Hi there all. Is there a specific vendor/mfg'er for upgrade your rear susp to handle a higher tow capacity. Any suggestions or advice appreciated. I have an '04 Ram 1500 SLT 4x4.


Thanks


Stuart

 

helper springs or airbags

 

thanks for the reply. I talked to a spring shop and the said that another "leaf " would add about 600lbs capacity and that the air bags would add about a 1000lbs. If anyone has done this did they notice a handling problem or a ride issue. Is there a way to add more than this or could I swap in a 2500 rear end suspension and get more tow capacitry over the 1st two options.

 

I heard airbags are a great mod. I have only heard good things about it.

 

Seems like a lot of people are trying to turn their 1500 into a 2500, or worse a 3500...

There are several differences between the 1500, and 2500... frame, gearing, springs, live axle.. There is a reason that the curb weight of the 2500 is 1100 more pounds than the 1500.

Sure you can add airbags, and get more capacity. The 1500 is a hauling machine to begin with, if you are close to cap with it and you are towing 8000+ lbs, or worse adding in more than #1000 of stuff (consistently), then I am sorry but you bought the wrong model truck.

 

Rancho has some adjustable shocks - I think they are the 9000 series??
You can adjust them to help with squat. Not sure if you can increase the load though. You may want to contact a company like Rancho that manufactures suspensions.

 

I would not recommend going over the GVWR the manufacturer states on the drivers side door jamb. I have airbags on my truck, but use them only to level the ride from side to side. I am safely under the GVWR with the camper on the back, gear, and passengers. If you need to go over the GVWR, might want to think about getting a heavier duty truck.

 

Do airbags affect off road performance in rear axle movement? Like rock crawling or situations needing your axle to have some serious flex.