I know this is the 2009 F150 forum, but I was just reading about the 2009 Ram and found it strange that it has a 5-link coil spring suspension from the factory. Nice!

 

Yeah, decent set-up but the complexity will make MSRP of the Ram higher and make for a much tougher vehicle to lift. We will see if the ride is improved enough to make it worth the effort, I'm thinking its a bit overkill. Time will tell

 

Yep, noticed that earlier today. A nice 5 link should keep the rear axle stable under power and the coil should offer a nice soft ride. Did you notice that they moved the rear shocks outside the frame and angled forward, similar to the current F150.

 

How does it handle heavy loads and towing compared to a traditional leaf spring suspension?

 

Nice find Freeky.

 

Thanks! I was afraid I was going to be chastised for posting this in the 2009 F150 forum, but I wasn't sure where to put it. It looks like a really nice setup. It seems that all of the companies seem to be chasing the proverbial carrot on a stick trying to keep up (catch up) with each other.

 

How better to keep us on our toes. I have *cough* friends with Dodge rams, so I need to know the lingo.

 

Theoretically it's supposed to have the same load capabilities as the trusty leaf spring. I'm curious to find out if that's true or not.

 

Remember that the original hummer has coil springs on all four corners. I think it will hold up just fine.

 

Yup and it also has no flex

 

I would think it would have more flex if the kind of flex your talking about is what Im thinking about. Or maybee Im not really sure what you mean.

 

I don't mean to be rude at all, but I don't see the correlation at all

The H1 Hummer is an off-road, utilitarian vehicle. It's main job is NOT towing.

What are the Hummer towing specs? Not nearly as good as the F150 (I think they max out around 7k lbs).

 

Nope, not taking it as rude. From what I know and remember about the M998 (Army Humvee) originally there were 5 models: Cargo/Troop Carrier, TOW Carrier, Armament Carrier, Shelter Carrier, and Ambulance (FLA). All configurations (except M1037/M1042 Shelter Carriers) have a payload of 2,500 lbs. Shelter carriers could handle up to 4,400 lbs. The basic M998 has a curb weight of 5,380 lbs and was equipped with a 6.2L V8 diesel that delivered 150hp and 250lbs of torque to the 3 speed transmission. The max towed load is 3,400 lbs.

http://www.csihmmwv.com/hmmwv_m998_spec_sheet.pdf

 

Worse. Remember this is also what a avalanche has. In theory the coil spring is less stabil with a big load. If yoou read the Dodge info they acknowledge this and say they'll let Ford & Toyota fight over the Towing lead... Also why they didn't include a trailer brake controler.... They figure majority don't tow, or if they tow its not typically over 5,000 lbs anyway, so they have more to gain by having the smoothest ride...

 

Interesting stance. A couple thoughts. First, I was shocked by how nice the ride is on our 2wd F150. Truly an amazingly civil and compliant ride, even when going over train tracks etc. Second, the few times a year we do need it to pull a lot of weight it also does this with no problems.

So, from a comfort standpoint I really don't think what the f150 already does needs to be improved on (i.e by going to coil springs). Losing tow capacity though is potentially a deal breaker for many people though. Most 1/2 owners don't tow regularly, but there are quite a few of us that need to do it occasionally. Losing that ability would have def. forced us to look elsewhere. Dodge may be in danger of losing future customors because they don't think towing is important.