Best Handling Improvements?

[MDF99]

I have a 1997 3/4 ton and am looking to improve its handling. It has about 90K on it and is all stock, original everything. I have to creep over railroad tracks and this truck corners like a tank. Where should I start? What modifications and repairs have you made to your truck that improved the handling and you felt was money well spent? Thanks much!!

 

[Rob Thomas]

MDF99,



The best, and only thing I've done to improve the handling, is I installed a quad shock kit in the front, with an additional 2. 5" coil, that made a world of differance. It was inexpensive, and an easy install, with minor mechanical skills. Hope this helps ya.





Later, Rob

 

[LSMITH]

Rancho 9000 shocks. Put them on and you will not be sorry, they will make your truck safe again.

 

[JKloppe]

With a DT trac bar steering is much tighter. New tie rod ends could also help.



Jordan

 

[Posm]

I have made several improvements/ parts replacements to my front end and would recomend them to you. I put on a set of Rancho 9000s set on # 3 at about 40K and wish I had put them on at mile one. I installed urathane bushings on the front end (sway bar, track bar right end, and the control arms). I am very, very happy with the results of the bushing upgrade, but the directions were awfull on the control arm bushings and I had to have some of the inserts machined to get them to work. I am waiting on a response from Energy Suspension on wheather I installed them correctly or not. If someone makes simular quality urathane bushings with better instructions and customer service I would recomend them at mile one.

I also install new a new track bar about every 30K (currently I am on number 4 at 125K). The track bar replacements are sponsored by Moog through their warranty.

I was able to get 50 k one my stock tires and 75K on the replacement Michelins and the wear has been very even.

I was expecting to put on new ball joints by now, however mine are still very tight.

I also installed a Rancho single shock steering stabilizer and could not tell much difference at the time.

 

[azcummins]

Posm-

How much did your bushings cost?

 

[Posm]

The track bar bushing (1 piece) $7. 95

Sway bar bushing ( 6 pieces) $20. 00

Control Arm bushing ( 12 pieces) $97. 95



I also got the Rear spring kit, which I have not put on yet $60. 95



I will probably get the Cab mount bushings for about $100. 00 at a later date.



I wish that ADT or Geno's would get into this market.



I got these from 4 Wheel Parts off of the internet and they were nice enough, they just can not match the knowlege or service offered at the above sources.



Bryan

 

[MDF99]

Does everyone agree that the Rancho shocks are about the best shocks for the money? I think I'll get a new set of shocks first off.



Also, the tires I run on my 4x4 are 33 x 12. 5 x 16. 5. Do wide tires like these contribute to faster wear on specific parts of the trucks front suspension? If so, what parts should I be looking at for excessive wear? Thanks.

 

[jsnyder]

Try Bilsteins

I'm not trying to start a flaming war, and can't speak of a direct comparison because I haven't used the Rancho 9000's. However, I do have a set of the Bilstein's and absolutely love them. I know some folks really like the adjustability component of the Rancho's. To me, it seems like something else to go wrong. The Bilsteins are simple and give a good ride. Yes, I would put these on at mile one also. No more Oo. Oo. Oo.

Oo. as you go down the road. These give a nice ride when towing also (11k GVW gooseneck).



Jason

 

[Posm]

I might be inclined to agree with you on front shocks, as I never have moved them after settling on the # 3 setting. I would consider the Rancho 5000s, which are not adjustable and preset to about the # 3 setting on the 9000s or the Blisteins. On the rear I will have the 9000s or a comprable adjustable shock. I vary the setting from 2 to 4 and it makes a world of difference.

 

[MDF99]

Do you all know of a reputable dealer with good pricing on shocks and other suspension items. Who do you enjoy doing business with? Thanks.

 

[Chipstien]

MDF99

Check out this thread. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=29865



Seems to be a good plce to buy that stuff.

 

[jsimpson]

Bilsteins!

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

I bought mine with training wheels. . it handles great that extra 2ft of track width makes a HUGE difference.





But, I'll listen in to see what you guys come up with.



Later,

Mark

 

[Forrest]

I had the Rancho 5000's ... way too stiff. They rode fine when the 5th wheel was attached though. The 9000's let you tune the ride to your liking.



If you change to larger tires, you can tune that increase in un-sprung weight back to your preference.

 

[Wiredawg]

RS9000s and Airlift Airbags

Fellow Rammers:



The combination of the RS9000s and the Airlift airbags makes my truck ride great empty and really great pulling my 15K lb 5th wheel. I've driven w/ my 5th wheel thru road construction where there was only a few inches on either side me and stayed right in the middle of my lane.



Just a note: Once I forgot to change the setting on my rear shocks from 1 to 5. About 10 mile down the road I figured it out. Talk about a difference.



Take care all,



Wiredawg

 

[jsimpson]

My Bilsteins feel just as good loaded as unloaded. I use Firestone airbags too. Is the air bag controller an air valve, or just an electrical switch operating the pump? Does it control just filling, or also emptying?

 

[jsimpson]

My Bilsteins feel just as good loaded as unloaded. I use Firestone airbags too. Is the air bag controller an air valve, or just an electrical switch operating the pump? Does it control just filling, or also emptying?

 

[Wiredawg]

Air Controller Answer

JSimpson:



On my 2000, the air controller is both. There is wiring that runs from the controller to the air compressor and to a silenoid on each side.



Wiredawg

 

[MDF99]

Are there any differences between the different brands of air bags for Dodge trucks? I have a 29 foot camper that I tow pretty often and it makes my truck sit low in the back when it's hitched up. Do you use airbags to adjust the rear ride height or to increase the stiffness of the rear suspension or both? Where did you all purchase your airbags? Ever have any problems with them?