2012 RAM 3500 rear suspension enhancement

[mooring_product]

The truck handles great but is sagging when loaded with water. I already have the upper stable loads and don't like air bags. Want to raise it about an inch or two..

Looking at either the Timbrens, Firestone work rite or the Air Lift air cell.

They all three seem to do the same thing but only the Timbrens are talked about and have been around for decades. Also someone has already installed them on a similar truck and liked them..

Anyone run the Firestone or Air Lift? Cheaper then the Timbrens also..

[mooring_product]

usmcshepherd wrote:
I have a 2011 Ram 3500 dually 4x4 and after much research and discussion believe I did it the right way... I took my truck to a spring shop and discussed what I was doing and they upgraded my overloads and spring pack! Then I added Timbren's... It's as solid as a rock now when I'm loaded with a Lance 1172 fully outfitted for carrying 2 adults and three children for a month!

How does it ride unloaded would be my concern. This truck is my DD and also our family setup since the wife wanted a Jeep as her daily..I can't complain.

Would like to see what they did to your overloads. Any pictures?

Thank you for your service to our country.

[usmcshepherd]

I have a 2011 Ram 3500 dually 4x4 and after much research and discussion believe I did it the right way... I took my truck to a spring shop and discussed what I was doing and they upgraded my overloads and spring pack! Then I added Timbren's... It's as solid as a rock now when I'm loaded with a Lance 1172 fully outfitted for carrying 2 adults and three children for a month!

[Bedlam]

I definitely want to hear your results. I was torn between the Work Rite and Ride Rite. I went with the bags only because the latter was not adjustable.

[mooring_product]

I ordered a set of the Firestone work rite. Ill report back after our next trip to the Keys for Easter.

Will see what $160.00 gets me...

[mooring_product]

jmckelvy wrote:
I'm curious since you have a 3500 dually how much "sag" do you have when loaded. I'm somewhat surprised. I also have a 3500 dually. The only suspension mods are Stable Loads and a sway bar. My truck drops 3 inches measured at the rear axle when my AF 990 is loaded and full. I don't find that to be a problem. This camper is probably quite a bit heavier than a Lance 881. Do you have more drop.

The 881 Max is 3300 pounds dry weight. We must be very close to the same weight. My truck is a shortbed....so is the 881, putting more weight to the rear then a long bed setup.

I would say my drop is 3" also maybe a little more when loaded with water.

Thank you for your services.

[jmckelvy]

I'm curious since you have a 3500 dually how much "sag" do you have when loaded. I'm somewhat surprised. I also have a 3500 dually. The only suspension mods are Stable Loads and a sway bar. My truck drops 3 inches measured at the rear axle when my AF 990 is loaded and full. I don't find that to be a problem. This camper is probably quite a bit heavier than a Lance 881. Do you have more drop.

[mooring_product]

Thank you! Finally someone who has answered my question without air bags...lol

[RWDIII]

My truck is a half ton,but I have the Firestone Work rites and Like them
Put them in and forget them.
I think they were $190.
:B

[AH64ID]

I agree to some extent, many people run way too much air in their bags and it does create negative effects. Even on a 3500 they do help and can produce a much more stable setup than springs alone.

[Bedlam]

I think too many owners compensate for inadequate spring rate or pre-tension with air bags. If I were to remove my StableLoads and rely only on the air bags to get me to the same level, I would be bouncing all over the place (yes, I tried it). The guys that compare larger rigs that have air-ride suspension to these supplemental suspensions are comparing to two very differently designed air systems that are not interchangeable.

On a side note: I run a little more air in my bags when unloaded to keep the overload springs from contacting the taller bump stops. This gives me a better unloaded ride on poor roads. When unloaded, my F250 rear sits as high as the F350 due to the extra air.

[AH64ID]

Most of the TC owners I deal with all use airbags, as they level and reduce sway all in one (if properly plumbed). They really do work well, as you know.

It's defiantly a much better and more stable ride just using the airbags to keep a level stance and letting the springs hold a lot of the weight.

[Bedlam]

Truck campers are much more top heavy than towing a bumper pull with heavy tongue or fifth wheel with heavy pin weight. This puts different dynamics on the truck and is the reason many TC owners use less of their air bags than the others. You will also see more TC owners using 19.5" wheels, upgraded shocks and anti-sway bars for this same reason.

I use my springs for carrying most of the weight and adjust for variance with the air bags since I may camp with or without one my trailers in tow.

[AH64ID]

I really don't find too many people that are happy with, and keep Timbrens. Most the people I know that buy them end up taking them off in favor or airbags before long.

[mooring_product]

ah64id wrote:

mooring product wrote:

ah64id wrote:
Why not airbags?

Adjustable, and when plumbed separately they help with sway.

I have had air bags on my past two trucks. I just can't spend $1000 for a good system with on board pump and gauges. I want something I can install that gives me zero issues and trying to stay affordable.

Why not start with a kit that doesn't have control and install it yourself, should be under $310.

Then down the road add the airlift wireless control.

http://www.amazon.com/Firestone-W217602299-Ride-Rite-Dodge-2500/dp/B000CMIV52

http://www.amazon.com/72000-Wireless-Air-Leveling-Compressor/dp/B001OMVCN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396447457&sr=8-1&keywords=airlift+72000


Personally I think the lower stable loads are a poor idea. They will create a bend/pivot point in the spring that they were not designed for. This will create a new stress point on the spring.

I can't help but wonder why they would extend the warranty to the leaf spring if it didn't need it??? It tells me that with heavy use the leaf spring may have issues.

I would go to Timbrens before air bags. After all the head aches no thanks..