Dodge probably has a better system now, but I remember riding in the Chevy's with rear coils which, when hauling a tall load (like a cabover camper), rocked from side-to-side something awfull. And, with the trailing beams below the axle, had almost no ground clearance.
Putting coils on a solid axle is basically like putting pogo sticks on it. You need all kinds of bars to keep it from kicking out. More linkage equals more joints, more things to wear out and more money to produce.
I like my SD with leafs in the front and rear. May not turn as good as coils but its stout and built to work.
Don't like IFS or IRS on a truck especially a SD. My .02
Dodge probably has a better system now, but I remember riding in the Chevy's with rear coils which, when hauling a tall load (like a cabover camper), rocked from side-to-side something awfull. And, with the trailing beams below the axle, had almost no ground clearance.
Exactly what Chevy were you driving that had rear coils and was able to tow a 5th wheel, cab-over trailer??
On my Avalanche (w/rear coils) the bars are above the bottom of the axle housing. It appears the Dodge's are the same. The bottom of the axle housing (pumpkin) is usually the lowest part.
I still like having leafs all the way around in my truck. I like the firmer ride I get vs. the newer coil spring ones.
Coils my be a good idea if done properly. As long as the don't use the crappy stamped steel type control arms, and a heavy enough raterd coil, then I really don't see a problem with it. Coil spring rear ends can most certainly wheel hop though, as my Mustang one can, heck, my truck actually corners better than my Mustang as well, but my 5.0 suspension may just be worn out.
my truck corners better than my mustang too... although that may be because of the spool in the back of the mustang... or the bald dried up nitto DRs...
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2000 Excursion Limited 4x4 V10 - soon to not be stock anymore.
2004 F150 XLT screw 4x4 5.4 - 2.5 leveling kit, 34.5" BFGs - Gone
2004 mach1 mustang, holding the garage floor in place.
I guess time will tell how well the coil sprung dodges do. Just my opinion, I like leaf springs. Not a fan of coil springs. I guess I'm used to how my truck rides. I just hope dodge designs the coil springs better than ford designed the coils on the tauraus's and the escorts. I think my big problem is I take a look at the size of a coil spring, and then picture the bed of the truck stacked with bricks or something, and just see it snapping to pieces in my mind. Where as a leaf spring seems to have much more mass to it.
I guess time will tell
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88 4x4 300 six, 5spd. granny 1st, reg cab 3.55
85 4x4 5.0L F-One Fiddy Reg Cab 3.55 With a Flatbed
^Now that its 21 years old, it can smoke and drink!^
I think that this is pretty stupid of dodge, because they are already behind everyone in towing and this is just going to keep them even more out of the pack. Hopefully Ford doesn't do this. What do you guys think?
According to http://www.pickuptruck.com/ and the video's they have for the RAM 1500...the idea of having more towing capacity was not a prerequisite. They figure (as maybe FORD should) that if the customer wants to tow and carry heavy payloads, then move towards the 3/4 or 1 ton trucks. Dodge is keeping the 1500 where it belongs...IMO.
I personally like the idea of the RAM 1500 going with the coils. It will do what it was designed...and do it well I suppose. As interesting as the coil rear...I am more interested in the "RAM BOX" option! That is just cool!
I think both FORD and Dodge are putting out a good product in the 1/2 ton series. I think it will come down to brand "loyalty"...in the end.
How does anyone know what the actual tow ratings are on new trucks unless you are an engineer or do research on the actual product. Many of the trucks today are built better than the older trucks and can handle loads better.
^'Built better' .. not necessarily. I'd like to see a 2006 model truck in 22 years. My 86 truck has everything original in it. They do NOT build trucks BETTER these days. They are more flimsy, less metal. They just give them more power. They are not the off road towing and hauling machines they used to be.
__________________ 1986 Ford F-150 4x4 5.0 EFI
XLT Lariat
NP435/NP208/9" 3.50 axle
Road Warrior bumper, Leaf Spring Overloads
^'Built better' .. not necessarily. I'd like to see a 2006 model truck in 22 years. My 86 truck has everything original in it. They do NOT build trucks BETTER these days. They are more flimsy, less metal. They just give them more power. They are not the off road towing and hauling machines they used to be.
I'm always amused by postings like this. You are echoing voices from the mid '60s proclaiming the then new 60s cars and trucks to be junk compared to cars from the 30s & 40s.
Your 86 has proven those voices wrong as it was certainly proclaimed to be junk compared to 60s trucks when it was new.
But you are right, a lot of new vehicles don't go off the road as easily as older vehicles. And, of course, brakes and tires MEAN NOTHING, NOTHING I SAY!
Maybe Ford will some day produce a half ton pickup again instead of a bloated mini-big rig.
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That is just cool!
