2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain Discussion for all Dodge Rams from 1994 through 2002. Please, no engine or drivetrain discussion.

Rear leaf helper springs

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 02:03 PM
  #1  
jethroish's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 177
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
Rear leaf helper springs

If this needs to be moved to the towing folder, sorry. Was not sure which to put it in.

I have a 2002 Ram 2500. I used to tow a 5th wheel trailer that was 6500# max.
I got rid of that and now have a 24 foot, 3 horse living quarter trailer that weighs out at 7850# empty. Do not plan to ever put 3 horses in it. Just 2 horses with a little extra room for storage if needed.
Truck pulls it just fine, but looks like it is sitting just a hair too low in the rear.
Will these do the trick? anyone use these? Happy or no?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0146&ppt=C0385
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 02:25 PM
  #2  
Load Hauler 04's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern , Az
What I find works the best and retains the stock ride when empty is aftermarket air bags. My wifes 2500 CC 4X4 Rides like a dream when empty but when you pull a trailer, the front end lookes at the sky, soluition, 5000 lb. air bags. I got mine thru styling trucks, the whole system with compressor was about 700.00. Well worth it
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 02:27 PM
  #3  
SIXSLUG's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,614
Likes: 167
From: Pacific NW, B'ham, Kalispell MT
I was also going to suggest airbags. They will be my next modification to my truck.

Kurt
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 03:01 PM
  #4  
jethroish's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 177
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
Thanks for the replies. I found out through contacting Superior Automotive (they make helper leafs) that the ones in my first post will not work because they interfere with the factory overloads. If I want to use bolt on helper springs, I need a set of over-the-leaf helpers not the under-the-leaf indicated earlier.

I'll look into the air bags, but don't know if I want to dig that deep into the wallet.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 03:12 PM
  #5  
surfram's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 1
From: Delaware
I run a set of Timbrens on my 2004 2500. I installed mine without the optional spacers so they only engage with a decent load on the truck. They are not adjustable like airbags but are much cheaper than an airbag/compressor combo. Truckspring has kits from $194 to $229: http://www.truckspring.com/VSearchRe...&pt=189&fv=584
Name:  100_0367.jpg
Views: 3888
Size:  175.1 KB
Name:  timbrens-firewood008.jpg
Views: 2237
Size:  172.8 KB
Name:  timbrens-firewood005.jpg
Views: 5651
Size:  175.2 KB
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 05:05 PM
  #6  
nickg's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Alberta
I have airbags as well (firestone) you can buy just the kit, its only around 250$ canadian, that does not include an air compressor, you dont need one any waythe onboad air adds a huge price tag to the cost
you just air them up as you require the extra lift, one of the little electric aircompressors(20$) that you toss in the trunk works just fine

My advice is to ditch the overloads and install the airbags
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2010 | 10:48 PM
  #7  
VICIOUS FISHER's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: THE ROCK - WEST COAST B.C.
Originally Posted by jethroish
Thanks for the replies. I found out through contacting Superior Automotive (they make helper leafs) that the ones in my first post will not work because they interfere with the factory overloads. If I want to use bolt on helper springs, I need a set of over-the-leaf helpers not the under-the-leaf indicated earlier.

I'll look into the air bags, but don't know if I want to dig that deep into the wallet.
I have ride rite airbags, factory 4" lift and overloads, no compressor, works fine and was cheap, every time I show up at the gravel pit and put 4,400 lbs of gravel in (almost 2 metric tonnes) the scalers look at the truck and say.....Is that a one ton, I say no, and he says wow, (there is zero squat) ya ya I know...I'm over, but It's not far home. It's not a problem changing the air for different applications, 20lbs for daily drivin and 60 for towing with moderate tongue weight. 90 for haulin big *** loads. worth every penny. I tow a 6500LB trailer and a 10,000lb trailer not daily but when i do if the bags aren't right on the road there's a gas station on every corner.
I bought a kit in that sat on the old jounce bumper mounts inboard of the springs.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2010 | 09:02 AM
  #8  
shorthair's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
+1 on the air bags you can let them down to 10 psi when MT & bump 'em up to what ever you need when loaded to maintain ride quality.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fordrescueunit
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
17
Apr 15, 2012 11:49 AM
turbo246
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
18
Dec 9, 2010 10:22 AM
97catintenn
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
11
May 28, 2010 08:29 PM
95turbo4wd
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
5
Dec 12, 2007 05:59 PM
99 cummins
Towing and Hauling / RV
7
Feb 21, 2004 09:15 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:43 AM.