96 dragging the ground?

[CowboyBob]

My 1500 has no support in the suspension any longer.  If I hook a medium sized trailer to the hitch, it almost drops to the ground.  But when there is no weight in the back, it sits normal.  What has gone out the leaf springs? 

This truck has 212k on the original motor and tranny.  So I don't even know if it is worth folling with.  the engine still runs just as good as the day I bought it.

[Cumminalong]

Sounds like nothing more that springs.

Without weight they are sitting relaxed, but can't support the weight anymore.

Give Atlas or National Spring a call. They'll build you a set of springs that are setup exactly how you want....length, curve, spring rate, etc.

Surprisingly, they are not that expensive.

Don't let a spring shop "rearch" them. All this will do is make the ride height higher and make them stiff, but they will fail eventually.

[CumminsCrazed]

just put a nice big lift kit on it with all new suspension for only like.......2,500 bucks! LOL!

Nah, id do the same as above, Atlas and/or Natl. Spring.

[CowboyBob]

I'm affariad the lift kit is more valuable than the truck!

[dhvaughan]

ok, lets see here, first post on this site.
check out www.timbren.com   for their rubber helper springs.
awesome things.
increases load carrying w/o increasing height or unloaded ride quality.
not expensive either, i think mine were about 160 or so.


+1 on don't re-arch leaf springs.  waste of time and they will re-sag.
you can build up your spring pack with additional mid sized springs.
i did this on my old chevy.  it increases load carrying but makes the ride brutal.

[CowboyBob]

Those look pretty cool.  Kinda like airbags with out the air.  I'm wondering if they will help my 2500 when I am towing?

[dhvaughan]

oh yeah, they'll help...  you'll be very impressed with how much more level the truck will sit and how more weight will stay on the front.

[CowboyBob]

Do you have a set on your truck?  How do you like them?

[dhvaughan]

yes. i like them.
http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_717587/tm.htm

[CowboyBob]

Thanks for the info.  I think I'm going to get a set for the 2500.  I use it more for towing anyway.  If the 96 doesn't fall apart on me I may get a set for it too.

[mayfair]

I think I'm seeing a DIY in your future Bob.

[Batman]

Come on Bob....you've got a real truck, why even mess with that little trainer thing. 

[CowboyBob]

Yeah but when diesel is $1 more a gallon and all you need to do is deliver 25 bales of hay across town, guess which truck makes the trip.