RamVanMan
05-02-2006, 01:55 AM
A while ago I asked if any here had used the 'Timbren 'rubber springs' or SES, suspension enhancement system on their vans. No one knew, so I guess that means 'Dave jumps first'.
(I heard some guys on the Turbo Diesel Register -Ram Truck forums discussing their merits versus the Firestone airbags.)
Wow-what a difference they make for improving the handling and the ride, too. Gone, I mean by 80 + % is any body roll and suspension slop. It just goes nicely around hairpin turns like a sports car. The diving under heavy braking and sagging under load is gone, too.
This is a winner of an addition. It supports heavy loads when one tows (I will shortly...) and the handling is way improved. They amount to thick rubber bump stops that replace the factory units, supporting the rear axle and front control arms and cushioning from bump impacts -
I was worried about a harsh ride, but the ride is actually smoother and handling tighter.
I'll definetly install them for my Ram Truck if the airbags spring a leak at a future date. Their advantage over the airbags would mainly be simplicity - they are simply a molded bellows of rubber with an engineered metal bracket - nothing to go wrong, no air to add. One of their main uses is for the front of snowplow trucks for support from sagging.
They make them for all types of rigs, too even cars. Of course, they're at www.Timbren.com and the deal and service at www.TruckSpring.com was, I thought, very good - ordered Monday, here by Friday. They cost $ 150 per pair front & rear. Install was quite simple, rears took 30 minutes, fronts 1.5 hours.
I was all set to install a rear anti-sway bar, but now I don't think its necessary, as this provides excellent anti-sway properties.
It even occurs that this could 'save your bacon' if you have to pull an emergency stop / handling manuver - I hear the B3500 vans have a tendancy, when loaded, to overturn quite easily.
I'd be happy to provide install tips if any decide to try this 'Timbren SES' system out.....(their instructions were not the greatest....)
Take Care, David B. Ram Van Man :gr_patrio
(I heard some guys on the Turbo Diesel Register -Ram Truck forums discussing their merits versus the Firestone airbags.)
Wow-what a difference they make for improving the handling and the ride, too. Gone, I mean by 80 + % is any body roll and suspension slop. It just goes nicely around hairpin turns like a sports car. The diving under heavy braking and sagging under load is gone, too.
This is a winner of an addition. It supports heavy loads when one tows (I will shortly...) and the handling is way improved. They amount to thick rubber bump stops that replace the factory units, supporting the rear axle and front control arms and cushioning from bump impacts -
I was worried about a harsh ride, but the ride is actually smoother and handling tighter.
I'll definetly install them for my Ram Truck if the airbags spring a leak at a future date. Their advantage over the airbags would mainly be simplicity - they are simply a molded bellows of rubber with an engineered metal bracket - nothing to go wrong, no air to add. One of their main uses is for the front of snowplow trucks for support from sagging.
They make them for all types of rigs, too even cars. Of course, they're at www.Timbren.com and the deal and service at www.TruckSpring.com was, I thought, very good - ordered Monday, here by Friday. They cost $ 150 per pair front & rear. Install was quite simple, rears took 30 minutes, fronts 1.5 hours.
I was all set to install a rear anti-sway bar, but now I don't think its necessary, as this provides excellent anti-sway properties.
It even occurs that this could 'save your bacon' if you have to pull an emergency stop / handling manuver - I hear the B3500 vans have a tendancy, when loaded, to overturn quite easily.
I'd be happy to provide install tips if any decide to try this 'Timbren SES' system out.....(their instructions were not the greatest....)
Take Care, David B. Ram Van Man :gr_patrio