2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission coil springs

[JR]

Does anybody make a +1" or even a +1-1/2" variable rate coil spring?

I have a set of +2-1/2s right now and they are too much, as in the truck sits nose high everytime I'm loaded. I need just enough to clear my 285/75/17s plus Ranch Hand bumper, and I believe an inch to inch and a half would be plenty but I can't find anyone that makes such a critter. I don't really like the idea of spacers, but if I got a good stock height variable spring maybe a 1" spacer wouldn't be so bad? I guess I could always lift the rear an inch but I'm not so sure theres a good way to do that without sacrificing even more ride quality.

 

[LBARTLETT]

I bought some Stengel Bros and they ere too much, check with Supersprings, they will have what you want and are great with customer service

 

[JR]

I checked their website a while back and the most they offered was a +2" coil. If I'm going to make a change I would really like to stick to my target of +1" to 1-1/2". The only way I can achieve that from what I have found is by doing a spacer. Not real fond of that idea but it looks like the only option.

 

[LBARTLETT]

I've done spacers and not been happy, just noticed you have a 4x4, if you haven't checked Stengel's you might want to, My truck is a 2-wheel drive without a ranch hand

http://www.stengelbros.com/

 

[Heetseeker_1]

Check out Carli suspension. Best thing i've done to my truck yet.

http://www.carlisuspension.com/dodge-ram/

 

[JR]

Lots of springs available out there, just none in the height I'm looking for.

 

[AEdelheit]

Most companies wont make a 1 to 1.5" spring, with the axle so close to the bumpstops if you do a softer spring, really the only advantage of a spring over spacer, you would constantly hit the bump stops. Thuren has a 2" spring for 3rd gens but that would still probably be 2.5" on your truck depending on bumper weight.

 

[JR]

Most companies wont make a 1 to 1.5" spring, with the axle so close to the bumpstops.

Can you explain that some more please I don't follow what you are saying.
What's odd is they make 1.5" Along with the 2 and 2.5" for 2wheel drive trucks

 

[AEdelheit]

Can you explain that some more please I don't follow what you are saying.
What's odd is they make 1.5" Along with the 2 and 2.5" for 2wheel drive trucks

So companies like Thuren and Carli make there springs for improved ride quality. Lets say stock you have about 3.5-4" of up travel before the bump stops giving the axle a hard uncomfortable stop, now soften up the spring rate a bit to help the axle move easier and give the shocks more control you will blow through that travel way to easy acutally making the ride worse. Only way around it is to gain more up travel essentially giving the shocks more time to dampen the axle travel before the bump stop, this can only happen with atleast 2+" of lift giving you now 5.5-6" of up travel before hitting the bump stop. While I dont like spacers If you arent looking to improve the ride but just want to lift the front 1-1.5" over stock they are probably your best bet, they wont ride worse then stock and in terms of suspension and steering geometry it doesn't care if you use spacers or springs, they both put the axle in the same spot. Only other option would be to lift the rear of the truck but have a feeling that is not what you want to do.

 

[JR]

I didn't quite understand where you were going with your first post. Thank you for clarifying.

So my choices are a set of variable rate +2" coils or just biting the bullet and go back to stock height spring and 1.5" spacers.. I would prefer to stick with the coil only route but doubt that dropping 1/2" is going to be even worthwhile so it looks like i'm going to be stuck with a set of spacers.

 

[jessekai]

who about a longer shackel in the rear or airbags so you sit level when your loaded. heck if its only half an inch a spacer between your block and leaf would do it.

 

[AEdelheit]

Second gens have a tension shackle, a longer shackle would lower the truck!

 

[EDankievitch]

Dodge use to offer a spring for Snow Plow app's was about 1.5" taller than stock and was a bit stiffer. I had gotten a set for my 05 after learning about them in the TDR. It was in an issue in the 06-07 years for the life of me I can't remember who wrote the article but they wanted to run 315 size tires with out them hitting. Hope this helps.

 

[Dieselgunner]

I have Kore variable springs under the front of mine and it sits level and rides better. Put them on when I installed the Road Armor (never buy from them service is extremely bad) bumper and a Warn 16.5 winch. Buddy of mine in Washington put them on his 2004 and likes the ride an look also.

 

[JR]

Dodge use to offer a spring for Snow Plow app's was about 1.5" taller than stock and was a bit stiffer. I had gotten a set for my 05 after learning about them in the TDR. It was in an issue in the 06-07 years for the life of me I can't remember who wrote the article but they wanted to run 315 size tires with out them hitting. Hope this helps.

I haven't bought anything yet but likely this will be the way I go. I'd like to go with a set of Kore or carli but don't want the +3" coils, so this appears to be my best option.

Thanks for all your advice guys, hope you all have a Merry Christmas!