1st Generation Dodge Cummins 89-93 Discussion of 12 Valve 5.9 Liter Dodge Cummins Diesels with Rotary Injection Pumps

Fixing the ride of my 1st gen (or at least making it better)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 03:51 PM
  #1  
puddlepirate's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Diesel Fan
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Newport News, va
Default Fixing the ride of my 1st gen (or at least making it better)

I'm thinking of trying to end the pain and suffering I have to endure every time I hit a pot hole, bump, pavement break, and any other less than paper flat road surface with my truck. The question is leaf spring kit or air bags. I've heard a lot about the skyjacker kits being pretty good, but they have a kit, and a system. From what I've found the kit is front springs and an add a leaf or block in the back. I'm only considering the 1" or the 2.5", so I'm assuming I'll get an add a leaf. The kits ($490) seam to run about half the price of the whole system ($940), but the question is would the system make a large enough impact on the overall ride quality, and towing manners to justify the extra cash/wife B!TCH!N??? Please let me know what ya'll think, and what those of ya'll who have aftermarket springs have experienced. If anyone has a air bag setup they swear by I'd be interested in that as well. I'm trying to stay below $800 on this deal, and get the truck to ride/tow a whole hell of alot better.

thanks,
Justin
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 04:00 PM
  #2  
ArizonaRedneck's Avatar
BOMBARDIER
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,366
Likes: 240
From: arizona
Default

I have the same problem with my 93 w 250 and very interested in the answers you recieve no matter how you drive feels like you hit every bump in the road
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 04:12 PM
  #3  
DieselPerformanceGuy's Avatar
Diesel Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 301
Likes: 2
From: eastern wyoming
Default

I have the same problem to, so i got these skyjacker add a leafs, raised the front up about 1.5-2'' and smoothed the ride out alot. It raised it up so much more i had to buy rear shocks to put on the front.

Skyjacker Suspensions F1100 - Skyjacker Softride Add-A-Leafs - Overview - SummitRacing.com
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 06:08 PM
  #4  
tltruckparts's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 102
From: Lincoln, CA
Default

if you truly want a softer ride go with an air ride setup if you can afford it youll never be happier. you might gain a little in new leaf springs but leaf springs will never truly be a smooth ride. you could gain a little smoothness by putting longer springs up front and all that but then your talkin major mods. look into the air ride. there is a reason big rig driver use it
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 06:45 PM
  #5  
DieselPerformanceGuy's Avatar
Diesel Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 301
Likes: 2
From: eastern wyoming
Default

x2 thats the truth
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:38 PM
  #6  
seandonato73's Avatar
Diesel Wrench
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 9
From: lebanon, Pa
Default

it seems that these trucks have a problem with the springs hitting the bump stops, so my fix was to make longer shackels, and move the front of the leaf pack down one inch with a spacer, worked great. total lift was about three inches. but if i had the money i would go with the air ride. put it simply you can't get a better ride then air!!!
 
Reply
Old Dec 26, 2009 | 12:03 AM
  #7  
jasonfriedlin's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 96
From: Gloucester, Va
Default

You know you've got more than $800 to spend Stanley. Stop bein such a tight *** all the time and by some bags
 
Reply
Old Dec 26, 2009 | 10:37 AM
  #8  
1st genny nut's Avatar
Diesel Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 4
From: Murphy, NC
Default

i have the 4" lift for mine and i love it
 
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2009 | 08:11 PM
  #9  
seandonato73's Avatar
Diesel Wrench
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 9
From: lebanon, Pa
Default

what did that cost ya
 
Reply
Old Dec 27, 2009 | 09:18 PM
  #10  
stillcummin's Avatar
Diesel Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 255
Likes: 2
From: Chardon,Oh(cleveland
Default

Originally Posted by 1st genny nut
i have the 4" lift for mine and i love it
have you driven any other cummins truck besides your 1st genny?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:14 PM.