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New srpings and shocks installed - pics!

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How much will she pull ?

  • TShikoski
  • Replies: 18
RSchwarzli

Anyone have pics of a 1st gen with Alcoa 16" rims?

  • RSchwarzli
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RSchwarzli

RSchwarzli

TDR MEMBER
So as many of you know, I got tired of my saggy old springs. Also did not help my 4" downpipe was rubbing on my front driveshaft! ;)



So I ordered up a new set of Alcan springs made to my specs. I believe it was 3000 lbs per side I did. It came with 10 leafts per rear and 6 per front. I also asked them to give me a 1" lift over stock. The old springs sat at 38F/ 37. 5 R. The new are 40 F / 41 R



For shocks, I went with Bilstein 5100 series. Waited 8 weeks for them to arrive! :(



Other than Alcan installing the wrong rear bushings (3/4 instead of the correct 5/8 bushings) they seem to be a great company to work with! They did send me out a set of stainless sleeves to install into the incorrect bushings so the bolt would fit correctly. I also used all new grade 8 bolts from my local harware supplier.



Many of you have asked for pics of what it looks like now, well, here it is! :)



P. S. If many of you are observant, you will also see a stack change from 4" to 5" at the same time as the srings change, as well as a Borgeson shaft.



Robert
 
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The truck with the old springs:



Not alot of weight on that trailer but there is some sag... :(



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At rest:



Yes I know my stacks are already disconnected in this shot. Lets just leave it at it was not intentional and the bump was VERY big! ;)



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Measuring tape measures 37. 5 rear:



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My springs look so flabby they could be used as toothpicks! :D



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Ride is very good. I will say I thought it would be more solid. Seems like the truck is floating on air a bit more. Also a bit smoother on small bumps. Big bumps, no real change! :D In a word? Seems bouncier. Guess it should! ;)



Basically was a bit more sure footed before (that happens when your leafs rest on the rubber bump stops! LOL) but I do like them.



I towed a 8000 lbs car teailer on the weekend and it did feel good! Lot better control even with the higher center of gravity! :D



Robert
 
Yeah wow looks great. I did get a quote from Alcan as well for my '93. I was on the fence with getting my stockers rearched or going with the ALCAN but I think those look worth it!



Any new vibes from the drive shaft? Looks to be at a steeper angle now too!
 
No vibrations at all.



Yes, I have been told it is tire time! ;)



As for re-arching, dont bother. Was told by a few places that the re-arch only lasts a few months and then they start sagging again. The metal gets weak from age so it looses it memory.
 
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I dont mind at all!



$230 per front, $240 per rear.



Looking back, glad I did not re-arch. They wanted $125 per side to re-arch plus then would need new bushing at $30 per spring. As it was I had to cut the rears out so better to have new! ;)
 
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Question! Robert first nice looking ride, second can you compare the ride with the new springs against the truck with the Kelderman air ride ? I have a 03 that is very hard on my damaged back, I unfortunately do not have the resources for a nice new riding 2010 at this stage of the game and it only has 50,000 miles. You opinion better ride: New Springs vs Kelderman. $1200 vs $4000. thx
 
Good question. Not so helpful answer! ;)



Goes like this.





See pic below.



Was taken 2 weeks ago when I picked up the truck at the painters... ;)









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Now, to answer your question. I have ridden in other air ride trucks. Yes it is smoother. Alot. However, that is drivers choice. Depending on what the pressure is set at, makes a huge difference on ride.



I do like the springs, but if I could have afforded to do air ride, I would not think a second thought on springs.













Hope that helps!



P. S. Yes, that is a full size Mega cab. Looks small like a Dakota against the Crew! :D Also, the bags are 100% deflated in these shots.
 
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Robert,

First off the truck looks good with the new springs, I wouldn't worry too much about tires yet, I like the pizza cutter look on the lines of a first gen.



I was wondering if you could do me a favor, I am trying o decide if my rear springs are sagging. Since you know how tall your truck sits and that the springs are in good shape I was hoping you could measure how much arch the rear springs have. Nothing complicated, I was thinking it would be easiest to measure from a straight edge across the top of the spring eyes down to the top of the spring pack at the axle mount.



Thanks for any help you can give, been fun reading about your crew project in the other thread.
 
Flexiheep said:
Robert,

First off the truck looks good with the new springs, I wouldn't worry too much about tires yet, I like the pizza cutter look on the lines of a first gen.



I was wondering if you could do me a favor, I am trying o decide if my rear springs are sagging. Since you know how tall your truck sits and that the springs are in good shape I was hoping you could measure how much arch the rear springs have. Nothing complicated, I was thinking it would be easiest to measure from a straight edge across the top of the spring eyes down to the top of the spring pack at the axle mount.



Thanks for any help you can give, been fun reading about your crew project in the other thread.
Click to expand...



No, tires are staying the same for a while. The new MS2 rubber in the incentive not to mention the 25 MPG fuel economy! ;)



Now the question of the springs. I am not following what this will solve. You want me to measure my custom arch to see if your springs are sagging? I will tell you right now, compared to mine, yours would SEEM like they are even if they are not!



Due to the custom arch I have on mine (for the 1" lift plus the load I wanted on them) unless you are measuring the same spec'd spring, it will not read the same.



If you would like I can measure for you, I just wanted to make sure I am following what you want!
 
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
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Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
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