Looks like the front of the truch sags?

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I have a full size quad and it appears as though the front sits lower than the back. I assume it is because of the weight of the great cummins. Is this common, does yours seem to be lower too. When I got the truck 2 years ago it looked much more level. Need new springs??? I don't know, any insight would be appreciated.

 

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Uhh,well every dodge I've seen and owned(3) have always sat high in the rear/low in the front. No truck is made to sit level. The rears are higher so when it is loaded or pulling a trailer,then it will sit more level,rather than squatting like a frog.

-Mike

 

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Mike is right. I've heard the truck's slight tilt toward the front described as its "rake angle," and I think it may, in addition to the point Mike made about loading characteristics, also be an effort to make the truck more aerodynamic. I think that anything as big as a Dodge Ram is inherently a little "clunky" looking; nobody's going to mistake one for a Lambourghini anytime soon. The two inches of forward rake help (to my mind) to make the truck look a little sleeker, faster -- maybe give it more "attitude. "

When I started running bigger tires, I had the front springs replaced with heavier ones, the front shocks and links replaced and made some other changes. The result was that the front sat 2" higher, and the truck was now level. I didn't like it. All of a sudden my Ram had taken on a "Ford-like," boxy appearance. I decided to install another ("add-a-leaf") spring to the rear, and installed longer "U-bolts," in order to return the truck to its former aggressive, leaning forward (for take-off!) rake.

It may truly be the case that the positive, forward rake helps to contribute to better aerodynamics; better aerodymanics means better fuel mileage and cost savings. That was my rationale in explaining the "need" for the extra leaf spring in the rear (to a dubious, cost-conscious wife... ) in any event. If there's an excuse that's been used to justify hanging another piece of crap on an otherwise perfectly good truck -- I've used it.

(Dumb-assed, but apparently credible to women, excuses available, for a price, via e-mail... )

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97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake.

[This message has been edited by Sasquatch (edited 10-08-2000). ]