Rear Suspension Squat

[ltrcrr]

I  have a 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Last year we were heading out on a camping trip, loaded the bed of the truck and some things in the camper popup.( 2001 Coleman Sedona). I didn't notice it right away but on the first rest stop I noticed  the rear end sagging a bit ...What caused that  and would helper springs put on the truck help?

[flyfisherman]

Everything depends of the present suspension system you have with the Dodge. The problem with heavy duty factory suspensions is they ride so rough when the truck is empty. When you have a regular suspension the truck rides best but will start with the "squats" when your loading the truck.

For what I do I like these leaf spring supports ~ you get the regular ride when the truck is empty but they kick in as the load increases.

http://www.florapse.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=MAXLOADERDODGE

Lots of sytems on the market so I would do some homework as to what might work best for your particular model.




Fly

[LimeJeeeep]

how about a weight distribution hitch

[wavery]

I just installed these on my S-10 P/U:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260321952836&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&viewitem=

They work great and the ride is far more comfortable.

It took about an hour to install them. I had to drill 3 holes in the frame on each side to mount the upper bracket with self-tapping screws and the lower brace just clamps to the leaf spring with a u-bolt.

[aw738]

I'm with Wayne on this one. Air bags would be the way to go. Just deflate them when empty and you don't even know you have them. Most recommend at least 10 psi for them to keep there shape. I would recommend plumbing them separately instead of on a fill valve with a tee. With them plumbed together they can cause the inside of the vehicle lift in a turn.

Just wondering does your truck have the factory tow package? My 06 Dakota does and it sags less than my 84 full size D150. It also has the same rear end just narrower.

[Hoagie]

I'm going to go along with Wayne too and suggest you look at the Air Springs. I got mine from //www.TruckSprings.com as they had the best price I could find at the time. I've had both "helper" springs and the air springs and IMHO there is no comparison. The air springs cost a bit more (about $200 for your truck) but you can adjust the air pressure for the ride you want with the load you have.

Again, just my opinion. I didn't care for the ride quality with the helper springs. So I gave the air springs a try and found them to be much more comfortable for me.

[coach]

Like people, truck 'rear ends' sag with age!  :p

[titanpat57]

Hi,

I would recommend the Roadmaster Active Suspension.  It's an add on to the springs..but makes a great difference.  It can be had on Ebay for about 1/2 of what you might pay in an auto parts store.  Bags would also be a good choice..but I think a bit more costly.  Are you loading the pick up bed besides just the tongue weight?  I've had em' all...and dollar for dollar I think the RAS was the best, and did the install myself with no issues.

Pat

[wavery]

Hi,

I would recommend the Roadmaster Active Suspension.  It's an add on to the springs..but makes a great difference.  It can be had on Ebay for about 1/2 of what you might pay in an auto parts store.  Bags would also be a good choice..but I think a bit more costly.  Are you loading the pick up bed besides just the tongue weight?  I've had em' all...and dollar for dollar I think the RAS was the best, and did the install myself with no issues.

Pat

They're another option I guess. It's nice to have options. However, they are more $$ than the air bags. I paid $185 (incl S&H) for the bags. The RAS looks like it is about $335 with S&H, that's nealy double.
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZRoadmasterQ20ActiveQ20SuspensionQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ

I don't like the way that they stress the springs. If you have week springs in the first place, these could just stress them more and you may end up with a broken spring. The air bags take the stress off of the springs and distribute the weight more evenly to the frame. They give you 3 points of contact instead of 2.

Also, if you want to adjust the RAS, you have to crawl under the vehicle with a couple of wrenches. With the air bags, you just inflate them with a small compressor.