Suspension Upgrade

[MMoyle]

Hi Guys,



I am looking to upgrade the suspension on my rig. I would like to improve the ride quality to feel softer, so hitting bumps doesn't throw me out of my seat Oo. . What are my options? Should I change the leafs and shocks? Go to an air bag system? Let me know your thoughts.



Thanks,

Mike

 

[Steve Graham]

First option is to drive it fully loaded! Not!

There have been several threads on this, search for "skyjacker" they make a good softride suspension for the Dodge. I've had mine on the front for 10 years.



Steve

 

[BHiggins]

Skyjacker is the way to go, I've had their soft ride springs on both my 1st gens and like the way they improve the ride. Skyjacker is also the only aftermarket manufacturer, as far as I know, that makes springs specifically for the Cummins powered trucks (a "C" in the part number denotes it's for Cummins). I got mine mail ordered from National Wheel and Tire in West Virginia, they're listed in the Skyjacker dealer's section on the web-site...

4" springs = $163. 95 ea (front)

Bushings = $35. 00

My truck sat REALLY high out back due to the previous owner adding some serious springs, he had a slide in camper and didn't like the way the truck sat when loaded. I wanted it to sit level, so I added the Skyjacker fronts. I just put them in last week, so I'll post some pics as soon as I get some free time.

 

[Moab4x4]

Skyjacker softride for the rear too?

My 'new' 92 W350 4x4 has two of 6 leaves broken on driver's side rear and 6. 5 leaves on the passenger. This is in addition to the overloads. It looks like the bottom leaf on the passenger side broke above the u-bolt.

Since I need new springs anyway, this looks like the time to upgrade to Softride. I only find the rear 'add-a-leaf' in the 2" or so lift kit.

Recommendations?

I currently plan on towing only ~8000 lb with ~ 500 lb tongue weight so I don't need the beefiest solution.

My body would appreciate not knowing every texture of the road quite so intimately when I am not loaded.

Thanks,

Ken

 

[CLiberty]

My 'new' 92 W350 4x4 has two of 6 leaves broken on driver's side rear and 6. 5 leaves on the passenger. This is in addition to the overloads. It looks like the bottom leaf on the passenger side broke above the u-bolt.
Since I need new springs anyway, this looks like the time to upgrade to Softride. I only find the rear 'add-a-leaf' in the 2" or so lift kit.
Recommendations?
I currently plan on towing only ~8000 lb with ~ 500 lb tongue weight so I don't need the beefiest solution.
My body would appreciate not knowing every texture of the road quite so intimately when I am not loaded.
Thanks,
Ken

I think if you go all spring in the rear you would use a 6inch lift spring and remove the factory block.

 

[CChartier]

so help me out here guys. skyjacker replacements are for front and back? and if you get the 6 inch springs you can take out the factory blocks. and this will allow for a smoother ride over all.

 

[Steve Graham]

Yes you can get replacement springs for the rear from SJ. I bought the 6" springs for the rear to get rid of the block just like your thinking of doing. It was horrible. The 6" springs they sent were longer than the original and they bottomed out against the spring hanger, causing a very rough choppy ride when I carried a load. I don't know if they sent me the wrong spring or what. I sold them and bought a set from National Spring in Calif. National is more expensive but they are custom designed for your application, I wish I would have had them to the front also.

If your buying a 0-1" set for the front do the same for the rear, keep the blocks.



Steve

 

[TKingsbury]

I have the 6" rears in my truck. They do ride alot better than my stockers did. My stock rears had the overload leaf curved up so it was touching the bottom leaf. It was VERY stiff riding on the overload all of the time. I have towed my trailer with the skyjackers ('bout 5500lbs) and it rode very good, no problem with the springs hitting anything and riding bad. It does squat a bit though. This weekend I raised the rear a scosch over an inch to make it level with the mystery lift springs in the front. If you want a really smooth ride, give Deaver or Alcan a call and see what they can do. I've heard both make thin leaf soft riding springs, but you may find they are priced a bit higher than some.

Travis. .

 

[RWWinslow]

I have 250,000 miles on my 2" Skyjacker soft rides on the front and still doing well. Alcan made a set of rear leafs for the social directors Explorer which really tamed that beast. I have very postive experiences with both vendors.