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?
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Jake
Mine: 1994 F-150 4x4 Supercab, 351, E4OD, Light Santa Fe Clearcoat/Medium Polomino Accent 155,000 miles
Dad's: 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer White/Gold 4x2 Every option except Nav 52,000 miles
Mom's: 2001 Focus SE Sport, 2.0L Zetec Fort Knox Gold 131,000 miles
Gm put coils on the back of their trucks in 1967 (I think). Didn't work out.
It worked out fine, but was more expensive to build. The 1960-1972 Chevy 10 and 20 series and some 1960-1966 GMC's had it. My 1971 C-10 was much better off-road than a comparable leaf setup due to more suspension travel. The only problem I had was putting in all new bushings at about 100,000 miles. Our 1964 C-20 did look kind of funny unloaded with the big full-floating axle and tall coils.
It worked out fine, but was more expensive to build. The 1960-1972 Chevy 10 and 20 series and some 1960-1966 GMC's had it. My 1971 C-10 was much better off-road than a comparable leaf setup due to more suspension travel. The only problem I had was putting in all new bushings at about 100,000 miles. Our 1964 C-20 did look kind of funny unloaded with the big full-floating axle and tall coils.Jim
I remember the standard suspension 67 Chevys loaded with the back bumper close to the ground, the front end pointing to the sky and the driver fighting to keep them in the road. I guess it's odd how something like that can stick in your mind for over 40 years.
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2004 XLT Regular Cab, Short Bed, 4X4 with 5.4 and 3.73.
Same rearnd that NASCAR uses. 60's Chevy truck with a 9" housing. Very adjustable for racing, not sure how good it will be for towing.
But come to think of it, I rarely see a Dodge towing anything around here. They are usually empty. I got beside a new Dodge dually Wednesday, and it was much quieter than the older ones. Sounded more like a new Duramax, very quiet for a diesel.
I remember the standard suspension 67 Chevys loaded with the back bumper close to the ground, the front end pointing to the sky and the driver fighting to keep them in the road. I guess it's odd how something like that can stick in your mind for over 40 years.
If you overload a leaf sprung truck it doesnt look as bad, but it is still overloaded. I think Dodge is also counting on the fact that almost no one loads a pickup bed anymore, especially the 1500 series. Towing capacity is what sells, as was stated in that article.
Those old chevys with the coil sprung suspension were some of the best riding pickups made, a side benefit as well is that they'll really hook up on the dragstrip also.
Dollars to doughnuts Dodge is doing this for ride quality and handling reasons. In todays world trucks are like 4x4's in that 98% of people never actually use them. So who cares if it'll ONLY tow 8000lbs.
Besides I don't care what the owners manual says 10K LBS in a 1/2 ton truck is an irresponsible stunt anyhow. These modern day tow ratings are little more than advertising fluff with little to no basis in reality. Dodge will just make up a tow rating that will compare to the other manufacturers made up fictitious and wildly optimistic tow ratings.
It's all about making trucks more comfy (AKA car like) for old people and soccer moms.
Why don't they just do like a coil springs package for the people that don't need the towing cabability and a regular leaf spring that do? Would this not be cost effective?
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Jake
Mine: 1994 F-150 4x4 Supercab, 351, E4OD, Light Santa Fe Clearcoat/Medium Polomino Accent 155,000 miles
Dad's: 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer White/Gold 4x2 Every option except Nav 52,000 miles
Mom's: 2001 Focus SE Sport, 2.0L Zetec Fort Knox Gold 131,000 miles
What's the big deal with coils? Super Duty's got 'em on the front and they get lots of abuse. Some heavy duty military vehicles have them on all 4 corners.
Packaged properly and with correct spring rates, I don't see an issue. A spring is a spring.
With coils you'll undoubtedly have the means to locate the axle more securely than with leaf springs. No spring wrap or binding. No axle steering. They'll probably be BETTER for towing!
So, what's the big deal? Since when did coil springs become weaker than leaf springs??
A lot of people here would like it better if Ford and Dodge went back to a leaf-spring solid front beam with kingpins (not me). I had two trucks with leafs in the front, a 1966 Dodge Van and 1984 Toyota 4x4. Ride and handling were poor. Lack of suspension travel made them especially on dirt trails.
BTW, a torsion bar and coil spring really work the same, just in a different package. Leafs are slightly more likely to fail if constantly overloaded.
What's the big deal with coils? Super Duty's got 'em on the front and they get lots of abuse. Some heavy duty military vehicles have them on all 4 corners.
Packaged properly and with correct spring rates, I don't see an issue. A spring is a spring.
With coils you'll undoubtedly have the means to locate the axle more securely than with leaf springs. No spring wrap or binding. No axle steering. They'll probably be BETTER for towing!
So, what's the big deal? Since when did coil springs become weaker than leaf springs??
I agree. I'd love to see what an OEM heavy-duty 3 or 4 link setup in the rear would look like. rear coils would make for some kick@ss ability off road, no doubt!
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.
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2003 F250 SD 4X4 5.4L 4:10 Arizona Beige
1987 Mustang GT
A bunch of motorcycles, other cars, and a Quad.
if i was going to buy a $30,000 truck id expect it to ride like a $30,000 vehicle...i think most people that buy a new truck 1/2 ton dont want to tow with it much anyway and will just drive around town so i think this is a great idea and probably will make them some serious money if it improves ride quality.
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I got beside a new Dodge dually Wednesday, and it was much quieter than the older ones. Sounded more like a new Duramax, very quiet for a diesel.
