Question about rear springs

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Jmrylands

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I have a 96 1500 2 wheel drive that I haul wood with. I have a chassis of a 94 1500 4x4 sitting out back. I want to know if I can combine the springs of the two trucks. Not to add more carry capacity, but to carry the weight better if that makes sense. The added ground clearance would be helpful also. Trying to do it on the cheap, don't have money for helper springs or air bags. Also trying to make use of the stuff I already have on hand. Another question that I need an answer for, is there any way it lift the front of a 2wd ram, other than bigger tires. It's a sport and being in the woods gets a little hairy sometimes. I know I should have a 4x4, but I have to make do with what I have. Thanks for the responses.
 

dodge dude94

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So....you're wanting to run two sets of springs on the same axle? Honestly, I can't see how that would be safe with regards to the mounting on the frame. What you could probably do though is take the overloads out of the 94's springs and add them to yours, giving you about 1in of lift and, in theory, more capacity. It would be two sets of overloads, so it would ride like hell, but it would likely accomplish what you want. You could also take the factory block off the 94 and stick it under it as well.
For the front I'd look at a 2 in spacer up there, anything more than that and you're looking at new knuckles, springs and control arms.
 
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Jmrylands

Jmrylands

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I want to know if I can take the two sets apart and combine them into one. To keep it from squatting so bad. I get a load of wood and end up dragging the hitch on the dips in the woods. Last few times I've had dirty and grass in the hitch. I really need a bigger truck but I have to make do with what I have for now. It could ride rough and not bother me that much.
 

dodge dude94

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I want to know if I can take the two sets apart and combine them into one. To keep it from squatting so bad. I get a load of wood and end up dragging the hitch on the dips in the woods. Last few times I've had dirty and grass in the hitch. I really need a bigger truck but I have to make do with what I have for now. It could ride rough and not bother me that much.

Ahhh gotcha. That makes more sense. You should be able to, just remember to install new u-bolts when you put them back in and realize that the spring retainers likely won't want to play nice when putting it back together.
 
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Jmrylands

Jmrylands

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Ok, thanks for the response. I should be able to find different retainers that would work, I would think.
 

pwaite92

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I believe heavier duty rear springs were installed on my truck when it was with the Forest Service making the rear of the truck sit way higher. 2001 4wd 1500 5.9. Think I could take the rear block out and cut the extra length off of my u-bolts? Or are the center pins different sizes?
 

Gr8bawana

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I believe heavier duty rear springs were installed on my truck when it was with the Forest Service making the rear of the truck sit way higher. 2001 4wd 1500 5.9. Think I could take the rear block out and cut the extra length off of my u-bolts? Or are the center pins different sizes?

Maybe you could just install a front leveling kit and bring the front end up.
 

pwaite92

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so if I got new u-bolts do you think the spacer would be able to be removed without issue?
 

Merc225hp

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so if I got new u-bolts do you think the spacer would be able to be removed without issue?

First stop threadjacking threads this is like the third one. Start a new thread, post some pix up for what you are working on and asking about.

New u bolts are a must, removing the rear block will not effect the leaf-spring alignment bolt.
 

Jimmy68

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Bah. You guys. Just add leaves from one pack to the other. No problems. Build your own packs.
Granted, new u-bolts are always nice and should be used, Old ones do work in a pinch. If long enough.
Add too many it'll ride like a 70's school bus.
 

Merc225hp

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Bah. You guys. Just add leaves from one pack to the other. No problems. Build your own packs.
Granted, new u-bolts are always nice and should be used, Old ones do work in a pinch. If long enough.
Add too many it'll ride like a 70's school bus.

How I don't miss those days, had a new 79 f250 that I lifted back then. Lol 14 leafs in each pack and who knows much arc was added.

Building spring packs is not hard, keeping the spring rate can be a challenge. Safety is a must when working with spring packs they can bite hard lol.
 

BBartow

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Bah. You guys. Just add leaves from one pack to the other. No problems. Build your own packs.
Granted, new u-bolts are always nice and should be used, Old ones do work in a pinch. If long enough.
Add too many it'll ride like a 70's school bus.

Yep have ******* packs on my jeep :Pshyco:
 

Mattx15

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I have a 96 1500 2 wheel drive that I haul wood with. I have a chassis of a 94 1500 4x4 sitting out back. I want to know if I can combine the springs of the two trucks. Not to add more carry capacity, but to carry the weight better if that makes sense. The added ground clearance would be helpful also. Trying to do it on the cheap, don't have money for helper springs or air bags. Also trying to make use of the stuff I already have on hand. Another question that I need an answer for, is there any way it lift the front of a 2wd ram, other than bigger tires. It's a sport and being in the woods gets a little hairy sometimes. I know I should have a 4x4, but I have to make do with what I have. Thanks for the responses.

get an add a leaf kit i got mine for my 1500 for 65 dollars shipped, it adds an extra leaf in your spring pack you can get them anywhere from 1.5 to 3 inch lift and they handle payload better with way less sag for the front get coil spacers i have 1.5 in in mine you can get up to 3 in
 

Arctic Taco

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Agreed, I have augmented my factory springs on several vehicles from a 49’ CJ2A to my 85’ Toyota pickup. Might try to use the longer ones, but it’s your preference. Too many can definitely turn it into a truck like ride. Put 3 in the rear of the 85, and had to load it with 500#+ just to not break teeth, took one out and viola. I reckon since you are living in more civilized areas getting spring clamps might be easier, I used the old U bolts, till I found some that would fit.
 
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