better flex with HORSE SH!T!!!

[Lloyd]

OK, when running empty my old M880 usually feels like someone stole the springs and somehow attached the axles directly to the frame. Well, we're building a new house (therefore no new springs for me, at least anytime soon) and needed a bunch of compost to help get plants growing on the hillside where the new driveway cut was made. Today at lunch I went to the dump and shoveled ca. 3300 lbs of decomposed stinky refuse from the local stables into the back of the old beast. What a difference some weight makes! I'd tried this with firewood earlier this year, but couldn't get enough weight on it to make much difference. It rides much better, and I think that I could actually feel it articulate a little over uneven ground. Maybe I'll just take this load wheeling before dumping it out.

[hy_desert_4wheeler]

most of those military Dodges(chevys also) were rated at 1.25 tons. if you want it to ride softer you will need to remove a few leafs. I dont remember for sure(been awhile since i have been around them) but it seams they may have had 9 leafs.I would remove a couple from the bottom then a couple of more at random. removing the thicker ones will have the most affect on the ride quality...
<IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0">

[Lloyd]

After this house-building project is complete, and the landscaping is done (which will mean many loads of railroad ties, and a great big pile o' ROCKS <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">) it may be possible to try some suspension mods on it. I'm waiting for ORD to come out with their shackle-flip brackets for Dodge, since I sure don't have the time to weld some up myself right now. Then I might take out the bottom leaf from the pack (which is about 3/4" thick) and see how that goes. I'm still not sure what to do for front springs; maybe Tuff-Country, or Skyjackers? I'm thinking not more than 4-6" lift total, some fender trimming to clear the 38.5" boggers, and some 1/4" thick sliders around the bottom edges. Eventually it may get shortened, like a 4' flatbed. The main problem with all of this is that it makes it not so useful for the house-building, etc.

[GRMhick]

you should look at BDS or alcan springs.. i think I am going to end up using alcans on my dodge

[u2slow]

Originally posted by hy_desert_4wheeler:
<STRONG>most of those military Dodges(chevys also) were rated at 1.25 tons. </STRONG>

Military load ratings are measured differently - or rather, accurately.

http://www.roscommonequipmentcenter.com/news_notes/nn11.pdf

You'll see it has the same GVW as the civilian 3/4-ton - 8800lbs. Subtract the net vehicle weight - 5900lbs - and you're left with 2900lbs, or roughly 1.25 tons.

Truck manufacturers just can't do the math! <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[ 08-27-2001: Message edited by: u2slow ]

[Brian1]

Hey Lloyd, leave the sh!t in your truck and we can go wheeling <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I was on the main page and saw this as a recent post under the dodge section and I just had to read it.