2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rookie question, front springs

[claykelly]

I've been searching and searching, but I cannot come up with an answer, so here goes.

I've got a Western 7. 5' pro-plow for my '99 and I'd like to do something with the front springs. I've looked at the springs trying to find the tag but they're missing on both sides. I called the dealer and they ran the VIN number and came up with some other number than the ones I've seen here, ie. 46/47, 47/48, etc. Is there a conversion somewhere for the OEM numbers to the ones I see posted? What does the 46 in 46/47 stand for, is there a difference in sides right to left?



The truck has a little rake to it with no load, and I'd like to level it out some. If I could get a 1. 5 or so more in the front with additional weight capacity for the plow, I'd be pretty happy.



To make a long story short, whats the best springs for me in my situation and how much are they and where do I get them?



Thanks in advance.



Also, is there a difference in ride heights for different years? Looks like some trucks sit higher than others do as original.

 

[y-knot]

I believe the 46,47,and 48's that you have seen refers to the type of automatic transmission the truck is equipped with. The newest versions have the 48, but all are based on the same and very old Dodge platform that began life as the 727 back in the 60's.

Sure Dodge offered heavier springs for the front, but who cares what that number was or if you have them or not. The problem is you have a lot of weight on the front axle, and you would like to level out the truck so it doesn't have the rake it now has. Your springs have alot of wear on them, your truck is older and like anything designed to carry weight, over time it looses it's spring rating which allows it to settle. The rear springs are just as susceptible to wear as the front, but don't show it as often. Combine these very nose heavy trucks with additional accessories like HD bumpers, winches and snow removal equipment, and you see what happens. There are several companies that offer higher spring rate front springs, as well as longer front springs. T-Rex offers such items as does Skyjacker and Supper lift. There might be a few more, I'm not real sure. But the point is, you have options and none of them matter as to what part number is on your current trucks springs. Take the time to call some of these companies and let them help you with your decisions.

 

[jrobinson2]

y-knot, the 46/47/48 are the #s from a tag on the front springs when the truck was new. Here's a chart of the front springs: http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/springs.htm



If you have the snowplow prep group it should be on the underhood tag. The #48s are the factory snowplow springs, the 38/39 and 46/47, are the standard springs, on non snowplow trucks the driver side spring is usually slightly stiffer, you should be able to measure the wire diameter with a caliper or micrometer and check the chart to find out what you have now. For new springs I highly recomend Kent at KORE (formerly T-rex engineering) they also sell the springs separately and he can set you up with a set of springs for the weight you carry.

KORE Performance

Jared

 

[MSteere]

Save yourself a lot of time and $$$$. Install a set of Timbren SES Load Boosters. I have an 8' Fisher plow with pro wings, making it almost 10' overall, on mine. I installed the Load Boosters and am VERY happy with them. They go in place of the bottom-out stops. I think that they actually improved the ride of my truck. You can get them at AW Direct, www.awdirect.com. They cost around $160. 00. Some require that the base be welded on and other models just bolt in place, you would have to check your application.

 

[claykelly]

Where did the 47/48, etc. , number system come from? My local dealer has no clue as to what I'm talking about, he lists about 500 different options for springs for this truck but can't tell me what the difference is, his numbers are completely different.



Anyone using the 47/48 or 48/48 with a plow?



C'mon snow guys!!!

 

[y-knot]

Isn't it great when you learn something new every day!

 

[CEpp]

check this web site out... good helpful info on snowplowing

http://www.snowplowing-contractors.com/