Factory 3500 Air-Assist leaf springs

[DeansRedRam]

I have wondered this since I got the truck and I would love to know if anyone ese has thought the same.

While taking pictures of the rustproofing under my truck I saw this as a great time to snag some pictures of the leaf springs.

In the front of the rear tire, there are 4 leaf springs but aft of the tire there are 3.

I wonder why... anyone have any ideas? Maybe to help with axle wrap under high loads?

 

[lpennock]

To counter axle wrap. Similar effect to traction bars.

 

[AH64ID]

Axle wrap and load support in ALT.

 

[DeansRedRam]

To counter axle wrap. Similar effect to traction bars.

That's what I figured, but wasn't 100% sure!

Now I'm surprised that 3500 with just the factory leaf springs don't have something like this.

 

[lpennock]

Now I'm surprised that 3500 with just the factory leaf springs don't have something like this.

A lot higher spring rate so not needed.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Curious why they changed the rear springs on the newer models, I run full RAWR with ZERO issues.

Notice in ALT ride I am down on the overloads.

 

[AH64ID]

Curious why they changed the rear springs on the newer models, I run full RAWR with ZERO issues.

I think they changed again in 19. 2 full leaves underneath.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I think they changed again in 19. 2 full leaves underneath.

I think they changed again in 19. 2 full leaves underneath.

Strange, are you saying 4 total full length and no short ones?

 

[AH64ID]

Strange, are you saying 4 total full length and no short ones?

That’s what it looked like in the photo I saw.

@RVTRKN or @TFucili Can either of you post pics?

 

[TFucili]

 

[AH64ID]

View attachment 119691

Thanks! It did change again.

 

[DeansRedRam]

Interesting... so it went from

2/4 leaf split in 2015 TO
3/4 leaf split in 2018 TO
4/4 leafs in 2019

I don't think it makes a difference but keep in mind my truck is a SRW.

 

[DeansRedRam]

Interesting... so it went from

2/4 leaf split in 2015 TO
3/4 leaf split in 2018 TO
4/4 leafs in 2019

I don't think it makes a difference but keep in mind my truck is a SRW.

 

[DeansRedRam]

Interesting... so it went from

2/4 leaf split in 2015 TO
3/4 leaf split in 2018 TO
4/4 leafs in 2019

I don't think it makes a difference but keep in mind my truck is a SRW.

 

[AH64ID]

Triple post .

My dads 17 is the same as my 18. I haven’t snooped around a 16 to know which setup it has.

I think the most impressive part of the entire suspension is that they use the same stuff SRW to DRW. It’s a pretty versatile and STOUT system.

 

[DeansRedRam]

Whoops, sorry about that. I didn't think it went through so I did it two more times.

That't what impresses me, DRW to SRW. I think my tires will blow out before my suspension reaches max capacity.

 

[Cummins12V98]

View attachment 119691

How about a pic from the rear plz.

 

[TFucili]

How about a pic from the rear plz.

If you mean of the springs, that is from the left rear, looking forward.

 

[Cummins12V98]

If you mean of the springs, that is from the left rear, looking forward

Got it. That is way different!

 

[DeansRedRam]

This is all I have right

now, if you want a different, I'll have to get another one tomorrow.