rear suspension drop

[TheBossHEMI]

So I've been thinking about this, and I'm wondering what the aftermarket manufacturer's are thinking too.

Being that it's a 4-link now, do you think a drop kit will have extension's for the lower link to keep it parallel to the ground? That is the optimal position for that lower link. But if they do that, it would twist the axle down making the pinion angle different... unless they do something with the upper link. If it's possible. If they don't change any of the 4-links, then a drop will slightly move the axle forward. May not be so noticeable stock, but with big wheels, and the lower the drop, the more it'd be noticeable.

Then you have the center position of the axle. They say it's a 5-link, and if I remember from Chicago auto show, the 5th is a panhard bar. With a drop, the axle won't be centered anymore. Will drop kits come with a new panhard bar to keep it centered?

All these things are possible, but it has me thinking if ya gotta buy all new links for yer drop, then it's not exactly gonna be a quick/cheap fix like a flip kit or shackles. Something to think about and discuss. Wish I could pick a few brains from the suspension manf. R&D crews.

[OuttaCtrlHemi]

Yep...all of the above....my guess that adjustable links are in the works already for the new Ram IMHO

[pntballer101]

will be perfect for bagging

[TheBossHEMI]

will be perfect for bagging

Should be... hope so.

[MeanThree18]

Or a complete pain in the ars to bag.

Alot of it depends on if they had any plans of extreme travel (really low) in mind when the designed it.

Lifting/Lowering more than ~2" is definately going to negatively effect axle location with a panard bar. Hopefully someone will make a Watts-Link kit for em, to eliminate that poor design.

[TheBossHEMI]

Or a complete pain in the ars to bag.

Alot of it depends on if they had any plans of extreme travel (really low) in mind when the designed it.

Lifting/Lowering more than ~2" is definately going to negatively effect axle location with a panard bar. Hopefully someone will make a Watts-Link kit for em, to eliminate that poor design.

And it will move the axle forward with the short 4-link bars.

[Coley 1334]

i know just the guys that can make a watts link for it to www.dallashotrodparts.com

[Quadder]

It will be nice. Having that 5 link will be worth it. So maybe it wont be as "easy" as a flip kit or shackles but it will work better.

[TheBossHEMI]

Yes it is. They ride much better already IMO.

[macleoud]

man thats the truth

[HotRodKev]

I do agree but dropping it 2" should not have that bad of an effect on the suspension geomerty. Pinion angle should be alright still and best part is you dont have to worry about axle wrap up, with 500 lbs tongue weight of a trailer your truck should drop by 2" or so and thats SAFE by mfg recomendations and design. So I cannot see any issues with putting in a 2" or 4" drop coil

[bob1340]

The rear suspension set-up on the new Ram is very similar to what is on the rear of Jeep Wranglers. On Wranglers the object much of the time is to raise the suspension, but all the principles are the same if you go up or down. One of the main issues the Wrangler has is pinon angle. But you need to remember, on a Wrangler the drive shaft is very short due to the wheel base. On the Ram the drive shaft is a lot longer and a 3"-4" change in suspension height should not be a problem. I would agree having everything in perfect alignment is best and I am sure adjustable lower or upper (or both) control arms will be released soon. The other issue Wranglers and the Ram will have is with the track bar. As the suspension raises and lowers the track bar will push the axle over to one side. On Wranglers to get the axle centered many use either a track bar relocation bracket or an adjustable track bar. On Wranglers with a lot of suspension travel some folks install a triangulated type upper control arm system. This eliminates the track bar all together. I have not looked under my truck enough to see if this could be used or not. A triangulated "3 link" system would be ideal for a air bag set-up.