Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Front coil springs have different weight ratings

[BRI7070]

I was looking into the front coil springs on my Ram and I have on the drivers side the 046 spring and for the passenger side the 039 spring. With the help of the parts adviser at the local dealership (she is very helpful) found that

the 046 spring is rated at 1854 lbs/inch

the 039 spring is rated at 1688 lbs/inch,



wonder why is there a 166 lbs/inch different?



What is the spring rate for the Skyjacker D25 springs?

 

[Wiredawg]

I think...

I think it's heavier on the driver's side for the weight of the driver.



Sounds funny, but that's what I recall hearing.



Wiredawg

 

[HillCountrykid]

I think those ratings are a little high. On Dave Fritz's site the 039 is listed at 442 lbs/inch. The 046 is not listed.



Brian

 

[Crazy Horse]

Wiredawg is right.

Some manufactures do have a heavier spring on the left side to compensate for the driver's weight. Not only in the front, but the rear too.

 

[Shovelhead]

Don't forget the fuel tank rides on the driver's side of the frame too. (35 gal @ aprox 7lbs gal. )

 

[John]

I have the #039 passenger/#046 driver coil springs on my '98. 5 QC 2500 4x4 Ram... that's the way it was ordered! ( ) You see, you couldn't order the factory snowplow prep option with a CTD AND QC in '98.



FAST FORWARD TO CURRENT: I just purchased an #047 (passenger) and #048 (driver) coil spring to replace the OE counterparts (snowplow springs for a QC are generally, #046 passenger/#047 driver). Sooo, me not wanting to go with just the snowplow upgrade springs, I had to go one better!



I also had to get those two bad boys powder coated as well...



gloss black!



What else?

 

[cmckinney]

I called up SkyJacker about the D25 coil. The tech said that he didn't have the spring rate spec available. He just said that the coil was rated for the V10 and CTD.



-CM

 

[BV]

Spring Rates

Can't help with SkyJacker rates but here is a link to Dave Fritz's site with the tech info on all Dodge springs.

 

[rspinks]

John, where'd you get the 047/048 and how much? My 039/046 rides like a marshmallow in the front, either I'm getting an 047 to swap in or the DT25 lift coils.

 

[tarussell]

Same ? as rspinks

John , I have the same question as rspinks. My truck has 046 and 047 front springs , but I am thinking of ordering a 048 spring upgrade. TIA,Thomas

 

[SGrady]

I got a quote from my local dealer to upgrade my front springs they wanted $110 each for the springs and $70/hr for labor. All together they wanted $500. 00. I have a gasser w/a snowplow and a 037/038 front spring combo. If anyone has an 039 they want to get rid of let me know.

 

[John]

rspinks and tarussell,



I purchased my #047/#048 replacement coil springs through a friend of mine (TDR member and NW BOMBer member) at a considerable savings over the dealer price in my immediate area. I believe my Dodge Dealer here in Enumclaw, WA, quoted me $136. each for the aforementioned springs.



BTW, according to my friend, the cab and chassis Rams use the #048/#048 springs.



tarussell, you already have the snowplow springs in your Ram (#046 passenger/#047 driver). Per Dave Fritz's chart, replacing your #046/#047 springs with #047/#048 springs would increase the weight capabilities. However, I personally wouldn't move your "old" #047 driver side spring to the passenger side and add a new #048 to the driver side... you may encounter a ride height difference (just to name one possible shortcoming).

 

[Cooker]

John why the switch to the heavier springs? I assume you are hanging a plow on the front? How does the ride compare to the 46/39 combo?



Thanks.

 

[John]

Cooker, first of all, I haven't installed the new, heavier rated coil springs yet. However, I have ridden in several Rams ('02 models) with the #046/#047 snowplow springs. The ride was a little stiffer BUT...



they didn't exhibit any bouncing tendencies as I have with my OE #039/#046 springs and Edelbrock IAS shocks. Based on this, I felt I could easily live with the slightly stiffer springs I just purchased (i. e. , one step above the OE snowplow springs). I don't mind a reasonably stiff ride, but I absolutely hate a jouncy, bouncy front end! Another plus with the snowplow springs... they will provide around a 3/4" lift to the front end of your Ram. I didn't want an aftermarket leveling kit because if you tow or haul something heavy your headlights will be pointing at the moon!



... even moreso with a SWB Ram!



I'm currently waiting for my (front and rear) Bilstein gas shocks to arrive so I can install everything at once.



The other reason I wanted to replace my OE springs is because I noticed a 3/4" sag at the left front corner when I was replacing the rubber portion of my NW Custom mud flaps. Oddly enough, no sag was found in either of the two rear leaf springs.



Ok Mike, Evan and Rob (or any other NW BOMBers who know me)... insert laugh here:___________

 

[Cooker]

John,



Thanks for the info. I am contemplating options for the suspension of my truck and one I was thinking of was the OE springs. I do not want a stiffer ride, but I agree a little harsher ride is more tolerable that a bouncy front end. I have also noticed the front of my truck start to sag a little bit. I have no measurements, but it does appear to have a little more of a nosedive look. A the Skyjacker 2 1/2" seems appealing also. Decisions... Decisions...



The Bombing well has run dry for a while anyway. It's just as well as winter, cold weather, and road salt is approaching I will hold off until next spring before any more exterior BOMBs.



Thanks again,

Ryan

 

[tarussell]

John-- 048/048 Cab-Chassis ?

I had also heard that the Cab-Chassis trucks used the 048/048 spring combo,and that is what gave me the idea of the spring upgrade. Sorry, I did not make that clear when I posted before.

Do You( or your friend w/ the Cab-Chassis knowledge) know what the wire diameter is for the 048 spring ? If the new springs don't come w/ the part # tag on them I want to make sure that I got what I ordered.

I assume that since I already have the Snow Plow springs my ride height wont change (the 046/047and 048's all should be 12-7/8" install height ). My reason for the upgrade in springs is to keep the spring sag down to a minimum in the years to come.

Thanks in advance for any info ! Thomas

 

[John]

Thomas, both Dodge replacement springs I ordered had the appropriate number tags attached to the springs (i. e. , #047 on one, #048 on the other). The "wire" size is a little thicker for the #048 (as one would reasonably expect). In addition, I weighed both springs at the powder coat shop I use (as proof of an educated guess)... the #047 weighs 27 lbs. , the #048 weighs an even 30 lbs.



Both springs have been powder coated so "wire" thickness dimensions would be a little skewed. Anyway, being a machinist, I can tell you that I noticed right off the #048 spring was a little "thicker. "



As I have the springs safely wrapped and packed away until I actually install them, I haven't thrown a mic. on them to substantiate/document my eyeball measurements. However, if you would like me to accurately measure them, I will.

 

[tarussell]

John, No need, but thanks. I will put a mic. on my 047 spring and make sure that my new springs are thicker. Hopefully the part # tags will still be on them ( I don't have a lot a faith in my local DC parts people - lack of product knowledge ).

Your post's have been really helpful--THANKS, Thomas