How do I beef up the rear suspension on my 3500?

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Hey all-

I'm a relative newbie to the board, and have a few questions relative to the rear suspensions on our trucks. I have a '98 3500 with the camper suspension. I'm debating whether it will be worth it(from a financial standpoint, not a legal standpoint) to beef up the suspension to carry more weight. Ideally, I'd like to be able to carry 6000lbs on the rear of the truck. From what I have read so far(correct me if I'm wrong), the first thing to get is higher load rating tires, followed by helper springs and airbags. Is this correct? If someone could point me to a FAQ or companies who produce upgrade kits, it would be much appreciated. My only other option is to trade the truck on a Phord F-550, which I would rather not do. Thanks for the responses.

Mike Pancheri

 

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I just installed a set of Air Lift air springs, which add several thousand more pounds of load capacity. Cost $200 through Jeg's; easy to install.

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'99 3500 QC 4x2, Auto, white/agate, 4. 10 LSD, camping & towing pkg. , Mag-Hytec rear cover & trans. pan, Auto Meter gages, K&N air filter, Mopar bed liner & mud flaps, Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit, Tekonsha Sentinel brake controller, Rancho step rails

'97 Pace American 28' "Aerosport" tag race car trailer

 

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On my '98 3500 I installed Firestone Ride-Rite airbags and usually have a hitch weight of 4500lbs. This doesnt even phase them and I ususally run 50 to 60psi (100 max). I opted to remove the factory overloads but leave the sway-bar. Hated the banging of the overloads and you don't neeed them with airbags. Note, however, that the bags will allow you to carry more weight but don't change the "official" GVWR. I also think that uprating your tires is very important if you are going to be this heavy. After two scary blowouts 19. 5's are on the way. LOL

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'98 3500 SLT Sport 5-spd 4X4 Quad cab, TST#?, 16cm, BD brake,BD clutch
Bilsteins,Firestone Ride-Rites, 4. 10s, lsd, Tow pkg, Reese gooseneck,
Rhino liner, Mag-Hytec diff
byrdseye@taosnet.com
http://members. xoom.com/byrdseye/

 

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The info is much appreciated guys!. I'm not too worried about tire blowouts just yet, as the vast majority of my heavy towing/hauling is done at speeds ranging from 30-50mph on level surfaces(I deliver construction equipment in metro NYC). I read somewhere that the axle bearings would be of concern, but I was under the impression that the F-series was using the same rear end and rated to carry in the 8-10,000lb range. I will be ordering the airbags shortly, and 19. 5s if necessary. Anything else I'm missing? Is it this easy? Relative to the "official GVWR", I'm not too concerned. I tow at very low speeds, and weigh stations are non-existent in the area I use my truck. Thanks again!

Mike Pancheri

 

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Mike,

The Dana 80 rear end in the 3500 duallies is hell bent STRONG, and the full floating axles are supported with spindles at the wheels, so I wouldn't worry about bearing problems as long as you do regular R&R of the gear oil.

 

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Tires!!!!

The load capacity of D rated tires on the back of a dually totals 8600 pounds. That also includes the wieght of the truck. If you have enough wieght in the back to blow one of the tires, the remaining tire is not going to be very cooperative. I think this would be your weakest link as far as safety is concerned. You might just be better off going to the 19. 5s. I had 2400 pounds of concrete in the back of mine the other day, it was riding very nicely until I forgot about it and took a turn like it was empty. The stock tires just could not hold in the turn and it brought me back to reality very fast.

Good luck,

Dave

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94 3500 2wd E-brake, Less than 50,000 miles!! in beautiful, sunny, Sandbridge VA.

 

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tyrolkid,
Just thought I'd add that my blowouts have all been with 12,500lb trailer and at 70mph on hot days. (slow learner i guess!) I've had two on the front (very scary) and one inside rear which was no picnic either. It is interesting to note that on a CAT certified scale I'm at:

4400lb steer axle
6700lb drive axle
8620lb on tandem trailer axles
19,720lb Gross weight

Truck empty is 7220lbs

This is well within spec for axles but about 1,000lbs over trailer limits and GCWR.
The big HP gains available with these trucks make it easy to go fast. Even so the truck feels solid as a rock and not squirlley or difficult to slow. Also, weigh your rig, my trailer is a lot smaller than many I see yet according to DC it's too heavy.
So, go slow or 19. 5s I guess is the answer.
Hope this rambling reply is of some help!

(also hope my insurance co. is not reading this!)




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'98 3500 SLT Sport 5-spd 4X4 Quad cab, TST#?, 16cm, BD brake,BD clutch
Bilsteins,Firestone Ride-Rites, 4. 10s, lsd, Tow pkg, Reese gooseneck,
Rhino liner, Mag-Hytec diff
byrdseye@taosnet.com
http://members. xoom.com/byrdseye/