First Complaint

renegade34 · April 6, 2009

I was hoping that this truck would handle washboard roads a little better than my Dodge did but it does the same a$$end hop . When I hit a patch of washboard the backend wants to scoot out to the side. What do you guys recommend? I don't want to change the shocks as it's brand new and has the Rancho shocks on it already. Maybe add some weight??

chuck16 · April 6, 2009

Would Wider tires help? Maybe make it easier for the truck to cruise across all of the rutz and bumps?

Zembonez · April 6, 2009

Shocks won't solve it. It's a truck. What you describe is the way rear leaf springs designed to carry weight operate when unloaded. The hop comes from the stiff springs. Adding a little weight in the rear does wonders but most aren't going to haul weight around everyday.

mattgob86 · April 6, 2009

ryan_hermanutz · April 6, 2009

Slow down I think adding weight is the only way to solve that.

Jeff08 · April 6, 2009

I was hoping that this truck would handle washboard roads a little better than my Dodge did but it does the same a$$end hop . When I hit a patch of washboard the backend wants to scoot out to the side. What do you guys recommend? I don't want to change the shocks as it's brand new and has the Rancho shocks on it already. Maybe add some weight??

Add some weight to the back end of the bed. I was reading the other day in a magazine there is a compnay out there that makes a 250 pound plate just for these types of issues. Can't remember the name though.

VMax2007 · April 6, 2009

Shocks won't solve it. It's a truck. What you describe is the way rear leaf springs designed to carry weight operate when unloaded. The hop comes from the stiff springs. Adding a little weight in the rear does wonders but most aren't going to haul weight around everyday.

+1

I wonder how the new Dodge with the 5-link rear coil suspension would compare? I bet it would be much better.

pennzoil29 · April 6, 2009

Unfortunately, it's a truck, and will bounce around on bumpy roads. I have a 2500, and alway's have weight in the back. It doesn't bounce side to side, but none the less, it still bounce's.

renegade34 · April 6, 2009

I did take the new Dodge for a test drive and it did ride very good. I hit some pretty good potholes and manholes and hardly felt them. I think I will try adding a couple sandbags and see if it helps. The reason I was thinking shocks is that on the Dodge forum "Dodgetalk" guys were putting on Billstiens or Monroe Reflexs and said it made a huge difference.

Zembonez · April 6, 2009

Shocks won't solve it. It's a truck. What you describe is the way rear leaf springs designed to carry weight operate when unloaded. The hop comes from the stiff springs. Adding a little weight in the rear does wonders but most aren't going to haul weight around everyday.

+1

I wonder how the new Dodge with the 5-link rear coil suspension would compare? I bet it would be much better.

I think my new truck is the best one I have ever had in this respect. It handles twisty roads quite well for a truck. I am pleased. Unfortunately a lot of "truck" buyers these days expect them to be like a car. I'm not saying that is the OPs way of thinking but a truck is still a truck. The only way to remove the problem totally would be to soften up the rear springs... but that would make the load carrying ability go away.

VMax2007 · April 6, 2009

Shocks won't solve it. It's a truck. What you describe is the way rear leaf springs designed to carry weight operate when unloaded. The hop comes from the stiff springs. Adding a little weight in the rear does wonders but most aren't going to haul weight around everyday.

+1

I wonder how the new Dodge with the 5-link rear coil suspension would compare? I bet it would be much better.

I think my new truck is the best one I have ever had in this respect. It handles twisty roads quite well for a truck. I am pleased. Unfortunately a lot of "truck" buyers these days expect them to be like a car. I'm not saying that is the OPs way of thinking but a truck is still a truck. The only way to remove the problem totally would be to soften up the rear springs... but that would make the load carrying ability go away.

What's so funny clown? I think Dodge had a very good idea. Yes, it did sacrifice some (but not much) payload and towing. But the way they (every other mfr) way over-rate 1/2 tons these days anyway, it hauls plenty for a 1/2 ton truck.

renegade34 · April 6, 2009

Hmmm....I wunder if a Torflex suspension system would work like it does on trailers. It gets rid of the bounce on unloaded trailers. Just thinking out loud.

Zembonez · April 6, 2009

What's so funny clown? I think Dodge had a very good idea. Yes, it did sacrifice some (but not much) payload and towing. But the way they (every other mfr) way over-rate 1/2 tons these days anyway, it hauls plenty for a 1/2 ton truck.

Really no reason a well designed coil system would not work well. My Dad hauled tons of crap on his 69 Chevy when I was a kid. I believe they had rear coils. I actually like the new Dodge truck from an appearance point of view. I think they did a nice job but I haven't any experience driving one..

renegade34 · April 6, 2009

I don't expect it to ride like a car but it would be nice not feeling like I'm going to end up in the rhubarb evertime I hit some washboard. I don't even care if it bounces, but at least it would be good if it bounced in a straight line. I guess I just expected something different as my Dodge was a sport model that I lowered and this one is a Z71 with the Rancho shocks, I just thought they would handle the roads differently.

MikeInCtown · April 6, 2009

What's so funny clown? I think Dodge had a very good idea. Yes, it did sacrifice some (but not much) payload and towing. But the way they (every other mfr) way over-rate 1/2 tons these days anyway, it hauls plenty for a 1/2 ton truck.

Really no reason a well designed coil system would not work well. My Dad hauled tons of crap on his 69 Chevy when I was a kid. I believe they had rear coils. I actually like the new Dodge truck from an appearance point of view. I think they did a nice job but I haven't any experience driving one..

I drove a 61 Chevy when I was 18. (less than 20 years ago) Anyway, that ride was horrible and the suspension was mush. There may be an ability to haul, but the suspensions these days are far and ahead more comfortable than way back then. Besides, can you imagine how thick the coils would need to be for a truck these days?