I am a new owner of a Dodge pickup, so what I am experiencing may be normal, but I thought I better ask. I have noticed when driving on gravel roads the rear end tries to get away from me. I was driving about 35-40 mph and went over a slightly washboard section and the rear end really got squirrely. It seems to me this may be due to the fact that the truck is sprung pretty stiff. If so, is there a good safe way to soften the ride. I tow infrequently, and when I do tow it is less than 3500lbs.

I was told this truck has the factory tow package, am not sure what that consists of (heavier springs?).

Thanks

2001 Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 Laramie, 5.9

 

I have the same issue on my 96 1500...railroad tracks can be scary at an angle.... I believe its normal and due to stiff suspension but in my case worn shocks might not be helping..

 

Mine does this too and you might want to look into new shocks to help this....my shocks are bad

 

lower it.

 

Still got original shocks? Mine was like that when the shocks were shot, easy job to do on the back if that is all you need are new shocks.

 

Unladen pickup trucks (and bobtailing semi tractors, too) get squirrely on washboard roads. Load 'em up with some weight on the rear axle and they calm right down.

Since you've got a 4x4, just stuff it into 4-Hi when you're on washboard road and the problem will clear right up because the unladen rear axle won't be pushing the heavy front of the truck. Nuthin' to it.

If it's something you'll be doing regularly, you might consider adding some weight over the rear axle. Something like this would work just fine, as would a few hundred pounds of bagged sand or three big ole fat chicks.

 

In my friend's 2009 crew cab has fallen 1/2 inch, it is noticble even to the dealer, who says it is within specifications and only bring it back if it drops down to 3/4 of an inch. Is it a bad coil, shock or compression joint? or other?