QC rear suspension upgrades?

Discussion in 'Performance Mods' started by Raj, Apr 15, 2020.

  1. Raj

    Raj New Member

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    What have you guys with QC trucks done to improve handling & control axle wrap without going super low?

    I had read in some different posts about adapting RC rear suspension to the QC trucks, but nothing that covered in detail the process or end results. Another option seems to be the Belltech 2-3” drop leaf springs...anyone tried these out? Am very curious how they compare to stock leaf springs.

    Other than that have only come across drop shackles and flip kits, neither of which I would expect to affect handling much other than lowering center of gravity.

    Any info or opinions on the subject would be much appreciated...
     
  2. rottenronnie

    rottenronnie Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    Are you drag racing?
     
  3. Raj

    Raj New Member

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    Apologies...probably should have mentioned that.

    No drag racing...looking for improved handling and axle control for harder cornering and maybe some drifting
     
  4. Srt10650

    Srt10650 Full Access Member

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    Hello, I have lots of info on the thread I started(subject line below). Let me know if you have any questions.

    Front springs JTSVP vs Belltech
     
  5. Raj

    Raj New Member

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    Good read with great pics, thank you. So if I’m not mistaken, you are running stock springs with a flip kit (4” drop in rear), hotchkis rear swaybar, and caltracs. Also some shorter shocks to go with the drop (forget which ones). How hard would you say you tend to corner with this truck? Any binding with the caltracs? Have read it can be a problem unless they are loosened way up.

    Currently have slightly w’ed original 360k mile leaf springs with McGaughys drop shackles, Fox 2.0 shocks, and a Hellwig rear sway bar. Truck handles reasonably well but I definitely experience wheel hop under throttle in 1st gear while turning. At the very least going to need new leaf springs, but unsure which direction to go. Flip kit is not likely in my future as I dont want to drop the rear more than 2-3” because it is still a truck that needs to be able to handle a load (payload more than trailer weight).

    So as I see it, I’ve got a few options for leaf springs:
    1. New oe leaf springs with 2” drop shackles
    2. Belltech 2-3” drop leafs with stock shackles
    3. Regular cab SRT leafs? Not sure what effect this would have on ride height and payload, but can always add airbags if needed.

    I’d be really interested to hear any experience with the Belltech leafs, but have yet to come across anything substantial.

    As for axle wrap, the only options I’ve seen are Caltracs, spring clamps (imagine this would destroy any ride quality), or the addition of half-leaves to the front of the spring pack (likely custom).

    in regards to shocks, am not aware of an adjustable option for stock-ish height/mild drop other than the Rancho junk, so likely to stay with Fox or go back to Bilstein Yellows.

    So that’s kind of where I’m at. Not sure which direction to go to achieve what I’m after, but hope to make a decision by June and appreciate any input or opinions.

    Front suspension is a whole different animal for me with 4wd, so I’ll leave that alone.
     
  6. Srt10650

    Srt10650 Full Access Member

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    Thanks. My truck has a 2/5 drop. No bind in the cal tracs. I still haven’t really drove my truck due to everything going on and my tire/alignment shop is closed. Cal tracs will definitely help with your wheel hop and they do make a cal tracs kit fit the leaf springs on top of the axle. The only thing is they might not make a kit for the 9.25 differential(SRT10s have the Dana 60), might want to give them a call and ask. As far as towing I plan on adding rear helper bags so I can still tow with my drop. I currently have belltech SP shocks for my drop, theyre a little shorter and I do plan on going adjustable down the road. As far as adjustable shocks you should call JMB performance, they have QA1 adjustable shocks. Or JTSVP a call, they have JR1 adjustable shock. Moe’s performance might be able to help you also, they have Vikings adjustable stocks too. I would give them a call and see if those shocks would work with a stock ride height.
     
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2022
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  7. ViperKiller

    ViperKiller New Member

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    I have not seen this for sale anywhere (at least not for a 2005 QC).... Has anyone else?
     
  8. Srt10650

    Srt10650 Full Access Member

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    They had these sway bars for the trucks but is now a discontinued part.
     
  9. Raj

    Raj New Member

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    Have heard great things about the hotchkis setup, but they seem to be quite rare. Caltracs does make bars for the 9.25 in both over axle and under axle leaf setups.

    Leaning towards trying the Belltech leaves/stock shackles first, then Caltracs if (likely) needed.
     
  10. Srt10650

    Srt10650 Full Access Member

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    Sounds good. Definitely shop around for both belltech and the cal tracs. I was able to find good deals with patience. I got lucky and found a used set of the Hotchkis sway bars. If you don’t need the parts right now, I would definitely be on the look out for the parts. That’s what I did with craigslist, offer up and eBay. Eventually you’ll get a good deal.
     
  11. BryenW

    BryenW New Member

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    If you are not interested in doing a flip kit but want to improve the performance, in the rear, your best bet is to add rear sway bar and new shocks, including the 3rd kicker shock (that only come on the RC's) and CalTracs.

    The kicker shock on RC's are there to help with axle wrap and gain better traction. CalTracs are the additional step for traction, if you drag race or launch hard on the street. There is an existing hole, on the QC pumpkin, to accept the bracket for the rear of the shock. You will need to weld a bracket on the cross member to support the front of the shock.

    If you do decide to lower it, get that figured out before you do shocks or add CalTracs. The correct shock application will be dependent on the final drop because it will change the shock length needed. CalTracs are also dependent on the drop you choose based on the brackets needed if you leave the axle under the leafs of flip them above the leafs.

    Drop shackles have little to no affect on QC's height. Depending on what brand you go with, you'd be lucky to get 1/2"-1" out of them. They are meant to be used on lifted suspension or axles that are above the leafs. Usually not worth the time it takes to swap them out vs the result, without a flip kit on a QC.

    The BT drop leafs are a good option to lower and gain performance but are very dependent on how you use the truck. They are the only thing I don't personally have experience with but I have talked to a number of people that have tried them. The feed back crossed them off my list as an option. My understanding is that they are a better option for RC's or QC's that wont tow much or at all. Chances are you will need a 1" front drop spring to level the truck out.

    Rear helper bags are a great option to compensate for the ability to tow and adds a lot of stability to the rear of the truck in corners / curves, with or without a load. If you go with helper bags, make sure you set them up so that they are independent of each other and not tee'd together. By far the best money I've spent that aided in ride quality while maintaining the QC capabilities.

    Personally, I would not suggest QA1's for a street vehicle. Not saying they're not a good shock but, IMO, they're design properties are not ideal for these big heavy trucks. Mainly because they are an oil filled shock only, with no gas charge. The gas charge is what helps cavitation. RC guys seem to have better luck getting them to feel comfortable on the street and may not be as big of an issue if you not lowering the truck much.
     
  12. Raj

    Raj New Member

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    Appreciate the input. Already have a Hellwig rear swaybar and the rear Fox shocks aren’t too old, but my original leafs have lived a tough life...over 350k of heavy loads and hard cornering. So this is where I likely need to start.

    Have had McG’s drop shackles on my truck for the last 150k miles or so, and though the drop seems adequate(2” or so but springs are worn), I’m not a huge fan.

    I was really against doing a flip because it would lower the truck too much (looking for about a 2” rear drop from stock), but just came up with an idea that I don’t think has been tried yet. Several spring suppliers offer a “heavy duty” 4+1 leaf pack (as opposed to normal 3+1) that has been said to raise the rear end about 2” unloaded. I wonder if this pack can be used with a flip kit...in theory this would yield a net 2” drop. Also have been reading about axle wrap and common consensus is that a spring under axle setup is inherently prone to less axle wrap than spring over.

    Id be curious to hear what feedback you’ve received on the Belltech leaves if u don’t mind sharing. Is it just that that don’t tow well? Too soft perhaps?
     
  13. Raj

    Raj New Member

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    How the truck currently sits with rear drop shackles...

    55403AE6-2658-4C22-9624-C8A20B4870A6.jpeg
     
  14. SRT10FOUR

    SRT10FOUR Member

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    I’d love to get one too. I had to return the Belltech kit after the dealer who sold it to me was “positive” it would fit on my truck, and of course it did not even come close to fitting.

    anyone know what the part number was on the Hotchkis Sway bar kit was?
     
  15. Srt10650

    Srt10650 Full Access Member

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    Yea, I got lucky with my set. After I bought my set, I’ve seen only the front one come up for sale and not the rear. Man that sucks, the Hotchkis set was a direct plug and play, using existing holes on the frame for the rear Endlinks. Pretty much just bolt on and go. Hotchkis sway bars part number is #2265 and for the rebuild kit with new poly bushings it’s #2265RB.
     
  16. AMS3

    AMS3 Well-Known Member

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    Here's what I have on mine: http://mcgaughys.com/products/economy-kit-44004
    I replaced the American leaf springs and went back with OEM, the aftermarket springs were worn out when I bought the truck. I added Caltracs as well, but had to remove the overload spring, it was chafing against the traction bars. She sits real low, and handles great!
     
  17. SRT10FOUR

    SRT10FOUR Member

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    nice, thanks!
     
  18. beastmode1

    beastmode1 Full Access Member

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    Hello Srt10650, is it possible to post some pics of your Hotchkis sway bar here for us that will be great. It is something i am interested in adding to my 10.
     
  19. Srt10650

    Srt10650 Full Access Member

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    I don’t think I have pictures of my front one at this time but here is my rear sway bar. Also here is some info I gathered,

    04 Dodge Ram SRT10 RC
    stock front sway bar- 1.29
    stock rear sway bar- .92

    05 Dodge Ram SRT10 QC
    stock front sway bar- 1.29
    stock rear sway bar- None, Quad Cabs don’t come with factory rear sway bar

    Aftermarket Hotchkis sway bars
    front sway bar- 1.50
    rear sway bar- 1.00

    My thread below, has more pictures and info.

    Front springs JTSVP vs Belltech
     

    Attached Files:

  20. Raj

    Raj New Member

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    That’s a nice looking setup! My hellwig rear bar works well but the install isn’t quite as clean. Swaybar mounts are on the axle tube itself (instead of shock mounts) and end links are mounted to brackets that mount above the frame. End links themselves are just long threaded bolts running through metal tubes with a couple rubber bushings sandwiched between washers.

    I do have to mention though that Hellwig has exceptional customer service. On two different occasions I’ve lost an end link (or part of one) due to nut falling off end link/threaded bolt. Both times Hellwig sent me a complete end link kit free of charge with no questions asked. Literally took a two minute phone call.
     
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