from a Chev gasser to a Dodge diesel,Lowering 2002 2WD Ram

[RThompson]

New subscriber and a reader of this forum for last year. I would like to pose a few question on getting a 2500 QC SB 2wd with 6 sp. lowered 3-4 inches. I would like to find out what is available to lower the front end 2-3 inches. I ordered the truck without the camper overloads. May have to have some rear springs made up so as not to compromise the load carrying capacity to much. Removing the 2" block may help but I would like to end up with about 4" drop in the rear. Anyone had any experience with longer shackles to lower the rear? In case you are wondering, I don't care for the high center of gravity and increased wind resistance when pulling a fifth wheel trailer. Going to try and get this set up as a freeway cruiser. I have offroad M/C and 4X4 to satisfy my need for two tracking. Rolled up 107K on a sweet running small block Chev but it was always a worry going over the nasty passes here in the Northwest and in Rockies. Current trailer is only 6000 lbs so the HO Cummins should make easy work of the hills. Plan on 9000 lb trailer in a few years. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[MCummings]

Hey, about the overloads...

My Dad towed, daily, a trailer that would weigh in between 19,000-36,000 Pounds.

The overly loads wouldn't even touch when the trailer was at 19K, and just rest on them at 30K (the truck was loaded down, it just takes alot of weight for them to touch). The truck always bumps into them, even without a load. Personally in my *opinion* they are not needed for anything below 9,000 pounds, anyway,, Airbags, from what I have heard, are a MUCH better solution to having a good ride that is capable of handling the weight.



my $. 01



MerrickNJr

 

[MCummings]

more thoughts...

About the trailer we towed, it was a 24 foot gooseneck, so, some of the weight was on the front end also.



Many moons ago, I wanted a Dodge Dakota 5. 9 R/T.

MAN!, in my dreams, I had a Supercharger, Computer chips, headers, air bag suspension, sound system, EVERYTHING, well, I woke up, .



When I was looking at some of these things, I looked very hard at Airbag suspensions, If you were to run Airbag suspension for the rear over-load springs, using a centralized air supply system, you could comletly replace the front springs for Airbags, you cold also run airhorns, air compressors, air tools, or anything else air powered if you had a good enough air pump, and large enough air tank.



Another thought,, For how much $ you could spend gaining 3 MPG for lowereing the truck, which BTW would look sweet!,, You could gain MPG by installing a Poweredge EZ, and Hi-Performance injectors, also switching over to full synthetic lubes (Engine, transmission, rear-end, etc) MPG will also go up.

An Overdrive unit will also save $ on fuel, but you have to consider the price tag, and see if you will be making that money back in fuel, or just buy it, You'd probably fall in love with it anyway **From what I hear**



Okay, the floor is open again, these were the last of my $. 002 thoughts. I may have more things come to mind,, but it'll only be change from my $. 002. LOL





MerrickNJr

 

[RThompson]

Merrick, your suggestion to use air bags on the front suspension might just be the trick.

I haven't taken delivery of the truck yet (3-4 weeks), so I am getting a few things lined up. Going to put in a Linex bedliner with SS rail caps, 3 pod gauge set and a Husky 16K slider hitch. .

Fuel mileage is less of a concern than than getting CG down to where it handles easily in the wind. The Alpenlite trailer we now pull has been lifted as far as it can be without changing out the suspension trunions.

If I decide to bump up the power it will probably have to wait till the motor gets broke in.

BTW,,, I was all set to order a 2500 Ch______t. Found this forum and then starting looking at what GM was not offering... Small fuel tank (26 gal. ), no full floating rear axles (on the 2500 LT), poor torgue and economy and no price incentives.

Drove the HO with 6 speed and was convinced, You know I didn't even mind the sound. Spent 25 years working in equipment shops and always swore I would never buy a diesel but I am now looking forward to taking delivery of our new truck.

 

[Extreme1]

There have been a few lowered trucks in the magazine over the years. It seems the most popular method is with airbags as MCummins mentioned. A white 3500 was featured a couple years ago, killer soud system, etc, very sharp. You might try buy some back issues to get more specific info...

 

[maint.man]

try www.ridetech.com Great guys , great product, These are the guys that lowered a truck for UPS. Their shop is about 5 mi. from me and they have got a sweet set -up for the rams , guaranteed to get low and still tow.