Weakest Component of Rear Suspension

jlb · Jun 15, 2012

Anybody know someone who has had rear suspension/chassis/wheel bearing failure?

I don't know about you guys but whenever I get even close to my payload cap. (1000/1400 lbs) my truck is squatting really badly. This makes me think that the weak link is the springs because it squats so readily, but I was wondering if anyone has had issues with any other components in the rear, or has insight on what the weak link is.

quietpeen · Jun 15, 2012

they do squat very easy when loaded up.

TLC John · Jun 15, 2012

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sandawilliams · Jun 15, 2012

I know that my 10 ply tires are cupping already after 8000 miles. I tow a camp trailer that is within the 7500 lb tow rating and my front tires are cupped on the outside edge and rear tires cupped on the inside edge. It makes sense when you see how it sets with the trailer hooked up but I probably should have bought a three quarter ton. I hope I wont be experiencing any suspension problems too.

sandawilliams · Jun 15, 2012

tlc

Are these made for the 2009 1500? Do you install them only on the rear? What kind of price are they?
thanks

jlb · Jun 16, 2012

I am interested in a set of air bags for the rear, that is definitely on my list of desired upgrades. The problem is, once you add them you get a little more let's say, confident, when putting stuff in the back.

I am curious what the next weakest link is after you bottom out your springs basically. Probably not the rims, they are pretty heavy aluminum, not the tires as the load rating for those is clearly demarcated on the sides. Perhaps that axle housing itself where it has to transmit forces to the axle shaft? Perhaps the bearings that transmit the load to the shaft? Maybe even the shaft itself?

See what I am getting at here? Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of having the air bladders a lot, but I want to know if push comes to shove what kind of parts failure is expected, and at what level of weight?

h2oman · Jun 16, 2012

I put the Airlift 1000's in. Cured all my problems.

quietpeen · Jun 16, 2012

Guys he understands what airbags do. He wants to know what is going to fail. This is not a thread of "what will solve my excessive sag"

Gone-broke · Jun 16, 2012

Bearings and shafts makes sense, maybe also the ujoint , depending on pinion angle..

Regardless though, if you're gonna carry at max payload, airbags would be more for safety and stability..

Sent while driving...

hounddog · Jun 16, 2012

quietpeen said:
they do squat very easy when loaded up.

You should pay attention to the Fraud F-250. To get it to ride nicer than the Ram2500 they took out a long leaf from the spring pack.

Now, they squat like a half ton with very little weight. They might ride nicely, but they are no longer work trucks.

Look at this- specifically the first couple tests between the Chevy and the Fraud.

Chevy vs. Ford HD Truck - Bed Bend Video - YouTube

You will notice, however, they neglect to show the results of the same test between the Chevy and the Rams.

smiley · Jun 16, 2012

h2oman said:
I put the Airlift 1000's in. Cured all my problems.

X2

$miley

smiley · Jun 16, 2012

hounddog said:
You should pay attention to the Fraud F-250. To get it to ride nicer than the Ram2500 they took out a long leaf from the spring pack.

Now, they squat like a half ton with very little weight. They might ride nicely, but they are no longer work trucks.

Look at this- specifically the first couple tests between the Chevy and the Fraud.

Chevy vs. Ford HD Truck - Bed Bend Video - YouTube

You will notice, however, they neglect to show the results of the same test between the Chevy and the Rams.

I have watched nearly all of these and I notice they just pick and choose what they show you. I just don't feel the tests are genuine.

$miley

jlb · Jun 16, 2012

I am just thinking that I am currently hauling/towing at/near payload capacity quite a bit. I pull an 18ft enclosed trailer on the weekends with two custom race cars jammed in there, as well as a **** load of gear in the back of my truck, and 3 or 4 buddies in the cab. All in all, I am sure I am technically "over-weight," and the truck squats like none other.

I definitely want to do air bags, I have had them on trucks in the past (05 3500 ctd, 03 3500 srw ctd, 85 chev 3/4 ton) so I know how awesome they are, but I also know I can still put a 4500 lb payload on my 85 chev and it looks fine (but we all know it is not lol).

As a result I am curious if I should consider swapping out my rear axle (the whole thing) then I could consider running better gears :naughty:

, as long as I can find a match for the front, and increase the life of my rear axle (I doubt the frame is going to be the failure point lol).

Looking for input lol, and I know I would probably have to fab up spring mounting points, but that is the easy part, just make them up in pro-e, and send them out for manufacture.

Or I could swap in different bearings, or if the rest of the components are somewhat overbuilt then I will just do airbags, and not worry about it.

Just don't want those airbags to create a false sense of security you know?

smiley · Aug 17, 2012

I have had to replace drive shaft ujoints but all the rest seems very very tough. I am not nice to my truck when it comes to driving hard I drive fast and ask it to perform even when towing. I could not believe the ujoints were trash after 40k. I have about 10k on these ones so far so good.

$miley

Trupiano · Aug 17, 2012

jlb said:
I am just thinking that I am currently hauling/towing at/near payload capacity quite a bit. I pull an 18ft enclosed trailer on the weekends with two custom race cars jammed in there, as well as a **** load of gear in the back of my truck, and 3 or 4 buddies in the cab. All in all, I am sure I am technically "over-weight," and the truck squats like none other.

I definitely want to do air bags, I have had them on trucks in the past (05 3500 ctd, 03 3500 srw ctd, 85 chev 3/4 ton) so I know how awesome they are, but I also know I can still put a 4500 lb payload on my 85 chev and it looks fine (but we all know it is not lol).

As a result I am curious if I should consider swapping out my rear axle (the whole thing) then I could consider running better gears , as long as I can find a match for the front, and increase the life of my rear axle (I doubt the frame is going to be the failure point lol).

Looking for input lol, and I know I would probably have to fab up spring mounting points, but that is the easy part, just make them up in pro-e, and send them out for manufacture.

Or I could swap in different bearings, or if the rest of the components are somewhat overbuilt then I will just do airbags, and not worry about it.

Just don't want those airbags to create a false sense of security you know?

My opinion... as you said. If you want to up your payload capacity, (I don't know if you can really do this, probably not) best idea would be bigger rear axle, different gearing, air bag suspension, and possibly a driveshaft/u-joint upgrade.

Weakest Component of Rear Suspension

jlb

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quietpeen

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TLC John

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sandawilliams

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sandawilliams

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jlb

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h2oman

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quietpeen

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Gone-broke

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hounddog

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smiley

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jlb

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smiley

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Trupiano

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