Best RAM 1500 helper spring: Timbren SES suspension enhancement system DR1500DQ
What is Timbren SES part # DR1500DQ
Timbren has designed well over 400 SES suspension upgrades to fit every truck, van and SUV that rolls off the assembly line. And that includes the Ram 1500 regular cab, crew cab, and quad cab. Timbren SES part # DR1500DQ fits the rear of the 2023 Ram 1500 crew cab and quad cab.
Just about every Timbren SES suspension upgrade replaces the bump stops on the rear of the vehicle. DR1500DQ is no exception. If you can remove a bump stop, you can install Timbren SES upgrade DR1500DQ.
Removing the bumpstops on a Ram 1500 crew/quad cab is easy:
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First raise the vehicle allowing the axle to hang freely.
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Then, using a flathead screwdriver, pry each bumpstop out of their bumpstop cup.
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Installing pre-assembled kit DR1500DQ is just as easy and doesn’t require any special tools. Before you attempt to fit the pre-assembled kit into the existing bumpstop cup, the installation instruction sheet that comes with the kit suggests that you rub soapy water over the rubber puck (fastened to the top of the rubber spring). This will reduce the fiction as you push and twist the rubber spring assembly up into the cup.
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Once you have completed the installation, make sure the rubber spring assembly is properly seated in the cup by placing a short piece of wooden 2x4 between the axle and the bottom of the rubber spring before lowering the truck. Then remove the 2x4.
Look Mom, no tools! The entire installation should take less than 30 minutes! When you hook up your trailer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how it remains level. No squat, No sag of any kind. And when you take it for a spin, you’ll notice how stable the truck feels even on sharp corners.
How does Timbren SES helper springs compare with the competition?
AIR-LIFT
Airbag suspension helpers have been around since the 1950s. Air-Lift products were designed to smooth out road shock and prevent suspension sag. Over the last 70 years, Air-Lift has tried to improve their product by adding electronic height-control valves that automatically adjust the truck’s ride height by adding compressed air to the airbags as needed.
An airbag suspension upgrade provides one the smoothest rides available. But in order to get it, you’ve got to pay for it. One of the main downsides of an Air-Lift suspension upgrade is the cost: about $2500 after installation of the basic system plus on board air components. And at the end of the day, this conventional system is high-maintenance because it depends on the use of compressed air.
HELLWIG
Hellwig add-a-leaf suspension helpers have been around since 1946. This family-run business has made and sold sway bars and metal leaf spring helpers right from the get-go. Hellwig products are more affordable than airbags, and much easier to install. But at the end of the day, these products are made of metal. One of the main downsides of Hellwig leaf spring helpers is the spring rate: Metal springs have a linear spring rate. Okay, so what’s a linear spring rate, and why is that a problem?
By their nature, leaf springs suspensions have a linear spring rate. In other words, the spring rate (for example, 1 inch of deflection for every 400 lbs) remains the same as the springs continue to deflect right down till the suspension bottoms out. That’s why conventional leaf spring suspensions require helper springs for carrying heavier loads.
Hellwig add-a-leaf products are limited to how much weight capacity they can handle. A set of Hellwig leaf springs will provide between 500 lbs - 3500 lbs of additional capacity. This conventional system adds weight capacity without improving the ride quality.
Why is DR1500DQ the best helper spring for Ram 1500?
Timbren SES products are a radical departure from older, more conventional methods of adding additional weight capacity. As you may have guessed, Timbren SES suspension upgrades don’t depend on compressed air. Neither are they made of metal.
Here’s the thing:
Because they’re made of natural rubber, Timbren SES upgrades offer you several features and benefits that the others can’t provide. Tow innate characteristics of Timbren hollow rubber springs that the competition can’t provide are:
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Hysteresis - self-damping
Unlike a linear spring rate, a progressive spring rate continually increases as the load increases. For this reason, Timbren SES upgrades guarantee that your truck remains level and stable at all times - even under the heaviest loads. SES upgrade part # DR1500DQ provides up to an additional 8600 lbs of spring capacity. *
*Note: Even though the spring capacity is increased, the GVWR remains the same as set by the manufacturer.
Unlike airbags and leaf springs, Timbren’s hollow rubber springs are able to absorb the rebound energy just like a shock absorber! That’s why they can deliver smooth ride quality even under the heaviest loads.
Is Timbren SES part # DR1500DQ your best choice?
Timbren SES suspension upgrades give you the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to keeping the truck stable. Here are the benefits you receive when you install an SES upgrade:
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Affordable - most Timbren kits are less than $300.00
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Easy to install - most Timbren kits take less than 30 minutes to install
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Absorbs road shock - Timbren SES kits improve the ride quality even with the heaviest loads
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Levels out the trailer - Timbren SES kits keep the tow vehicle from squat
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Zero maintenance - just set it and forget it
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Prevents roll and sway - Timbren SES kits help to stabilize the load
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Helps maintain control - improves steering and braking
For more information on how to get your hands on a set of Timbren SES upgrades like DR1500DQ, visit Timbren.com or contact Customer Service: Sales@timbren.com
