Forum Discussion

MERC225's avatar
MERC225
Explorer
Jul 29, 2013

Dodge 2500 suspension ?

Hello all,

I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 v-8. I carry a S&S 9.5 FBSC non-slide camper which is a pretty heavy unit. The truck has a Roadmaster sway bar and SuperSprings (heavy duty model) as well as Rancho adjustable shocks. I have had this setup for the past 4 years with no problems and the truck sat level completely loaded with water ready for a 3 week vacation (completely loaded with food and all). The rig has handled very well in the past considering it is a heavy camper for my truck. The truck has 83k miles on it, 45k of those with this camper.

This summer I am noticing the rear of the truck is sagging more than usual and has more sway on the highway. Does this mean the rear springs are weakening and are in need of replacement? Is this normal for springs to lose their weight carrying ability? Looking for suggestions, I do not plan on buying a new truck for at least another 2-3 years.

Looking for suggestions on what to do, as well as if anyone else has run into this?

Thanks in advance.
  • I assume you mean the lower overload leaf from the 3500? The 3rd gen 2500's do not have upper overloads. What would the 3500 lower overload do, are they thicker and stronger?
  • Bedlam wrote:
    ...If I were to go the re-arch method, I would simply the suspension setup by selling off the SuperSprings and beef up the stock spring pack at this time instead.


    Ditto.
  • You may be able to install a set of lower StableLoads and get the shape back into the springs. Compare your cost and time verses re-arching the springs and see where that leads.

    If I were to go the re-arch method, I would simply the suspension setup by selling off the SuperSprings and beef up the stock spring pack at this time instead.
  • X2 on re-arching them, though you can often find factory take-offs for cheap on various Dodge Ram Cummins forums...I gave mine away way back in the day, but should have sold them.

    It's not uncommon for springs to settle, especially when there's a heavy load on them for long periods of time. It's nothing you did wrong, it just happens...though I would alleviate the load, like in storage, if its convenient for you.
  • Camper is off truck when not being used, as well as from October to May for winter storage. When I take camper off, truck rebounds to its normal ride height.
  • 45k mile with that load, as well as not relieving load when stored/parked (do you jack to take load off springs?), and you might well need new springs or re-arch @ a spring shop

    take the camper off and see where it sits...