Hello, springs and thanks
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1
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Hello, springs and thanks
Hi Everyone,
First post to the forum here and first time Dodge truck owner. (my previous tow rig, a Chevy Suburban, burned to the ground 3 months ago and I swear I will NEVER buy another GM product!). Other club racing friends have had great luck with RAM trucks as tow vehicles so I though I'd give one a try.
I bought a '96 1500 SLT on EBay about 2 months ago. It was in worse shape than advertised. This forum has been a godsend in getting it sorted out. I want to thank everyone on the 2nd Gen forum for all the great information posted here. I've spent hours reading posts and I'm glad to say you guys have helped me through most of the problems with the truck so far. Check engine light is now finally off for good! (among other issues).
Last weekend I installed the Skyjacker shocks and Top Gun front dual shock kit. What at b*tch it was weaving it around the brake master on the drivers side! Truck rode a lot better with new shocks.
Getting around to the lift this weekend. The concensus seemed to be to use 2500 CTD springs on the front and add-a-leafs on the rear. Swapped out the front springs today following the advice of posts here. It was ridiculously easy. Got it done in just over an hour. I didn't go with the 47/48 springs as recommended because I just don't need the extra capacity in front. I found a great deal on some '06 CTD 984AA springs on EBay. They are a little stiffer than the 20/21 stock on my truck and raised it about 3" as expected. Truck sits a tad higher front to rear with the new springs. Going to tackle the add-a-leaf tomorrow. Truck looks and rides great with the 2500 springs. The directions given here are perfect. Went exactly as described. No hassles. And glad to say the later 3rd gen springs fit like a charm. Didn't even have to unbolt the top shock mount.
I'll add some Firestone air bags at some point in the future. The truck is primarily a snow-and-tow rig. I have a 17' car trailer and 3000lb vehicle but eventually want to do an enclosed 20'. We'll see how the AAL does with the current car/trailer package then add the air bags later.
I initially intended this for a tow beater but I think I'm going to invest in getting it repainted next year once I get all the mechanicals sorted out. I think I'm into this truck for the long haul. Very glad I decided to go with a RAM this time around. Another grand or so should get it in top shape. I'll post some pictures soon.
So just wanted to drop a quick intro and a huge thank you to all the generous contributors here! You guys are awesome.
-Peter
P.S. If anyone needs the old 20/21 stock 1500 springs, you can have them for the cost of shipping or pick up in the Philly area.
First post to the forum here and first time Dodge truck owner. (my previous tow rig, a Chevy Suburban, burned to the ground 3 months ago and I swear I will NEVER buy another GM product!). Other club racing friends have had great luck with RAM trucks as tow vehicles so I though I'd give one a try.
I bought a '96 1500 SLT on EBay about 2 months ago. It was in worse shape than advertised. This forum has been a godsend in getting it sorted out. I want to thank everyone on the 2nd Gen forum for all the great information posted here. I've spent hours reading posts and I'm glad to say you guys have helped me through most of the problems with the truck so far. Check engine light is now finally off for good! (among other issues).
Last weekend I installed the Skyjacker shocks and Top Gun front dual shock kit. What at b*tch it was weaving it around the brake master on the drivers side! Truck rode a lot better with new shocks.
Getting around to the lift this weekend. The concensus seemed to be to use 2500 CTD springs on the front and add-a-leafs on the rear. Swapped out the front springs today following the advice of posts here. It was ridiculously easy. Got it done in just over an hour. I didn't go with the 47/48 springs as recommended because I just don't need the extra capacity in front. I found a great deal on some '06 CTD 984AA springs on EBay. They are a little stiffer than the 20/21 stock on my truck and raised it about 3" as expected. Truck sits a tad higher front to rear with the new springs. Going to tackle the add-a-leaf tomorrow. Truck looks and rides great with the 2500 springs. The directions given here are perfect. Went exactly as described. No hassles. And glad to say the later 3rd gen springs fit like a charm. Didn't even have to unbolt the top shock mount.
I'll add some Firestone air bags at some point in the future. The truck is primarily a snow-and-tow rig. I have a 17' car trailer and 3000lb vehicle but eventually want to do an enclosed 20'. We'll see how the AAL does with the current car/trailer package then add the air bags later.
I initially intended this for a tow beater but I think I'm going to invest in getting it repainted next year once I get all the mechanicals sorted out. I think I'm into this truck for the long haul. Very glad I decided to go with a RAM this time around. Another grand or so should get it in top shape. I'll post some pictures soon.
So just wanted to drop a quick intro and a huge thank you to all the generous contributors here! You guys are awesome.
-Peter
P.S. If anyone needs the old 20/21 stock 1500 springs, you can have them for the cost of shipping or pick up in the Philly area.
