Ram 2500 (coil spring) versus Ram 3500 (with opt air ride)

[thecdnmole]

Wondering if there is much ride difference when empty between the two since the 3500 has about 2500 lbs. more GVW. I did notice last fall when I was trying 2500's, the longer wheelbase in the megacab seemed to make it feel like a better ride. I know, I need to drive it myself, but until that happens curious what others found. Thanks!

[Cummins12V98]

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
You guys running DRW had better be careful about how much you deflate your rear tires! Even unloaded the tires can rub on the inside going over bumps or hauling even minimal loads in the box. This will over heat the tires and can cause a blow out.

Don

At 35psi on my Dually rear tires there is no contact or even close. It's all about the load placed with the proper inflation.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

You guys running DRW had better be careful about how much you deflate your rear tires! Even unloaded the tires can rub on the inside going over bumps or hauling even minimal loads in the box. This will over heat the tires and can cause a blow out.

Don

[Cummins12V98]

whjco wrote:
Unfortunately, I can't offer a comparison but I can say that I'm surprised at how well our 2015 2500 Ram rides. While there's some stiffness, it's not the harsh ride of HD pickups of years past. And we've hooked our TT and it says dead level.

Yes that is what I really like is no matter the load the truck looks the same loaded or unloaded. Both pics with truck in Alt ride mode.

Rear axle weight is 9,580 with about 5,500# pin.

I know some will like to know this, the ground to top of bed at the back corner is 55" with Alt ride mode set.

[Cummins12V98]

DmaxWW wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

thecdnmole wrote:
Well I finally got to see this airrdie setup on a 3500 SRW Ram and it looks more like helper bags than actual suspension. The amount of leaf springs looks close, I didn't have time to count and measure thickness between one with and without the air. I thought it was more like a highway tractor setup with the airbags doing all the load, but does not appear so. Not sure if it's worth $1500 CDN unless your loading up to the max in payload.

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

The 2016 has a different spring setup with the level air, mine has 3 full length springs with a 4th one going to the front, guess they changed something on the 2016.

Interesting! I wonder if the long springs remained the same thickness?

I would like to know why the change. I run not too far from the RAWR and the truck performs extremely well.

[Cummins12V98]

thecdnmole wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

Thanks Cummins, your picture helps as it was fricken cold when I looked and didn't have time to really check it out. I can see how the leafs that are there are more for stability and control. Next thing now is a test drive!

Make sure you lower the rear tire pressure to 35. My truck when it was delivered had 80 in the rear and 70 in the front and it was not a good ride! My truck is a Dually.

[whjco]

Unfortunately, I can't offer a comparison but I can say that I'm surprised at how well our 2015 2500 Ram rides. While there's some stiffness, it's not the harsh ride of HD pickups of years past. And we've hooked our TT and it says dead level.

[Vette_Racer]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

thecdnmole wrote:
Well I finally got to see this airrdie setup on a 3500 SRW Ram and it looks more like helper bags than actual suspension. The amount of leaf springs looks close, I didn't have time to count and measure thickness between one with and without the air. I thought it was more like a highway tractor setup with the airbags doing all the load, but does not appear so. Not sure if it's worth $1500 CDN unless your loading up to the max in payload.

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

The 2016 has a different spring setup with the level air, mine has 3 full length springs with a 4th one going to the front, guess they changed something on the 2016.

[minnow]

CampingN.C. wrote:
So the 3500's with bags have a different leaf package than the standard 3500 without bags? Or am I reading that wrong?

Yes that is correct.

[CampingN_C_]

So the 3500's with bags have a different leaf package than the standard 3500 without bags? Or am I reading that wrong?

[thecdnmole]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

Thanks Cummins, your picture helps as it was fricken cold when I looked and didn't have time to really check it out. I can see how the leafs that are there are more for stability and control. Next thing now is a test drive!

[Cummins12V98]

thecdnmole wrote:
Well I finally got to see this airrdie setup on a 3500 SRW Ram and it looks more like helper bags than actual suspension. The amount of leaf springs looks close, I didn't have time to count and measure thickness between one with and without the air. I thought it was more like a highway tractor setup with the airbags doing all the load, but does not appear so. Not sure if it's worth $1500 CDN unless your loading up to the max in payload.

The bags ARE carrying the load. The springs are there to control axle wrap and position axle.

There are two full length springs and two that go from the axle to the front spring support.

I feel the system is worth every $$$. The truck rides near level instead of AZZ high solo and rides level when towing no matter the weight up to RAWR. The ride is very nice.

[thecdnmole]

Well I finally got to see this airrdie setup on a 3500 SRW Ram and it looks more like helper bags than actual suspension. The amount of leaf springs looks close, I didn't have time to count and measure thickness between one with and without the air. I thought it was more like a highway tractor setup with the airbags doing all the load, but does not appear so. Not sure if it's worth $1500 CDN unless your loading up to the max in payload.

[ShinerBock]

FishOnOne wrote:


The dealer will not flag your truck when performing an oil change or safety recall. It's when they actually have to replace an item that they test or look at the symptoms to ensure no tuner was involved. Now there are some tuner friendly dealers but most are not.

My Edge monitor was still mounted on my pillar when I took it and the technician that I always request knows that I have it tuned. All he asks is that I return it to stock. If my drive line warranty were voided then I would have had to pay for the transmission update, but I didn't. I currently work for a heavy duty truck dealership group and worked at Grande Ford many moons ago before I went to work for Cummins. I know how the warranty system works first hand.

[thecdnmole]

Folks, I appreciate reading all this information, but we should get back on topic of comparing the suspension system of the two trucks. Thanks! 🙂