Suspension UPDATE: better handling now !

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

Sweet! Post some pics if you can.

I tried timbren out but sent then back they raised the front end at least 1 inch with verrrry harsh ride. They are great if you are going to push a snow plow as this is what they are commonly used for. On My 94 B250 I went the rout of Lowering aprox 2" the Installaing 1 1/4 sway bars front and back from http://www.p-s-t.com/truck/tvsway.html#DODGE. Then I Installed Wheel Spacers 1 1/2 each side 3" total wider do to the fact the read is 3" narower than the front and I thought it looked goofy with the tires sucked inside so far. Also to give a more progresive front spring I used Acrotech K•Prene® Urethane spring incerts in medium firmness 1 1/4 thick and love them http://www.acrotechinc.com/high_perf...e_urethane.htm.. Also KYB Shocks made a huge diferance. I can nail the brake and 0 nose dive good way to avoid these crazy LA drivers. 17" Wheels are off a late model pickup centers drilled to fit the hub and van caps & 255/55 Dunlops. Ordered EVS Shocp Bump Stops yet to arive http://www.daystarweb.com/ItemForm.a...9059&Category=

Good Luck

Nice van!

Yes, that is nice, I would like to see more of it and hear about the mods.

I've been very well please with the RoadMaster Active Suspension Kit for the Dodge Ram Van/Wagons. These work on the rear axle and leaf springs.

As for the Timbren rubber springs, if the right size is used, then the front end isn't raised 1".

Looks like a good idea. Appears to work progressively as travel moves up. How is the ride over the back wheels any change with out a big load ?.

I Just installed my new Daystar EVS Foam Bump Stops on the front wow also progressive bottoms are much softer. Not bad for $20.00 recommended mod.

You know how much these Vans tend to bottom due to week front coils. The factory specks show 4' of travel, well maybe with the bump pad fully compressed, and that would hurt my left foot!.

Here is some maybe interesting info. My 61 Ranchero has 6.50 inches front travel and 7' in rear. I have not seen a truck SUV even hummer with more than 3 or 4 inches of travel. Maybe there are trying to prevent roll overs?.



Chambers

What r these Daystar EVS foam bump stops u mentioned?

Datstar EVS is a foam rubber bottom pad that is installed on your existing shock to act as a additional progressive bottom dampener. To slow down at a gradual rate. Intended for off road vehicles that get a lot of air. I lowered my 94 b250 and have been experimenting with anything that will slow down the suspension travel to prevent that bone jarring bottoming due to reduced travel or soft springs. I cut 1 1/2 coils and cut the bump stops to a 3/4 nub then installed donuts inside the coils to create a more progressive or stiff spring. Soft the fist half of travel and firmer to bottom. The EVS contacts the shock body and top washer before my factory cut bottom pad. So far I am very happy with the ride and performance as handling and ride is always a compromise. Steering response is very fast very little lean and 0 nose dive on hard braking. My intent was to create a very good handling van but still use it to haul the family around.

http://www.daystarweb.com/ItemForm.a...9059&Category=
http://www.acrotechinc.com/high_perf...e_urethane.htm
http://www.p-s-t.com/truck/tvsway.html#DODGE

Chambers

Thanks, sounds like a nice set up. How would u fit them on the shock, besides taking the shock out, do u have to take anything off the shock, or does it fit over the top of it?

Lets see more pics of your van and its mods.

You Just drop them over the shaft of the shock on the front. But the back they sell a install tool that is just a funnel shaped thing that stretches it over the round eye end. It looks to me you could just spray silicone on then push then on. I have not yet done the rear yet but I will soon.

You Just drop them over the shaft of the shock on the front. But the back they sell a install tool that is just a funnel shaped thing that stretches it over the round eye end. It looks to me you could just spray silicone on then push then on. I have not yet done the rear yet but I will soon.