Ok my dad is a die-hard chevy fan and just sold his 01' 2500hd Silverado for an 05', they both are very stiff and have a great ride feel. He just had it sent in for some body work (somebody hit him while he was double parked) and the dealer gave him an almost brand new 1500 Silverado as a rental. You could feel so much difference in stiffness in the suspension between the two it was unbeleivable.

Now is the difference between the 1500 and 2500 Rams similar to this? I am really only looking for a 1500 because I want the 5.2 but I would like to have a pretty stiff ride.

I was looking at Skyjacker 5" kits and was wondering which would stiffen the ride more: The add-a-leafs or the kit kit with new leafs. Also what is the difference between the standard, single, and double flex kits?

Thanks.

 

A 2500 will always have a stiffer ride than a 1500. Doesn't matter what make the truck is. Stiffer shocks...MUCH stiffer springs. They have to have a stiffer suspension to handle the higher payload and towing capacities.

Can't help you with the lift questions though.

 

Well, I am not exactly looking to spend $1500+ on a lift. I won't be doing much more hauling than a bed full of lumber or a few dirtbikes. I would like to get a similar feel to the stiff suspension of the 2500 though.

Is there any way to get this without spending thousands? Would new springs and shocks take care of this?

I don't want to buy a 2500 just to get the firm feel, because I won't need all the power and it would cost me more than a weeks check to drive. I wan't something like the 5.2 to be somewhat economic and it has all the power I would need.

The main thing that I am trying to acomplish is to have a similar feel in suspension and to have the stance look similar to the 2500.

Oh and as far as the stance goes, would some 33's do it?

If the new springs and shocks are all I need, what would you suggest?

Thanks.

 

It's not just coil springs that you'd need. You'd also need to replace the leafs in the back. As far as where to get them from, I'd say direct from Chrysler. www.chryslerpartsdirect.com I don't really know too many companies that make decent replacement leaf springs.

As far as the stance, the stiffer suspsension is what gives a HD truck it's higher look.

But if wheeling is your objective...like it sounds from your other thread, a 2500 would be a much better truck for it. Stronger axles...heavier frame...stiffer suspension...etc. I'm not sure I exactly understand your reasoning as to why you don't want a 2500. The 318 and the 360 get comparable mileage, and the HD trucks don't really have any "more" power than the 1500s, unless you get a V10 or a Diesel. But hey, whatever you wanna get I guess.

 

Eh, i'm not going to be doing a whole lot of wheeling. I might hit the trails here and there but not much.

 

Ah...I see. Then you may want to stay away from the M/T tires you were asking about in the other thread. They wear real fast on pavement. Go for some A/Ts instead (BFG or Brigdestone/Firestone). Much longer tread life when driven on the road.

 

2 things i'd suggest, Rancho RS9000's. they are adjustable 9 ways and can go from just stiffer than stock to very stiff. then you could also get some urethane swaybar bushings. that will also stiffen it up slightly. it'll help in cornering with the 5" lift.

if you for some reason dont lift it and still want a stiffer ride... you can always get the biggest 3/4 ton springs for the front. I have 3/4 ton springs up front on the 1500 and it gave me about 2.5" of lift and a really stiff ride.

 

Steve, thanks alot man! Would those Ranchos fit without the lift? Also do You know any good companies that make replacment leafsprings that are stiffer than stock?

 

the ones I have on there are for 0-3" lift, I have to add that I have it set on it's softest setting right now (too harsh for the wife set to anything else).

another suggestion which may not fit with your plans... would be to get the Edlebrock Performer IAS shocks... I put a set on the wifes dakota and she (and I) love them. stiffer ride on the roads and they soften up on the bumps. I will be switching the ones on the ram next time one breaks.

leaf springs, central 4 wheel drive, a local store can get almost anything on the market. I'd suggest visiting summit racing and digging thru the suspension section. I'll bet you'll find something to suit your needes...

 

I'll look there Steve, thanks!