Rough Ride I need help

[Cobra]

I bought my truck RAM 2500 QC 4x4 Tow Pkg, and Camper Pkg, in January. I wanted to haul a 3,000 pound slide-in camper and the salesman said it would be good to put air bags on the rear. So before I put many miles on the truck I installed air bags on the rear. I love my diesel engine but I hate the Dodge truck. I believe a buck board would ride better. My question is, do you think it would ride better if I took the air bags off. The ride is bad with air or without air when the truck is empty, or when pulling my motorcycle trailer. It does ride fair when the camper is on and there is 50# of air in the bags. I thought the truck might be able to handle the camper without the air bags. If so then I could take them off. Maybe the truck would ride better. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Bill Kute

 

[Missouri Mule]

Bill,
I have read on the forums that many have changed out OEM shocks. Most put on the rancho 9000 because they are ride adjustable. (other recomendations also)
Also after market spring set up.
You Should be able to find in archives both subjects.
Try the TDR issue index also .

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Bill Thomas
Missouri Mule - 96 Wht 4X4 ST CC,5 spd, 3. 54, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards.
99 Freightliner bl/wht FL60 ISB-5. 9 24v,215 hp,520 tq,6 spd, 3. 59 nsr,16 ft box, 19. 5 tires,Wt/gvw 11,000/23000

 

[ReggieRam]

Since you have the tow package, I believe you got a set of pretty heavy duty leaf springs. That'll definitely make things a bit rough when you're running empty. My 3500 is stiff as can be empty, but it rides like a Caddy (almost) when I have it loaded with 2K # of concrete block or so. I'd think you'd be fine without the bags. As for the ride empty, it'll probably always be stiff unless you go with the Rancho 9000's and adjust them to be nice and loose. Your truck is designed to be hauling heavy as a work truck, and I know mine seems happiest whenever it's loaded to the gills. After a lot of other tricks and toys, I'll probably go with the Ranchos so I rattle the teeth of my family when we go out to dinner.

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2000 3500 QC 4x4, 6 Speed, 4:10, LSD, Raider cap, Carpet kit, Spray-in liner, K&N Filter. "OBNOXIOUS BEAST"

 

[Bad340fish]

Alot of people here seem to forget this, if your a TDR member your driving a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. They do not ride like cadilacs. The dodges are sprung a little heavier than ferd and chivvy, so in turn they ride worse. If you can deflate the air bags all the way it should have no impact on the ride of the truck IMO. Maybe put softer springs on it and rely more on the air bags afterwards. It will cost some $$ to have the springs redone though. Hope you figure something out
Clark

 

[EFielding]

Bill,
I've got a '99 4x4 2500,and the ride was the same as yours. I don't haul a camper but lots of other stuff. Truck rode pretty well with a 7K travel trailer attached. I finally ditched the stock shocks (worn and GONE in less that 1 1/2 years)and installed Rancho 9000's front and rear. MAJOR difference! You might try a set of these. I haven't read of too many DC drivers complain about these shocks. Additional thought: might try some Velvet Ride shackles. I don't use them but have heard good things about them. Check with the guys on the board.
Good luck.


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'99 Ram 2500 QC 4x4 Shortbed SLT A/T K&N, Westech pyro/boost, Line-X bed liner, Rancho 9000 shocks, Midland CB,285/75. 16's w/Abbott ERA, JRE 4" exhaust & JRE Stage I injectors Horton clutch fan

 

[Sandmann]

Bill Kute,
I have a similar truck as yours. I didn't think there was enough room to install air bags with the camper springs installed.
What make bags did you install? Did you remove the camper springs?
I'd like to install bags, but couldn't find any to fit in the space available with the springs installed. Please advise!!

Ron


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2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto Cummins, 3. 54,Quad cab,Short Bed,Camel Leather, White Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group,A. R. E cap with rear door, 29RKBS Cedar Creek 5th Wheel.

 

[Loren]

Bill,

You didn't say how many miles you have on your truck now. I have a Y2K with the camper package. That package includes the heavy-duty springs, and the sway bar.

My truck rode like there were no springs at all in the rear for the first several thousand miles. Eventually it got better. My theory is that the springs need to break in like everything else. I'm sure that the mating surfaces on the spring leaves are rough, and probably painted, as the truck comes from the factory. Lots of cycles on the springs should smooth them out. Unless someone out here knows better, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I occasionally tow a 14,000 lb fifth-wheel trailer with a tongue weight of about 2500 lbs. I installed Firestone Ride-Rite air bags in the older truck to enable me to adjust the rear suspension for the extra weight. That truck does not have the camper package, and has always ridden better than the Y2K.

I did not install air bags on the Y2K, and have not found that they are necessary for the hitch weight I am carrying. I suspect that you could remove them from your truck and be okay. However, I don't think that they are your problem. Of course, pulling them off would be an easy way to find out.

By the way... I don't know how your air bags work, but the intructions with mine said to maintain a certain minimum pressure at all times. I think the number was 10 psi.

While I haven't tried it yet, it seems that lots of drivers get big ride improvements by switching shocks. I intend to do it eventually.

I have installed Velvet-Ride springs (shackles, actually) in the Y2K truck and didn't notice much improvement in the ride. I wouldn't do it again. I think shocks would be better.

Good luck finding the best solution. If you figure out how to get these trucks to ride like Cadillacs without compromising the load-carrying ability, be sure to let everyone know.

Loren

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2000 Quad Cab, 4x4, short bed, six-speed: U. S. Gear exhaust brake, MileMarker Select Drive viscous coupling, Velvet-Ride spring shackles, Painless Wiring circuit box, Optima yellow-top batteries, Super-Glide 5th wheel hitch, Reese folding ball gooseneck hitch, Drawtite front hitch receiver, Tekonsha Sentinel brake controller, Westin nerf bars, Clarion sound system
1995 Standard Cab, 4x4, long bed, automatic: Firestone Ride-Rite air springs, torque converter lock-up switch, 4" cat-back exhaust, Reese 20K 5th wheel hitch, Reese gooseneck hitch, Hayes Micro Control trailer brake controller, 100 gallon bed-mounted fuel tank with 12 volt electric pump & fill nozzle, Swiss Cap fiberglass cap

 

[Deezul1]

Try removing the overload springs and retaining the air bags. The overload springs are a big part of your ride trouble. By leaving the airbags on you can adjust for loaded/unloaded ride real easy and the air bags should give all the load capacity your tires are rated for even without the overload springs. I had a 75 Ford F250 4x4 and I used air bags when I put a 3200lb camper on it and it worked great. I have a 97 Dodge now with the camper package and it rides a lot harder than my 96 did which had the camper package but the over loads removed. I am thinking of removing the overloads on the 97 also because the ride sucks.

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97 SLT Laramie CC 5spd, 3. 54, Ranch Hand front and rear. Gauges, EGT, Boost, fuel pressure, oil temp,indash CB, custom switch mount-6 switches BD brake extra fuel tank 45gal. Oh oh dang cat fell off, took the muff with it. Member NRA/USPSA

 

[Hammer]

How come no one is asked the most important question here???,,What air pressure are you using when riding empty in your tires?????,,Now if my memory serves me correctly(do not want to walk out to truck here,lazy tonite)the 2500 NON towing tire pressures from the mopar paper in your owners book is diesel front 50lbs and 40lbs rear,,When towing of course 80lbs in the rear,,I'll never figure out WHY people seem to think a 3/4 ton truck should ride like a car,,IF a car ride is what you seek,smooth and not to hard on your rear end,then a car is what you need,,There are numerous things to help the ride of your 2500,BUT,even with all that applied to it ,ITS STILL A 3/4 ton TRUCK,,I'm amazed at how many people think a friggin truck should ride like their Toy-oh-ta,,Amazing,simply amazing... .....

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98, Flame Red, Quad Cab, 2500, 4x4, 5spd, Autometer and Cyberdyne gauges,Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks,TST#10 plate,16cm housing, B-D Exhaust Brake,Timing Advanced,K&N,Totally Amsoiled,Cat Muffler and Silencer ring ALL M. I. A. ,A BOMBING IN THE PROCESS!!

 

[DieselB59]

I was just a few minutes later than Hammer in reading this post and I come up with the same conclusion. My tests with tire wear and using different pressures over the years come up with this. In order to mix maximum comfort with safety and maximum tire wear, when running empty, run 40 in the front and 32 in the rear.

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Chris Timochko
*Association of Diesel Specialists Certified*
AUTO WURKS DIESEL R&D TEAM
1997 5sp 4X4, Rhino Linings, Espar Heater, A. W. D. HX40 turbo, ATS 3pc Manifold, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, A. W. D. Custom Tuned Injection Pump, A. W. D. Intercooler, A. W. D. /Mallory Fuel System and Braided Stainless Lines, A. W. D. 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, NOS Diesel Kit, A. W. D. 6" Chrome Exhaust System, BD No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. 15. 50@97mph on Goodyear All-Terrain tires. Dynoed at Ida's: 435 hp at the rear wheels.
****************************************************************************
Project U96 - 1996 3500 2WD racer. A. W. D. Marine Ultra Low Compression, A. W. D. Teflon-coated Pistons, A. W. D. High Lift Camshaft, Ported and Honed Cylinder Head, Intake and Exhaust manifold; A. W. D. HX40 Turbocharger, ATS 3pc Exhaust Manifold, A. W. D. Water Mist Injection, A. W. D. Custom Fabricated Fuel System, Race Spec A. W. D. /BD P7100 Injection Pump, A. W. D. Custom High Flow Fuel Injection Nozzles, BD Auto transmission and Custom TC, Weld Draglites, Goodyear Eagle Drag Slicks, 5" Single Stack Through The Bed, Mag-Hytec on Rear and Transmission. 11. 54@115mph

 

[KWentling]

I, too, was unhappy with the harsh ride of my truck with the camper package. I tried the Velvet Ride shackels-minor improvement, not worth the money or effort. Next tried the Ranchos-some improvement, would recommend them. Finally removed the overload springs and installed Timbren overloads (hard rubber bellows type) to handle the camper. Now it rides much better and don't have the banging of the overloads hitting the brackets. I recommend leaving the air bags and removing the overloads (You'll need to have shorter U-bolts made). You shouldn't need both anyway. I experimented with air pressure in the tires also and it does help also, but I'm not comfortable running low (below 45 psi) at interstate speeds. I run 65 in the front and 45 in the rear when running empty. If tire pressure and shocks don't make you happy, lose the overload springs! I highly recommend it.

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'98 12-valve CC 2500 4x4 5-speed,Espar Heater,
Ultimate Bedliner, Turnover Gooseneck Hitch,
Bright-Box, Rancho RS9000
Combo Gage, B-D Engine Brake

 

[Deezal Man]

Keep the bags, lose the extra springs.

My 2500 WITHOUT the camper package needs about 2K-3K in the bed before it sits level.

Air bags will provide a significantly better ride than springs. Proven by just about every truck on the road these days. And the fact that our company refuses to ship any of our equipement on a spring supported trailer.

Plus the bags are adjustable. Springs are not.

My 2 cents

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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285. 75. 16's Bridgestone Dueler A/T's on 16" x 8" Alcoa's under Rancho 9000's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk). Money permitting, soon to include DTT TC/VB, DDIII and a little black box.

 

[Deezal Man]

Keep the bags, lose the extra springs.

My 2500 WITHOUT the camper package needs about 2K-3K in the bed before it sits level.

Air bags will provide a significantly better ride than springs. Plus the bags are load adjustable. Springs are not. Oh, and I almost forgot. The only time you should have 80PSI in the tires is when you are loaded. I hope you are not forgetting that you own a 3/4 ton truck with EXTRA springs out back. If I were you, those camper springs would find a new home in my garage.


My 2 cents

[/B][/QUOTE]



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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285. 75. 16's Bridgestone Dueler A/T's on 16" x 8" Alcoa's under Rancho 9000's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk). Money permitting, soon to include DTT TC/VB, DDIII and a little black box.

 

[Deezal Man]

Keep the bags, lose the extra springs.

My 2500 WITHOUT the camper package needs about 2K-3K in the bed before it sits level.

Air bags will provide a significantly better ride than springs. Plus the bags are load adjustable. Springs are not. Oh, and I almost forgot. The only time you should have 80PSI in the tires is when you are loaded. I hope you are not forgetting that you own a 3/4 ton truck with EXTRA springs out back. If I were you, those camper springs would find a new home in my garage.


My 2 cents


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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285. 75. 16's Bridgestone Dueler A/T's on 16" x 8" Alcoa's under Rancho 9000's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk). Money permitting, soon to include DTT TC/VB, DDIII and a little black box.

 

[MHindman]

did you buy the truck to use as a truck, or to ride like a car? F150's rides nice, but you cant haul more that a 1/4 ton. I agree with the shock stuff though. I put on the rancho rs 5000's. It smoothed it out a lot. My truck rides pretty good, not like a car, but it doesnt sound like it rides as rough as yours does. good luck

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(Silver Bullet)1999 Ext Cab 4X4 5SPD, All options. Power Max 3(adjustable), K&N Filter, no muffler, Pyro,Fender Flares, Toolbox, bedrail covers, 450 watt Kenwood Sub, 33 12. 50 16. 5's, 3. 54's... Soon to have: 4inch, DDIII's, Southbend clutch.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have an 01' 2500 4x4 with the camper and towing package and i love the ride in my truck. Better then any truck i have owned. Maybe they are not consitent when they are built?.

 

[Cobra]

SANDMAN,
The air bags I installed on my 2500 fit perfectly. The brand name is AIR LIFT the kit # 57215. Mailing address AIR LIFT COMPANY p. o. box 80908-0167 Lansing Mi 48908-0167 Phone # 517 322 2144. Sorry no toll free number availabe that I know of.

I want to thank everyone for the replies and tell you. I run 55 PSI in front tires and 45 PSI in rear. That is empty. My air bags call for a min of 5 PSI, so I normally keeep them at 5 empty but I have been going to 10 and even tried 15 PSI empty. I have tried alot of things with the air pressure but I'm not too comfortable with any less air in the tires. I bought the truck mainly for the Coachman slide-in. I guess I'll put it on the truck and have my good ride that way.
,

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Bill Kute

 

[Guest00]

Try a pair of Rancho 9000 shocks on the rear. Use the softest setting #1 while M/T and 5, the siffest, for loaded. Gives the best of both worlds.

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2K, 2500, Quad, SB, 4x4, 3:54LSD, A/T w/ DTT VB, TC, TC SAVER and AUX COOLER , REESE 15k 5th slider, EASLEY BULL BAR, MAAP NERFS, BFG-TA's, 9000's,STAINLESS BRADED 6an FUEL LINES, stealth DD2's, Bully Dog Boost & elbow, ISSPRO pyro, boost & transmission, Turbo Lifesaver, JARDINE 4", PAC BRAKE, MAG HYTECH TP& DC, AFE filter, GEAR VENDORS OD, TAYLOR WING, MAGNA MIRRORS, V Mc's SS Fuel Lines, Cup Smoothie nboard.

pullees:
#1 y2k ARTIC FOX 5th
#2 22' car hauler w/ 76 Pinto 392cid or 68 Cyclone GT Cobra Jet FB
NRA-LIFE, VFW-LIFE, SoCSA-LIFE, SASS

 

[LSMITH]

The rough ride complaint DOES have some merit. I agree that the truck was designed to haul and that it should not ride like a car, but why should you have a harsher ride than what is necessary to do the job you are doing at the moment? Running empty you do not need a hard shock or the rough ride from a hard shock. Load the truck up and you NEED a hard shock. The adjustable shocks give you the flexibility to have the best of both worlds. I had over 3000 pounds in the bed today and the Rancho's on level 5 gave me the same ride and drive I get empty, then coming empty I had factory soft ride. Just my honest opinions.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Rancho 9000's Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[WCrovo]

I had a 99 with air lifts and camper pkg. It rode horrible. Everyone in my house refused to ride in it. It was a neck snaper. I dumped the truck before I tried it with the overloads removed. You have to run a min of 5psi or you will ruin them. My set up had a gauge for each bag and a onboard compressor so I could regulate either side from drivers seat. I called air lift and they said to run higher pressures. Then the rear of the truck was raked as to look weird. I thought a thread in here had a consensus on removeing the overloads. Air lift said leave them on theoverloads were ok and wouldn't make a diff. If I had kept it the bags would of been off by now. My new truck dose great without them. I regreted the day I bought the system. If I had a problem now I would go with better overloads. My 99 had 2 and my new truck has 1 spring but seems to do better with the same weight.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH/DEE, 3. 54 Bright white,4 wheel discs.