94-02 vs. 03 and up suspension: 3500 2wd

[Jeff Clark]

Does anybody know if there are significant changes in the suspension of the 3500 2wd dually from previous years to the 03? I really want to take an 04 dually and lower it using Air Ride Technologies air bags, but they don't have a system for the new style and I don't know how long until they do. If the suspension in the front is the same or very similar I can probably get it to work. If the rear dimensions are the same or close, it might work there too. Can anybody shed some light on this?

 

[Prairie Dog]

The rear leaf springs are much longer for 03, don't know about the rest.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I think with the rear system you remove all but the main spring and install a 4 link system with air bags. I think the biggest factor is the width between the frame rails in the back. In the front, the coils are replaced with an air bag, so A-arm design is the main factor.

 

[Jeff Clark]

OK, stopped by a local dealer and looked at both. The front end is completely different. The rear looks like the frame rails are wider. Someone with some fabrication skills could probably adapt the old system to work on the new trucks. I called Air Ride Technologies to see if they have anything in the works. They said nothing in the next month. They won't build a system for the new trucks until someone brings them one to use. If they don't have something by Dec. or Jan. , I'll take them mine.

 

[Fireman]

Try Kelderman air ride suspensions. One of our members has it, I think it is Yogibear.



Fireman

 

[Jeff Clark]

I checked that. His kits are for lifting. I want a kit to lower.