R-pod Owners Forum Homepage

This site is free to use.
Donations benefit a non-profit Girls Softball organization

Forum Home Forum Home > R-pod Discussion Forums > Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: Suspension on Tow Vehicle
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Calendar   Register Register  Login Login

Topic ClosedSuspension on Tow Vehicle
 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message Reverse Sort Order
  Share Topic Share Topic  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
techntrek View Drop Down
Admin Group - pHp
Admin Group - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Suspension on Tow Vehicle
    Posted: 12 Feb 2011 at 4:13pm
Be prepared to re-do it several times.  I adjusted mine 3 times the day I installed it and it still is too high in the front - but I knew I would be adding the risers and that might level it out just right so I left it.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Feb 2011 at 3:17am
Personally, I think you probably did the right thing...for the reasons you stated.  Good luck on the install and let us know how it goes.  There are frequent questions about WDH. Thumbs Up
Back to Top
iamsmonk View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 14 Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 114 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Feb 2011 at 11:54pm
I knew I would get some great advice here!  I finally made a decision and ordered an Equal-i-zer WDH.  I've researched the heck out of these things and Equal-i-zer appears to be the best brand out there.  I called the dealer where we purchased the pod and he quoted me a deal on the hitch and installation, but still was quite a bit more than I could buy it online.  After reviewing the videos on Equal-i-zer's website, I'm confident I can install and adjust this thing myself.  So I should have it in about a week.  In the meantime, I need to make an appointment to get the truck wired for my Prodigy brake controller (something I'm NOT comfortable doing myself). 
 
I considered the other suggestions here and the modifications to the truck itself - however:  I thought it not prudent to put that kind of money in a 13 year old truck with 1/4 million miles!  The truck serves me very well now, I don't haul a lot of heavy stuff in the bed so doctoring the suspension seems not to be the best solution.  I would love to step up to an F-150 when the economy improves and my hours pick up a bit at work.  And when I take that step, I can take the Equal-i-zer with me!
 
Thanks again for all the advice.  You guys are the BEST!!!!!
Sherrie & Carol,
Henri, Jay & Tanner
2004 Dodge Dakota w/4.7 V8
2011 r-pod 177

Let's go camping!
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2011 at 6:02am
I would think that after 1/4 million miles the springs are getting a little tired (as mentioned above).  I'll give you a third option to consider:
 
 
Overload springs are pretty easy to install, and it seems (judging by your mods) you are not afraid to use tools.  There are several manufacturers/suppliers (google).
 
 My "1/2 ton" truck has the HD/trailering/suspension package and is rated at over 1700lbs (if memory serves) - more than 3/4 ton.   Yes, it does have a rather harsh ride when empty.  I am guessing my tongue weight is in the 350-400lbs range and when hitched, the truck only drops about 1" when measured at the rear fender wells.  If you go with beefier leaf springs, expect a harsh ride.
 
The overloads, when installed correctly, should not "come into play" until the truck is sufficiently loaded.  If you want to also increase your hauling capacity springs or overloads might be worth looking into.  However, if this is not an issue, I would go with Tech's suggestion.  However however, if money is no object......do both! LOL 
Back to Top
TerryM View Drop Down
Admin Group - pHp
Admin Group - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Location: Saint Augustine
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2011 at 7:41pm
I think Doug is right.  The weight distribution hitch would be the way to go.  As an interesting side note, when I put a 3.5" suspension lift on my Jeep Liberty it improved the ride.  Heavier rated springs and shocks, coil overs in the front.  I know of a couple hundred KJ's that are lifted and they all say the same thing.  I think Chrysler was just trying to give it a cushy ride.  BTW, our Liberty forum has 9,750 members world wide.  Including Tibet!!

Terry
RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565
Back to Top
techntrek View Drop Down
Admin Group - pHp
Admin Group - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2011 at 7:11pm

Two options, you can do one, the other or both.  The first has been mentioned, replace your leaf springs.  If you mostly tow and/or haul heavy stuff you can order new ones with a stiffer spring rate.  I did this with my '93 Caprice when I replaced the coil springs since my goal was a sportier suspension - but I'll admit I should have kept the stock springs and just went with the beefy anti-roll bars I also added.  Stiffer springs = harsher ride.  A downside to just doing the springs is you won't be distributing the additional weight from the 'pod, just making it harder for it to sag.  You'll still get a lighter front-end.  I recommend the next option.

The other option is to add a weight distribution hitch.  This not only may be cheaper (about $400 if you install it yourself), but it will improve your ride and level your whole set-up the right way.  The additional weight gets shifted back to your front wheels and the 'pod's wheels.  
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
Back to Top
iamsmonk View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 14 Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 114 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2011 at 11:05am
My Ranger has the leaf suspension instead of coils.
Sherrie & Carol,
Henri, Jay & Tanner
2004 Dodge Dakota w/4.7 V8
2011 r-pod 177

Let's go camping!
Back to Top
TerryM View Drop Down
Admin Group - pHp
Admin Group - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Location: Saint Augustine
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2011 at 3:49am
My guess is that your springs are getting a little bit tired!  It would be a good idea to replace all the springs.  You could also put heaver springs in the back.

Terry
RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2011 at 3:42am

Does the Ranger have leaf or coil springs? 

PS - I like your mods in the other thread!
Back to Top
iamsmonk View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 14 Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 114 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 2011 at 11:28pm
 I have a '98 Ford Ranger.  4.0 v6 extra cab with almost 250,000 miles on it but still in excellent condition.  The rear suspension isn't what it used to be.  When I hitch up my camper the truck really sags much lower than it used to.  Can someone tell me the best way to beef up my rear suspension?  I've replaced the shocks all the way around and it rides better than ut used to, but the sag really bothers me.
Sherrie & Carol,
Henri, Jay & Tanner
2004 Dodge Dakota w/4.7 V8
2011 r-pod 177

Let's go camping!
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.64
Copyright ©2001-2009 Web Wiz