Timbren rear suspension system ??

[coobie]

Considering purchasing the Timbren rear suspension enhancement system for my 2016 Ram 2500.Anyone have this system installed?Good or bad,thoughts?Thanks..

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would go with air bags. I tried the Timbrens twice. Was not that impressed.

Now I buy the proper trucks. To me 3/4 tons of any make leave too much to be desired. I only but 1 ton SRW. For less than a grand usually you gain a bottle 1500# of payload

 

[rdinatal]

OP, I had the same thought with my F150. The suspension is great for every day commuting but lacks when loaded. I went with Timbren and the install was quick. I also went with just the rubber and left off the axel pieces. This gives me 2" of travel before contact. Still a good ride until it's truck time.

Been great so far and I've loaded it to the max+. I'm sure the airbags are good too but that's not what I went with. Too much plumbing and cost. Plus even more $ if you go with on board air.

-R

 

[coobie]

I would go with air bags. I tried the Timbrens twice. Was not that impressed.

Now I buy the proper trucks. To me 3/4 tons of any make leave too much to be desired. I only but 1 ton SRW. For less than a grand usually you gain a bottle 1500# of payload

The reason for my 3/4 ton purchase verses 1 ton is everyday driving plus occasional heavy towing.1 tons IMHO knock your teeth lose for everyday drivers.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The reason for my 3/4 ton purchase verses 1 ton is everyday driving plus occasional heavy towing.1 tons IMHO knock your teeth lose for everyday drivers.

I notice no difference. I had a 04 F250 and a 06 F350 at the same time. The F250 was the heaviest version with a 10,000# GVWR and same with the SRW F350 at 11,500# GVWR. In between I had a 05 GMC Dmax 3500 but it's GVWR was only 9,900# and was actually less truck than the 04 F250 in a multitude of ways.

We have about 75 1 ton SRW GM Trucks 90% are Dmax and the ride seems decent also.

 

[coobie]

I notice no difference. I had a 04 F250 and a 06 F350 at the same time. The F250 was the heaviest version with a 10,000# GVWR and same with the SRW F350 at 11,500# GVWR. In between I had a 05 GMC Dmax 3500 but it's GVWR was only 9,900# and was actually less truck than the 04 F250 in a multitude of ways.

We have about 75 1 ton SRW GM Trucks 90% are Dmax and the ride seems decent also.

Boy I sure notice every time I ride in my best friends 2012 ram 3500.You feel every bump in the road.

 

[Egon]

Air bags may offer more advantages such as being able to keep the truck level.

 

[coobie]

Air bags may offer more advantages such as being able to keep the truck level.

My truck does not sag much with a heavy load just slightly.The reason I thought about the timbren set up verses air bags.Thanks.

 

[pizzaguy]

I would also suggest the air bags. My Dad tried the Timbrens and did not like them. He said they worked good loaded, but when unloaded it was nasty everytime you hit a bump. I have always used the air bags and been happy.

 

[madpuma13]

Haven't looked into timbrens but timber grove makes an air suspension for our rams that requires no cutting or welding and it is solid. I'll try to get some pics of mine.

 

[coobie]

I would also suggest the air bags. My Dad tried the Timbrens and did not like them. He said they worked good loaded, but when unloaded it was nasty everytime you hit a bump. I have always used the air bags and been happy.

From the videos i have watched it states to leave about 1 inch play when you install timbrens to prevent a bumpy ride.Is that the way your dad installed his?They bolt right on where the current factory bump stops are located.Thanks.

 

[Diamondpilot]

From the videos i have watched it states to leave about 1 inch play when you install timbrens to prevent a bumpy ride.Is that the way your dad installed his?They bolt right on where the current factory bump stops are located.Thanks.

I installed Springs, not Bump Stops.

My vote is still airbags.

 

[coobie]

I installed Springs, not Bump Stops.

My vote is still airbags.

Thanks..

 

[3930dave]

A pro-wrench buddy of mine installs lots of air-bags on Class C RVs. He just put a set on an E450 he set up for himself.

May be other OK stuff out there, but he always uses Firestone.

D.

 

[moriboy]

I would also suggest the air bags. My Dad tried the Timbrens and did not like them. He said they worked good loaded, but when unloaded it was nasty everytime you hit a bump. I have always used the air bags and been happy.

Yep, this^^^

I have a 3500 SRW and a slide in camper that really needs to go on a dually. Put the Timbrens in, no sag but it rides like a tank. They work as advertised however.

 

[pizzaguy]

From the videos i have watched it states to leave about 1 inch play when you install timbrens to prevent a bumpy ride.Is that the way your dad installed his?They bolt right on where the current factory bump stops are located.Thanks.

Yes, That is the way they were installed. He pulled a big fifth wheel camper and they were great for when he was loaded, but really bad on bumps and train track crossings when empty. I have air bags with an on board compressor so I can adjust on the fly on mine. I really like this combination.

 

[Rustyiron]

Coobi, although it might be a little more expensive, I always order or make sure my trucks come with factory "helper" springs, then I take it to the spring shop and have them add several plys to the helper. Once you're on the helpers, it takes a lot to sag it keeping the empty ride as delivered from the factory. If you don't have the factory helpers there will be a lot more work for the spring guy's and it may be more than you want to spend, but then, Ive never priced the Timbrens.

 

[TMGT]

I have bags on my 07 2500 Ram, it already road rough enough on my dirt roads so I didn't want to add anything to make it worse when unloaded.
I have the Airlift 5000 series and have been very happy, no on board compressor but haven't had the need for one so far. Even with 14k lbs and heavy tongue weight the truck drove great.
The unloaded ride is unchanged also.

 

[fried1765]

I have bags on my 07 2500 Ram, it already road rough enough on my dirt roads so I didn't want to add anything to make it worse when unloaded.
I have the Airlift 5000 series and have been very happy, no on board compressor but haven't had the need for one so far. Even with 14k lbs and heavy tongue weight the truck drove great.
The unloaded ride is unchanged also.

EXACTLY!
I added Airlift 5000 series bags to my 7.3L 4x4 GMC K2500 Suburban for towing a 12,000 lb. loaded trailer.
I use 1400 lb. tongue weight.
The airbags give a good loaded ride, with enhanced (safe) handling.

 

[coobie]

I have bags on my 07 2500 Ram, it already road rough enough on my dirt roads so I didn't want to add anything to make it worse when unloaded.
I have the Airlift 5000 series and have been very happy, no on board compressor but haven't had the need for one so far. Even with 14k lbs and heavy tongue weight the truck drove great.
The unloaded ride is unchanged also.

I ended up installing the timbrens this morning.Took it for a 30 mile test drive & no difference in the overall drive unloaded.Will have to wait until spring to hook up to my trailer with a heavy load..