rear suspension ?

[2rrRAM2nv]

G'day,

got a weird question...

I'd like to level my truck but was thinking of doing it differently than the normal "just add the front leveler blocks and GTG". I'd like to leave the front alone. Is it possible to take a leaf (or two) out of the rear so it drops down, then add 5k airbag setup for heavy loads. Has anyone done that? I know about the Kelderman setups but THAT is way outside my price range and way more work (to include welding and whatnot).

reasons...

1) wife is SHORT. even if I were to lower it in the rear, I'd still have to buy step bars for her. Raising the front would be even worse.
2) Don't need the truck lifted. it's already high enough.
3) might make the rear ride smoother
4) not TOO expensive
5) I can do the work myself (no welder yet........)
6) something different

any thoughts....if it's not possible, then I guess I'll just deal with it.


If someone knows a kit/plan/setup that does basically the same thing for less than Keldermans, throw it out there.

thanks everyone ahead of time.

Scot "Z"

 

[Bob4x4]

removing leaves will add to spring wrap-not a good idea.If you want a lower ride and don;t want the hassle of air ride a good spring shop can build you exactly what you want.I use Deaver springs

 

[2rrRAM2nv]

deaver springs? hmmm thanks for the info. yeah I was thinking about the axle wrap thing too. maybe get caltrac bars but then that would raise the price too much. I might have to bite the bullet DOWN the road and get kelderman...

 

[EDankievitch]

Firestone makes a Ride right kit that removes the springs and replaces them with a spring and airbag asy. never used one only saw it on line but seemed like it could work well.

 

[SierraRam]

You may have a factory block under your leaf springs, take a look they are easily removed. You may need new U-bolts.

 

[AH64ID]

You may have a factory block under your leaf springs, take a look they are easily removed. You may need new U-bolts.

Exactly what I was going to say, lower ride height and no change to spring setup.

 

[2rrRAM2nv]

yeah. I checked. I have only 1.5 inches of blocks to remove. may not be enough. was hoping to drop 4-5 inches. that would level the truck out or at least get close.

 

[AH64ID]

4-5"??

I haven't seen any trucks with that much rake.

I would take the blocks out and see where you are at. Going much lower than 1-2" will start to mess with pinion angles, shocks and such. Even at 1.5" I am guessing you are going to need to modify the bump stops.

 

[JR]

2" should make the truck sit level or close to it. Anymore and your headlights will be lighting up the 747s flying overhead anytime you have any weight in the bed or or hooked to a trailer.

You also have to consider what your towing. A tag a long will be more forgiving because you can compensate with adjustable hitches. GN or 5th wheel not so forgiving.

 

[S.Morris]

Put these on............your wife will love them, just don't tell her how much it cost until she tells you how much she loves them. I installed a set I received as a gift and smile every time I use them
https://www.google.ca/url?q=http://...twIwAg&usg=AFQjCNH-lDNgAsS8yX8Vh4tFajxTlOPIyg

 

[2rrRAM2nv]

yeah, she already knows about those. LOL. would love those but she already researched those and seriously FREAKED when she saw the price. sooo, they're off the list. sigh...

 

[2rrRAM2nv]

2" should make the truck sit level or close to it. Anymore and your headlights will be lighting up the 747s flying overhead anytime you have any weight in the bed or or hooked to a trailer.

You also have to consider what your towing. A tag a long will be more forgiving because you can compensate with adjustable hitches. GN or 5th wheel not so forgiving.

that's why I was thinking airbag setup. that way, when towing, level it out. not towing, let some air out.


guess I'll just save up the dough til I can afford Kelderman.

 

[Stab]

Air bags are the way to go. I have been using them for forty years. I have always removed the over load springs on top of the regular leaf pack.
But have also removed some of the main spring pack in the earlier trucks. Very "tunable" with the bags.

 

[Cummins12V98]

that's why I was thinking airbag setup. that way, when towing, level it out. not towing, let some air out.


guess I'll just save up the dough til I can afford Kelderman.

Sounds like you just need to step up and get a 14 with the rear air ride suspension.

 

[Stab]

Doesn't sound like it'll be '14! Mine is in the order bank in limbo while the "brand" decides if they will build in '14 or wait till '15 MY!!

 

[EDankievitch]

On the 13 and older trucks Ram has three shims between the axel and leaf spring I had taken two of them out on my 05 to drop the rear about 1" it's a bit of a pain but it does work.

 

[Too Tall]

I recently went thru the exercise of figuring out how much drop I needed for my hitch ball with the new truck. About 450 lbs of tongue weight (without load leveler bars) will drop the rear of my truck 1 1/2". Empty, top of hitch shank (top of socket) is 25" off the ground, with 450 lbs top of hitch is 23 1/2' off the ground. Truck looks pretty level to me but it has about a 1 1/2 degree rake measured at the box. without 450 lbs, 2 1/2" rake. I really down see the need for the weight distribution bars to pick up the rear 1 1/2". The front end of this truck is so heavy, a little extra weight in the rear makes it ride better.

So one solution is find you a big chunk of steel and carry it around with you near the tailgate. That's kind of a joke but I actually know someone that did this and claimed his truck rode much better.

 

[Bill Stockard]

So one solution is find you a big chunk of steel and carry it around with you near the tailgate. That's kind of a joke but I actually know someone that did this and claimed his truck rode much better.

I've done that many times with two or three 80 lb. plastic bags of masonry sand (like sold at HD) placed at the rear of the bed. With the bags on top of my rubber bed mat, they don't slide around. The sand is relatively cheap, reusable, and improves the ride when I drive it empty.

Bill