Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Spongy Rear End

[RussW1911]

Anybody notice this problem or am I being too critical?

I bought my 2002 new about 6 months ago. Have 11000 miles on it and just noticed that when I swerve (happened to be a deer in the road when I noticed) the rear end feels "spongy". Kinda like a fish tail but the tires aren't breaking loose. Went to a dealership and drove an identical truck and it didn't have the same problem. I have checked all hardware and tire pressures but can't come up with anything to cause it. I am new on TDR so haven't got my Signature done yet. 2002 2500 QC LB HO 6 Sp. 3. 55's Started on all my gages but trying to decide on performance upgrades... . Banks? I dunno yet

 

[HOSS]

ARE YOU SURE THAT "SPONGY" FEELING WASN'T IN YOUR PANTS?

I have the same truck and have not noticed any problem. Could be in the heat of the moment you cranked her over real hard?

As for upgrades you are doing the right thing by starting with gages. If I were you I would do a search on upgrades and ask around a bit. You can get a lot more bang for your buck if go somewhere other than Banks. I am not knocking them just saying they are spendy$$$$$$$. I would start with an edge ez and kick the muffler to the curb and if you think its too loud go 4 inch. A free breathing air filter helps too. Be very careful bombing is more addictive than heroin!!!!!!!!!!

Have fun and welcome to the club

 

[Wiredawg]

Do you have Trailer Pkg?

Two things will affect that spongy feeling:



Rear anti-sway bar: I replaced the factory one for the Helwig one. It's a 1/4" thicker and use polyurathane bushings and does not lean!



I just installed RS9000X adjustable shocks. What a difference!



The two above upgrades give you one solid feeling, especially in winding roads.



Two more suspension upgrades: Replace "spongey" front anti-sway bar bushings with polyurethane bushings. Then, replace that front steering stablizer with good Rancho or Bilstein.



Wiredawg

 

[Reb.B]

this is one thing that upsets me about Dodge, u can buy two identical trucks, but one will have overloads and anti sway bar, and the other won't. My 3500 dually with a tow package didn't come with it, but my parents did. I thought that my truck was the only odd ball, but after seeing several trucks comes through the shop doors, its all over the board. Check to see if your truck came with anti sway bar, this bar hooks to the rear end, and goes ocross the back end of it, its pretty noticeable if it there. If that doesn't help, then maybe some new shocks, might take some of the sponge out. , Reb

 

[RussW1911]

Gonna reply to all of ya real quick. Hey Hoss the spongy feeling is still in the back end of the truck. Now if I hit the deer it would be somewhere else. I have swerved several times after that after experimenting with tire pressures and different possible fixes. You are right about the Air filter though. I am installing a BHAF (mega cannon) soon any thoughts on it?



Wiredawg I do have the anti sway, overloads, and trailer tow. All of it is stock with the truck. I want to replace all the shocks, stabilizer, and bushings. Where did you get your bushings from?





Reb B just a quick note for ya. The "Camper Special"Package comes on trucks for the people who want it. It is a factory option and costs 95 dollars from them. Includes anti-sway and overloads. Some people don't need the option.



Thanks again for your replys

 

[HOSS]

AFE

The AFE mega cannon is great! Lots of air and you can really hear the turbo spool up (If your into that)I am, the louder the better. Almost unbearable with the silencer ring removed.

 

[RussW1911]

AFE

Hoss is the Mega Cannon really that much better than the K&N. I heard it was. You are right though..... The Louder the Better... . I pulled the Silencer ring out of my truck when I bought it just for S***s and Giggles. Can't wait to get the cannon put on there.

 

[HOSS]

AFE

I removed a K&N drop in (using the air box) for the AFE huge difference!! K&N also makes a cone type that is similar to the AFE, There are several threads comparing the two. Flip a coin and you'll do well either way. Bigger is better also!!!

 

[Wiredawg]

Havn't got front Stabilizer Bushings Yet

RWALLIS:



Haven't got 'em yet. will probably contact 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers or Truckperformance for the replacement bushings for the front stabilizer bar.



10-4 on the camper pkg overloads and swaybar: Not bad for what you get.



Wiredawg

 

[KD7GYJ]

Yea, I have that spongy feeling too. I put a two meter straight edge next to the back wheels. The tire on the drivers side stuck out about a half inch. The other side was short about a half inch. Took it to the dealer and the wheels were similar in width. Checked it again and the wheels were evenly spaced in the wheel well. Then check it again a couple weeks ago and the drivers side wheel protruded slightly outside the fender. So the wheel is shifting slightly under the truck. But dealership says the back wheels are fine and tight. My neighbor thinks the rear end on the truck feels funny when going around a corner. So, I am keeping an eye on it.



Blair

 

[RussW1911]

2 Meter straight edge

Blair, what reference point are you using for your straight edge. Sounds like we are having the same problem in the rearend and if so it has got to get fixed. Obviously the rear end shouldn't be shifting AT ALL. I never thought of your idea though. Going to lift my truck up by the frame though and see if I can figure anything out. Hard to believe that we are the only ones noticing the "fishtail" effect though. It is a little unnerving when you put weight int he truck as well. I have a 4 wheeler in the back now and that really emphasizes it. Thanks for the heads up and let me know if you figure anything out. I will do the same.

Russ W.

 

[KD7GYJ]

I put the straight edge on the outside portions of the wheel. The straight edge would touch both top and bottom of the outside of the tire. When the straight edge would reach the outside frame, there was a half inch gap between the straight edge and the outside fender well. On the other side, the straight edge would touch the outside bottom section and then the outside of the fender well. There would be a gap between the top outside edge of the tire and the straight edge. So the rear end is shifting about a half inch. Dealer thinks I'm crazy, but sometimes it's in when you show it to the dealer and I don't have time to continually take it in and show them when it slides out.



Blair