Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Pulled the 7/8 inch cast iron spacers out from between the axle perches and the main spring pack. I think Dodge put them in there to level the truck under continuous full load as part of the camper package.
Other posts I read, folks have also removed overloads, flipped springs around, etc. but I wanted to keep all of the capacity, just at a better stance. So all I did was take these spacers out, evenly tighten the square u-bolts down and torque to 110 ft-lb. On my 2001, I didn't see anything else that needed to be shortened (like a ride-height sensor thingy).
I can't explain why, but it rides better! I'm not sure if it's just the more-equal front and rear height, the slightly different spring/shock/axle geometery or what, but I like it. The truck looks "right" now, with a slightly higher bed when empty, like it's ready for a load. Before it looked "wrong", like the front end had gotten old and sagged down too far.
Wanted to post for those who looked at those and wondered if they really have to be there.
Other posts I read, folks have also removed overloads, flipped springs around, etc. but I wanted to keep all of the capacity, just at a better stance. So all I did was take these spacers out, evenly tighten the square u-bolts down and torque to 110 ft-lb. On my 2001, I didn't see anything else that needed to be shortened (like a ride-height sensor thingy).
I can't explain why, but it rides better! I'm not sure if it's just the more-equal front and rear height, the slightly different spring/shock/axle geometery or what, but I like it. The truck looks "right" now, with a slightly higher bed when empty, like it's ready for a load. Before it looked "wrong", like the front end had gotten old and sagged down too far.
Wanted to post for those who looked at those and wondered if they really have to be there.
