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Is there a stronger set of leaf springs to switch in or is there a way to make them stronger? I would also like to know a good stiff shock to install. Edit I guess what I'm looking for are helper springs. So far no luck searching edit end
I haul stuff like gravel and dirt in the back and am about to put on new drums shoes and hardware/hoses. I want to make it stronger so the bed doesn't land on the rubber stops every time I get a half yard of something.
I have BFG all terrain tires
Just found this http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin...Helper-springs
I found these http://gabriel.com/product-search/li...?partnum=43048
Not sure yet if I want them and further searches show them (same number 43048) for the front?
On a related note I found this under searching for a kit for the front end suspension http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...am_50_2wd_1985
I have seen others say Moog has gone bad but is the parts listed here what I want? What parts would I need two of?
Or would the list be different for the 85 Ram 50? Thanks.
Edit BTW my U joints and the center bearing on the drive shaft is only a couple years old.
There was also a 1-ton version so they would probably have stiffer/more leafs. Maybe car-part.com can locate some from a dismantler
So the Gabriel 43048 shocks seem to be about an inch and a half long. How does one compress them to get them to fit? I'm putting them on the back.
I'm hoping someone notices this as I have it up right now. I am going to try to jack the bed up while it sits on the jack stand. Hopefully no accidents. :)
EDIT- Figured it out. I have a small scissor jack that I placed between the rubber stop and the frame that goes up and over the axle. Then I spread the spring down until I could get the shock on. Now the drum don't wanna come off :)
Drum came off with liquid wrench and a BFH.
next time, use the hydraulic jack from the truck, bolt on the top mount of the shock, and jack the bottom mount into place.
The next one went right in!? Got the breaks on and I think I might do the helper spring thing once I do the front suspension. It was nice to see it is not as rusted underneath as I had imagined. It was just coated with dry dirt.
Edit- It also looks better with its ass up high :)
I finally made myself look through my FSM and I thought these two pages might be helpful as they show a spread out pic with numbered list of the part names. On the second pic there are numbers in this format "x to Y (x to Y)" this is the torque spec Newton Meters and Foot lbs respectively.
Oh yea do you have to have a spring compression tool? Or can I just take things apart?
Attachment 17894 Attachment 17895
I want to make my FSM a PDF but it is in real good condition and the only way I have found to do it requires me to destroy the binding. I might get one that is a little worse off and do it down the line.
No spring tool needed, just have a jack under the lower control arm when you start unbolting it/pulling parts off so that the coil doesn't spring out of the pocket.
Thank You Dropped Mitsu.
for the rear, just get a second set of rear leafs and double them up, trimming them to create the steps between leafs, and get a longer bolt to hold them in the center. Not everyone has a set of john baker 3 leaf helper set sitting around, but I do - slated for the 86 project truck.
Thanks Pennyman. I'm waiting until I finish the front brakes and suspension.