How would I know if my rear leaf springs gone flat?

[WBraico]

Just picked up an 07 Ram 2 wd 2500 but I need to find out what is the normal ride height of this model. I tried searching for hours and can't find specs on rear bumper or bed height from the ground. I know the 2 WD sit lower than the 4WDs. The existing rear leafs 3 + the overload doesn't have much arc. The front coils have twist in spacers that someone put in I guess to compensate for sag. My 98 Ram Dually has a load height of about 36" to the ground when unloaded the 07 , 2500 is at about 32" at the rear of the bed to the ground unloaded. I plan on pulling my 5th wheel occasionally but I either need to get the leafs re-arched and add a leaf or possibly install spacer blocks (lift kit). Ans that means I'll need to do new coils and spindles up front to get to a height so the fith wheel pulls somewhat level. I also plan on adding air bags once I know what the correct height is on these 2500 ,2WDs. But I never rely on the airbags to put to much stress on the frame.
Thanks
Walt

 

[Wiredawg]

Just a thought that the front spacers weren't for sag, but to level the truck. Lots of folks do it especially if they dont haul or tow heavy. I'm no suspension expert, but these trucks dont have a lot of arch... just looked on my niece's (my former) 03 Ram 2500 QC 4x4 sb, and it doesn't have a lot of arch either. She has 100gal aux tank in her bed to boot. How does it ride empty? Put a load on and see.

Hope this helps a little bit.

Cheers, Ron

 

[AEdelheit]

Just picked up an 07 Ram 2 wd 2500 but I need to find out what is the normal ride height of this model. I tried searching for hours and can't find specs on rear bumper or bed height from the ground. I know the 2 WD sit lower than the 4WDs. The existing rear leafs 3 + the overload doesn't have much arc. The front coils have twist in spacers that someone put in I guess to compensate for sag. My 98 Ram Dually has a load height of about 36" to the ground when unloaded the 07 , 2500 is at about 32" at the rear of the bed to the ground unloaded. I plan on pulling my 5th wheel occasionally but I either need to get the leafs re-arched and add a leaf or possibly install spacer blocks (lift kit). Ans that means I'll need to do new coils and spindles up front to get to a height so the fith wheel pulls somewhat level. I also plan on adding air bags once I know what the correct height is on these 2500 ,2WDs. But I never rely on the airbags to put to much stress on the frame.
Thanks
Walt

I would never recommend blocks without doing tractions bars too unless you enjoy axle wrap, you can find a set of 4wd leaf's laying around pretty easily and swap those in if you want the added height.

 

[AH64ID]

You should be able to dig the specs out of here.

https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-commercial/body-builders-guide/vehicle-database.html

When you do get airbags you want to let the rig settle 1-1.5” from empty and use the bags to keep you there.

Are you out of adjustment on your 5th wheel hitch?

 

[WBraico]

Yes they probably put those cheesy twist-in spacers to level it a bit. And I know there isn't much arch, probably 2 to 3 inches with the bed empty, but judging by the rubber bump stops I'm about 3" from hitting the axle tubes. A spring shop told me with the leaf pack out of the truck I should have right at 6" of arch (center-line of bushings to top of main leaf) I was inquiring about cold re-arching my leaves and possibly adding a leaf, to get an extra inch of height and another 500 lb. capacity. But I like the idea of searching out some good 4X4 leaf packs from a wrecking yard if they would still have some life left in them, and they would probably have some spacer blocks as well in a 4X4 configuration. And spring wrap is already a problem along with wheel hop, I already inquired with Calvert Racing for some of their Cal Tracs (had them on my nova) they work great.
I don't tow the Toy-hauler but maybe a couple times a year, the fifth wheel box is up as high as it can go and don't have any adjustment on the Reese fifth wheel or bed rails. it currently rides level behind my 98, 4X4 3500 which sits 4 to 5" higher than my 2wd 07 Ram 2500 when their both unloaded.
It's been a challenge to find the unloaded ride height of the rear of bed to the ground on any spec page from Dodge or the up fitters sites. Maybe there's some 3rd gen 2WD 2500s out there with descent suspension, and could measure their height? My current height is 32" (unloaded) My 3500 4X4 sits at 36" (unloaded).
I think the only way to solve the problem and still be able to tow the fiver level is a lift kit with new front spindles, spacers, re-arched rear leafs and some blocks and probably 33" tires, all for a mere $3,000 lol. at least the taller tires will get me some lower RPMs since that G56 don't give me that. lol $$$

 

[crispyboy]

On my 2009 4wd truck there was probably 4 1/2 to 5" between the axle tube and the bump stops. The factory 4x4 tailgate open to ground measurement is 36.6" according to Ram body builder guide. I took out the spacers to reverse level the truck which is about 1 1/2" if I recall.
The thick overload spring doesn't have much arch.
Your springs are probably ok.
I am not familiar with 5th wheel hitches. Is there another brand of hitch that would offer more adjustment?
I could only wish my 4x4 sat as low to the ground as your 2wd truck.

 

[WBraico]

LOL, Yeah its kinda nice having a lower truck than my 4X4 Dually was. it to was about 36" from the tailgate to the ground. Yeah I'm sure there are other Pin boxes (Upper part ) connected to the 5th wheel that have more adjustments. I think after I fix the injector issues on this 07 I will probably look into new leafs maybe a small spacer block or maybe just air bags for those few times I tow that 5th wheel.