4th Gen Ram Tech 2009 - 2018 Rams and the 2019 Ram Classic: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2009 - 2018 Rams and the 2019 Ram Classic. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Why rear coils?

Old Jan 22, 2009 | 12:14 AM
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Default Why rear coils?

Hey everyone. I am just wondering what you guys think of the new coil spring rear suspension.

The rear leaf spring has proven itself for years. How will the new coils springs hold up say 5 years from now.

And how about the 2010 rams. Are the 2500, 3500 going to have the coil suspension or leaf.

I am wanting to buy a new 09 but i dont know about the rear suspension. i like to own my trucks as long as i can. so how will they hold up.

So for now im waiting for the 2010 to see what they are like
 
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Old Jan 22, 2009 | 09:19 AM
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Coils hold up fine and you can change them much easier if you want to change the compression rate or ride height. The nice thing about the coil is that it responds much better and does not wheel hop over washboard surfaces. My 02 would step out big time if the washboard was in a turn, mine 09 goes over it without notice, stays planted.

I have a 70 GMC that has coils and has hauled tons and tons of heavy items without a problem.

The ride of the 09 is much better than the previous gen. with leaf.

The 2010 heavy duty is supposed to have leaf springs.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2009 | 10:43 AM
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From what I've heard from people who have test driven the 09 Rams and current owners, the ride quality is significantly improved over the previous leaf spring ride. And to add to what Dr. Bill said about wheel hop...there is a video comparing the Ram's rear coil suspension to the F150's leaf springs, while driving over bumps and you can see the big difference in the hop of the bed between the two trucks.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2009 | 03:14 PM
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coils are for grocery getters that want a plush ride. Leaf springs are for the offroader and guy who tows large trailers or hauls heavy weights. That's why the '09s GVWR dropped and towing is diminished. Coils don't handle heavy weights very well.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2009 | 03:46 PM
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ive driven the new ram on a test track, and i thought that the coils handled everything just as well as the ford, chevy, ot toyota in the comparison...
 
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Old Jan 23, 2009 | 04:33 PM
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Default evoltution

http://www.motorera.com/history/hist08.htm.

You can make or buy a leaf hard as you want, you can make or buy a coil as hard as you want.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2009 | 05:02 PM
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Default coil

I would go with the coils. I owned a 01 and 05 with leaf and now just bought a 09 and love the ride alot better.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2009 | 02:42 AM
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Originally Posted by dirtydog
coils are for grocery getters that want a plush ride. Leaf springs are for the offroader and guy who tows large trailers or hauls heavy weights. That's why the '09s GVWR dropped and towing is diminished. Coils don't handle heavy weights very well.
Coils are far superior for off road, they allow for MUCH more suspension travel. That why most done up crazy off roaders almost always run coils.

GVWR for the 09 Ram 1500 tops at 6800, GVWR for the 08 Ram tops at 6700 - unless you opt for the megacab which is pretty much a 2500 with 1500 badges. The Payload on the 09 ram is actually UP 30 lbs.

Take a look at a train car next time you get a chance, tell me what you see holding it up.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2009 | 04:57 PM
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Rear coils, bad idea, Chevy had huge track bars on the 70's style pick ups with coils, the track bars held the rear axle in place.

Coils improve ride, no debate here, as for the 09 Ram, most are not going to put the suspenson ***** deep into towing, mud or hualing, its a passemger car with a box, most don't want a tried and true convential pick up.

Coils will last a long long time, all the bushings and linkage needed to keep every thing conected the axle and frame are going to wear out.

The 09 Ram is a real blast to drive, ride is awsome, performance, handeling are improved with the rear coils, no debate here.

Most people wanting a pick up are not going to care abought the rear coils, old school truck people, who are dying breed, care, problem is Dodge don't care abought old school guys, thiers a 2500 Ram to take care ofguys like me..
 
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