Still can't decide between DRW or SRW?

jshupe wrote:

Bedlam wrote:

transamz9 wrote:

1jeep wrote:
I had a 2011 f250 crew cab long bed with the 6.7 and 3:55 gears running 20" wheels, I expected a little improvement, but this for a welcomed improvement.

Don't get me wrong I still know there is a trailer back there....look in the mirror there's 38' of it! I can tell the extra wheels helped in the first 20 miles.

So did the extra tires help or the fact the F350 has more spring and a sway bar?

I'm convinced that tire sidewall squish in a SRW can be minimized by going to 19.5's. This will give you the equivalent of running a DRW with 17's on the rear that have a softer sidewalls but twice the number of them.

Spring rate also has much to do with how solid the rear feels. If you have springs that are rated for 5000 lbs verses 3500 lbs which do you think will feel more stable under load?

Stabilizer bars are available on SRW's as OEM or aftermarket options. Typically the DRW will have them as standard equipment. If your SRW did not have one, you can bet there is more sway than a DRW.

The wide stance of a DRW adding to stability is a fallacy unless your axle was hard mounted to the frame. The frame width is the same for a DRW and SRW which is where your suspension attaches - This is where increased width using the same rated springs would make a difference.

I will tip toward some DRW's for better braking than their SRW counterparts, but this really only becomes an issue if hauling weight verses towing it since heavy trailers have their own braking systems.

If you were able to do a blind test of a stock DRW and a DRW singled out with 19.5's, I think you would have a hard time telling the difference other than less rear tire scrub in turns with the singles. I chose this as comparison, because all the components would identical with the exception of the number and size of wheels to prove you don't need a DRW for stability.

Good point about the suspension. The kit Kelderman sells for my truck has the same components whether for a 2500 or 3500, SRW or DRW, and includes a massive sway bar. I'm really excited to see what kind of ride I get from it. The only thing I'm slightly worried about is that if I'm unhappy with towing, there is very little I can do to firm up the suspension and prevent roll. Other aftermarket parts won't apply anymore. Fairly confident this won't be an issue, though, as I've been told by numerous people, including owners, that it reduces roll compared to a stock truck.

Their are a couple different ways that you can run the air system. One will be to have both bags plumbed to the same air source. The other is to have them plumbed separately. Also, don't confuse a saway bar with a panhard bar. One is used for body roll control and one is used to hold the axle center on a 4-link suspension.

I installed a 4-link air suspension under my 2005 Ram. I believe you are going to be loving it.