Timbren rear suspension system ??

[roadhunter]

I have used air bags on my ram 2500 for years. Works great and is simple to use.

 

[jimmysisson]

Coobie, I think you'll like the Timbrens. As you note, unladen ride is same as stock. You just have more faith that when you find a nice big welder at a garage sale you don't blind oncoming traffic getting it home. I like mine, but rarely load my 2008 Chev half ton very heavy.
Jim

 

[rankrank1]

I have heard (and seen internet pics) of the 1500 Ram rear coil spring designed trucks suffering from excessive sag when loaded even moderately, but I thought the 2500 Rams coils were supposed to handle a load much better in comparison. Spec wise the Ram 2500 payload #'s always seem impressive (on paper anyways) where the Ram 1500's payload #'s are often puny depending on configuration.

What kinda trailer weights and tongue weights did you feel the Timbrens were necessary for on the 2500? (A Ram 2500 6.4 is on my wish list... if I can only convince myself to part with that much $....all trucks are overpriced IMOP)?

 

[coobie]

I have heard (and seen internet pics) of the 1500 Ram rear coil spring designed trucks suffering from excessive sag when loaded even moderately, but I thought the 2500 Rams coils were supposed to handle a load much better in comparison. Spec wise the Ram 2500 payload #'s always seem impressive (on paper anyways) where the Ram 1500's payload #'s are often puny depending on configuration.

What kinda trailer weights and tongue weights did you feel the Timbrens were necessary for on the 2500? (A Ram 2500 6.4 is on my wish list... if I can only convince myself to part with that much $....all trucks are overpriced IMOP)?

Towing about 11,000-12,000 lbs couple times per year.Wanted to correct the slight sag I had with that weight the reason for the Timbren install.The 6.4 hemi pulls that weight very well.

 

[Copperhead]

Regarding the air bag thing.... ever wonder why the majority of heavy commercial trucks have gone to air ride suspensions since the 80's? They just plain work great! Springs are so old school, and Timbrens just make it even worse. Air is the only way to do it right and supplement stock springs. The only real decision is whether one needs an on board air compressor or not.

 

[coobie]

Regarding the air bag thing.... ever wonder why the majority of heavy commercial trucks have gone to air ride suspensions since the 80's? They just plain work great! Springs are so old school, and Timbrens just make it even worse. Air is the only way to do it right and supplement stock springs. The only real decision is whether one needs an on board air compressor or not.

To each his own I guess.You know that they say about opinions.

 

[TMGT]

There are still a lot of trucks being made that use all rubber suspension, see it a lot on the trash trucks I get to work on.
Good durable suspension, not the softest ride but not horrible, an seems to hold up well, plus they are compact.

My rollback had a similar system to the Timbren, it was designed to be low profile so it pretty much rode just off the rubber unloaded, not comfortable at all on rough roads, might have been part of the reason I went air bags.
Other reason was to be able to adjust for the load by air pressure since I have regular changes in needs between different trailers and what I put in the back of the truck.

Sounds like Timbren will work good for your application which ultimately is all that matters!
If we all had the same needs and requirements the world would be a boring place.

 

[FredH]

Although I have never even seen the brand / style You used , I don't see why they won't work . For Years I ran leaf style overload springs on my old '84 Ford F250 4x4 hauling wood , gravel , etc.... The trick to installing any spring type overload , is NOT to jack up the truck during install . Like what You stated on installing Yours about the gap after install . with leaf style springs , One wants those to be in a neutral state during unladen times . Seen many people jack up their trucks , install overload leafs , set truck back down and then wonder why it rides so rough . That Ford was a every day driver , 5 or 6 daysa week commuter for over 10 years . Then on Weekends it was the work truck .
Now on My '06 ram 2500 quad cab 4 wheel drive , I installed the airlift system without a compressor . Each side has it's own inflation valve . Unladen , air is kept right at 18 - 20 psi . Is ride any rougher with bags versus no bags unladen ? Only time I even notice the ride is going over a speed bump at Lowes or someweres else .
Ride is also effected by tire brand , style and air pressure . That was the case with My wifes Subaru forester awhile back . Car always seem to be " rough " or even seemed to be bottoming out with Factory Michelins , ( I Think they were Michelins , Don't quote me on that . Do know We have a different brand now ) . Now She has Firestone's or ??? , ( at 3:30 in the morning and 28 degree's outside , I am not going to go look ) , But just the different brand of tire with same air pressure and Her Forester now rides really nice .


Fred H.

 

[JJZ 109]

I've had Timbrens on a couple of F150s and now have them on my 2016 F250. Kinda like Coobie, I don't tow or load heavy all that often. They're nice to have on the occasions I pull a 5th wheel camper (probably 10k or so). Any other time, the Timbrens aren't touching the stops and the truck rides stock. I've also had air bags on a 150. A nice option to be sure, but a little costly if you don't use them often.

 

[ihcfan]

I have had Timbrens on the rear of my 2001 F-350 for 10 years. They work perfect for me. I set them with the 1" gap per directions. Ride good under all conditions.