both trucks.

Chris
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:36 PM
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From: Foothills, NC
After reading some of the posts, some trucks might have a 047 on the drivers and a 039 on the passenger side. Look at your coils springs for a paper tag wrapped around the spring, it will give tell you your spring number.

Also, give your vin# to the dealer they can tell you what springs you have.

I just like a heavy ton truck ride not the weak mushy and bouncy ride. Changing the coil springs has to make a difference.

I recieve the springs Thursday and I'll start installing them Friday. I can't wait!

Both springs 048 and 047 and two rubber spring isolators was just a tad over $300. I've spend more and got less on other projects.
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Old Jul 25, 2007 | 07:08 AM
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Hey Tommy, how do you like the Power Puck. MWFI says it does no damage to the VP44 and adds about 50-60 hp. is it a noticable improvement???
thanks

stix
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Old Jul 25, 2007 | 07:14 AM
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I love it!!! Very satisfied with it and wouldn't trade for any other programer. Plenty of power, increased mpg by 2.5, and never had any problems.
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Old Jul 25, 2007 | 07:52 PM
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on a stock 235 hp truck---I wonder what a BHAF and a Power Puck with straight exhaust will put the HP and Torque to..Does anybody know???
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Old Jul 26, 2007 | 07:10 AM
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From: Toronto, ON
Originally Posted by dj_souvlaki
hmmm i have the plow package so i guess i have 047 and 046 springs.

truck handles fine unless you hit bumps while braking.

ya then the ABS kicks in and you cant stop...
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