2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Back Right Sits High

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 10:19 AM
  #1  
Mudshack's Avatar
Mudshack
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 387
Likes: 3
From: Lee's Summit, MO (KC)
Default Back Right Sits High

I am not a fan of the typical truck rake. I think a truck should sit level, unless it is used routinely to haul loads. I pulled out my tape and measured everything off:

DF - 38 1/2"
PF - 38 3/4"
DR - 39 3/4"
PR - 41 1/4"

The passenger rear sits 1.5" higher than the driver rear. And nearly 3" higher than my driver's side front. The leaf packs look identical. Any idea why this is?
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 10:23 AM
  #2  
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Veteran: Air Force
Community Favorite
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,387
Likes: 4,212
From: Clayton MI
Default

Its called "dodge lean". Seems to be fairly common. I think there was a thread on this in the not so distant past.
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:21 AM
  #3  
95RAM360's Avatar
95RAM360
Grand Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,971
Likes: 45
From: MAINE
Default

yup, i have the same exact problem...its the leafs in mine i know for a fact because my shackle snapped earlier this year, and sent the leaf spring into the bed...and it lost its arc...

the fix: im going to buy 2500 springs and leafs from a junkyard
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:53 AM
  #4  
dsertdog56's Avatar
dsertdog56
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 0
From: Just south of nowhere in Oklahoma
Default

"Dodge lean"... you'd think after 30 some years, Dodge could make a truck without it. But they can't, and it appears the aftermarket isn't much help either.
The problem is that the drivers side is preloaded with your battery, gas tank, and the driver.
The solution covers everything from replacing leaf packs, and new coils, to weld in front spacers (superlift) and simply adding a new bottom leaf (drivers side) with about an inch extra arch in it. Rearching springs doesn't last, and even the best aftermnarket stuff eventualy "goes south".
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 12:45 PM
  #5  
Mudshack's Avatar
Mudshack
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 387
Likes: 3
From: Lee's Summit, MO (KC)
Default

Originally Posted by 95RAM360

the fix: im going to buy 2500 springs and leafs from a junkyard
How much should that run?
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 03:18 PM
  #6  
jasonw's Avatar
jasonw
Site Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,374
Likes: 28
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Default

2500 leafs won't fit without some modifications to your hangars, they are 3" wide and your 1500 leafs are 2.5" wide.

The previous owner of my truck wore out my leaf springs, I had the exact same problem you are having. For whatever reason, I am very **** about the back sides being level with each other, and the front sides being level with each other, or extremely close.

Here is what I did:
-A new-to-me 1500 leaf spring from the junkyard, $65. Make sure and nab a passenger side unit, as those don't suffer the same fate as the driver's side units (battery, gas tank, etc. etc. is on driver's side). Flip the bolt in the shackle, so that it points the opposite direction (because you will be installing it on the driver's side).
-A 1" front leveling kit (spacer), unless you already have one of those (or similar) installed. I installed only one of the two spacers, on the driver's side only. Mine was $50 + shipping from Top Gun Customz.

Now my fronts are the exact same height, and the driver's side rear is just under 1/4" higher than the passenger. I know that eventually all that weight will make it sag a little (again), so I am very pleased with that.

I still have the one 1" spacer left from that kit, and I'd be willing to let it go for $20 plus the shipping, if you need it.
 

Last edited by jasonw; Aug 30, 2010 at 03:22 PM. Reason: Fixed grammatical errors.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 08:53 PM
  #7  
dhvaughan's Avatar
dhvaughan
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
Default

i think someone posted that 2500 2wd leaf springs were 2-1/2. not sure if true or not.

new springs are expensive. here's one place.
http://www.stengelbros.com/HeavyDutyLeafSprings.htm
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:04 PM.