How do I know if my new HD coil springs are seated correctly?

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PhilBernardi

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All,

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 4x4 Crew Cab 5.7L. I had a mechanic install some CargoMaxx HD coils in the back. He used a lift to hoist the truck up. He showed me that when he installed the springs that they were not seated well; there was some play (up and down) with the spring and indicated that they weren't seated well and may become unseated in the future when tires are rotated or some other lift scenario.

What should I (or a mechanic) expect in the above scenario? How much play or movement ought there be when coil springs are installed when a truck is on a lift? Did he miss something - maybe - when he put the coils in (I don't have reason to suspect he doesn't know what he's doing). I mention the lift because a few videos show installation from a "ground well" with the truck being lifted as needed when installing the coils.

I ended up not having the coils installed and just put the old ones back in.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for your consideration.

Phil
 

Dan J

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IMO if coil springs can be moved when installed correctly they are not the correct springs
 

ram1500rsm

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I can't see how there will play up/down unless the springs were shorter than the stockers and having the shock extended at it's max will unseat them. That is poor coil design. The spring should have enough length for the shock to be able to fully extend without the spring coming loose at least when you talk about a coil that is supposed to fit stock length shocks.
 

chopperman1

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Wrong springs. Even when suspension is at max there should still be spring tension. It's what stops them from falling out of the seats!
 

grizzstang

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Some of the aftermarket coils are a little shorter as the coil itself is thicker. If it wasn't a little shorter you would have a lot of extra lift after installing them.

When your rear end is at full droop, like when sitting on a hoist, you would be able to move them a little but they should be seated. the rear shocks will hold the rear end from drooping enough that they would become unseated. I don't believe mine would move up and down on a hoist.

You may have the wrong ones for your truck or maybe you could try another brand.
 

Nicholas Cove

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Some of the aftermarket coils are a little shorter as the coil itself is thicker. If it wasn't a little shorter you would have a lot of extra lift after installing them.

When your rear end is at full droop, like when sitting on a hoist, you would be able to move them a little but they should be seated. the rear shocks will hold the rear end from drooping enough that they would become unseated. I don't believe mine would move up and down on a hoist.

You may have the wrong ones for your truck or maybe you could try another brand.
Bingo.
 
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OP
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PhilBernardi

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Thanks for the replies.

My take away is that the MaxxCargo HD springs are slightly shorter and I might be better off with a different make of spring.

Seems **** poor that Dayton (makers of MaxxCargo) wouldn't have same length as original springs. Their marketing implies same fit for my truck.
 

danielmid

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I upgraded my 1500 with TufTruck springs and they're slightly shorter than stock as well, but stiffer coils to give the stiffer ride. I've since moved on to Icons, but the TufTrucks being shorter had no effect on the function once installed.

If you're worried about flexing and spring popping out you can always hose clamp the spring to the lower coil mount on the axle.
 
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