If You Plow: Buy a Set of Timbren Load Suuports

[Big MAK]

Timbren's are rubber "springs" the go between the frame and axle. Major difference in ride and control. Used to sag several inches (3+) from the plow weight; now it sags less then half an inch. It brakes straight (maybe that will hold true with the plow off too?!), doesn't drag curbs backing off (as often), and doesn't nose dive hitting snow pack of pushing heavy. 100% better. A set for the front of a Dodge 3500 is approx $169 (retail).

The verdict is still out on how they affect unloaded ride. There's a chance they will cause the front suspension to rebound too quickly -- but I doubt it. I also strongly suspect they will help with the brake pull problem by keeping the front suspension from collapsing under braking.

The added weight of the diesel makes these a "must have" if you're plowing. .

- MAK

 

[illflem]

Mark,where did you get them?

 

[willyslover]

Big MAK
would you guess that these might improve the handeling on mountain roads... in relation to diving front end [roling/leaning over]. . giving a "flater" ride ?... don't need the plow issue as I have a Toyota FJ40 with a Meyers plow for that duty. . just thinking about improving my dually's slot car's ride on my commute #ad
#ad

Gary

 

[Big MAK]

I suspect a big time help with body roll. They definitely help while the plow is on; if it stops snowing a few days I'll take the plow off and file a report on handling w/o it.

They're website is http://timbren.com . I bought mine through Fleetpride. They weld to the top of the axle and bottom of the frame.

I used to have a set on the back of my '95 3500 Dodge Cummins (before they had real rear springs with overloads). But they caused too much bounce since they sat about a 1/4 inch from contact, then would contact on a bump, and rebound.

On the front they seem perfect though. When I drop the plow and take the weight off they are still in contact from the weight of that mighty Cummins, so I think they'll be perfect. Wish I hadn't waited 2 years plowing w/o them.

I think I saw almost the same thing on Western's website http://westernplows.com/plows/pl_frame.htm, Accesories, Load Support Systems. They have some good pictures too.

[This message has been edited by Mark Kitchell (edited 12-21-2000). ]

 

[Big MAK]

Update:
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum17/HTML/001218.html

They did help with handling w/o plow.

 

[willyslover]

Thanks Mark. . good info. . I'm going to look into it.
Gary

 

[David_VT]

Pushing this back to the top. Willy's good find.

 

[willyslover]

David. . I'd like to take credit BUT it goes to Big MAK. . I have not done anything yet but I think this is for me !!

 

[Bigramguy]

We have several plow trucks,and we always use timbren load boosters. We have tried others,like the Monroe muscle LSE,and they don't cut it. They really help support the weight of the plow especially when stacking. The truck does handle much better and front end wear is reduced. I do take them out in the summer though,as they do limit travel and can be quite harsh at times. On our older trucks,with a permanently mounted plow harness,you still had some extra weight,so they worked OK in the summer. With today's plows,most of the harness comes off with the blade,and very little weight is left to help the ride. I learned the hard way one spring when I went off-roading with them in. Big no-no. Crossing a stream i crossed a hundred times before,left the right front tire in the air,because of less axle articulation. Just something to remember if you 4-wheel much,as it only takes a few mins (thank god for anti-sieze) to pull them out. It would be nice if someone made,or we could adapt an airbag (like the firestone),that your could adjust with air so you could leave them in all the time,without the harshness.

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1997 2500 CC 4X4,Auto

 

[mr plow]

i have been plowing for 6 years now, and i just put a set of timbrens on the front of my 2500. they make a huge difference, both on and off the truck. i highly recommend them

 

[mr plow]

had a timbren break on me last nite. make sure they seld the plate on securely. thank fully it broke at the weld(they only welded two of the four sides and the plate kept hitting the coil spring - what a noise. make sure they are securely welded.

 

[Big MAK]

fwiw I like then even w/o the plow on (front). In the rear they caused a really nasty bounce, but on the front they're just right. I suspect there's some dramatic difference truck-to-truck because of spring wear, shocks, etc. Certainly they'd limit articulation.

As for plowing with them; so far exteremely happy. Wish I had them in the first few years. It's great not nose diving so bad when I lift the blade or nose into a heavy pile of snow.

 

[GRudy]

I had been thinking about these for a couple of years now. I have a western 8-1/2 ft. pro plow on my dually. Central Parts Warehouse http://www.centralparts.com/ which is a great source for plow parts, and AW Direct,Inc. 1-800-243-3194 (don't know their web site) both sell them for $139. 95 for the front of a 3500. Now that I read some of your recomendations they will be next on my "to do list" AW Direct is a parts house for tow trucks, they are also a great source for different items for our Rams and QUICK delivery! Call them for a catalog.

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George, Perry County, PA
99 3500, Reg Cab, 4x4, NV4500, ISB, 4:10,VA box,Putco Boss
running boards, Grover air horns, Intense Blue.