Rear end Sagging!

[JJW_ND]

I know this falls under "death and Taxes" but I was more interested in my Rams rear end then my own!



W/ over 200K and lots of hard heavy towing combined with a combination Fuel tank/tool box, my truck sits pretty level if not slightly tail low when full of fuel. It used to sit full of fuel like it does now only when on the last drop... tail higher always, unless trailer hooked up.



I do not have factory overloads or swaybar.



I love the factory ride, but would like a slight tail high even when full of fuel.



What do some of you guys recomend?



I assume air bags and overloads will comprmise my current cadilac ride.



How about changing out the block (spring spacer) to one that is 1" taller?



Adding a spring?



jjw

ND

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by JJW-ND

I know this falls under "death and Taxes" but I was more interested in my Rams rear end then my own! ... W/ over 200K and lots of hard heavy towing combined with a combination Fuel tank/tool box, my truck sits pretty level if not slightly tail low when full of fuel

Glad I won't have to suggest a girdle. And if you ask that question at a spring shop, they *might* just offer to build you a nice truss.



I would suggest visiting your local truck spring shop and have the existing leaf springs examined. If they say they're OK, then you should be able to install one extra leaf. I did this on my old F150; it raised the rear a good two or three inches. If it's a good shop, they'll suggest adding a leaf if the existing springs are OK.



My '98 is starting to sit rather level. I should measure the frame height to see how much lower it is now. And since I'll likely be visiting Dan & Matt in Sparks, MD, to get my wheels straightened, I'll probably put the OEM wheels/tires back on; this would be a good time to measure. If it's low enough, I might just have the front springs stretched and re-tempered and add a leaf to the rear.



Fest3er

 

[Swamp Donkey]

I think you should be able to get your springs re-arced. Not sure about spelling, but they heat them and bend them back to stock specs or more if you want. Ride should remain close to stock, and you won't have the added expense and roughness of an extra leaf. Something to think about... .

 

[Josparkz]

I added some Helliwig adjustable type overloads. I don't think that they unduly effected the ride. There are several types made, I believe these were the variable rate type.

 

[DRR-24V]

Go For Airbags

I had air bags on my 96 and only ran 6 lbs of air. They will raise the rear with only 4-5 lbs in them and don't effect the ride. They are also cheaper than re-Arc of springs usually.

 

[C Schomer]

Camping world is installing Airlifts for $50 this month. You have 3 days left for that deal! I love mine. I don't think you'd be going wrong if you had your springs rearched either. Craig