2011 RAM 5500 tire clearance - front axle move

[trailshooter]

Hello All, newbie here with a big new project on my hands. I have a 2011 RAM 5500 std cab, 4x4, 60 CA chassis cab on the way. Planning to build an expedition rig with it. Converting DRW to SRW. Have chosen the Continental MPT 81, 335/80 R20 tires on Hutchinson rims.

Last week spent quite a bit of time underneath another 5500 trying to anticipate the degree of frame interference. Lo and behold I discovered there's just no space between the front tires and the body toward the rear. Looks to me like there's a front axle move in my future.

I'm sure I'm not the first with this problem. Has anyone else out there tackled an axle move on this chassis and could you share any details?

More details on the build to follow later.

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[Rovertrader]

Check with Don Thuren as he does a ton for the lighter models and may could adapt? Worth a call- great guy!!

 

[Ram5500]

Sorry, Hadn't replied to your e-mail yet, when my rims and tires get here we'll have a better idea of how to do it, Mine will be the slightly larger 365 size, but I am also seriously considering going to a full airbag set-up.

With the new Arctic Fox Camper, even the 5500 feels it on corners (can't imagine it on a lighter truck). I'd like to do airbags set-up to self level the truck when cornering (pressure up outside bags) and off road with forced articulation.

I did find a very interesting set-up for a completely hydraulic suspension, from a company called VSE:
http://www.v-s-e.nl/products/suspension/suspension-dts.html?L=1

and they had done prototype for a US military Dodge Ram COMBATT. I emailed for information and/or North American dealers but did not receive a response

I did talk to Carli Suspension, I have a Carli/Thuren Suspension on my 2500, they did not seem interested at all. I have not talked to Don Thuren yet, but mean too.

K.O.R.E said they might be interested, particularly if there was more than just me wanting something, they just wanted me to do the leg work on differences between 3500 & 5500.

I know that doesn't necessarily answer the axle move question, I am certainly not an expert, but Clay at Evolution Machine is- we have been talking about this for almost a year- he is confident we will be able to ove the axle and gain clearance to the cab. Mind you, we may lose the fenders as well- I'm OK with that.

I'll be posting progress on my thread Dodge 5500 flatdeck and camper build:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43403

but I will also try and keep you updated here or by e-mail.

 

[trailshooter]

Thanks!

Rovertrader, will put a call in to Don. Thanks for the tip.

Ram 5500 - No worries! Keep us up to date on your progress. Thanks for the names. The VSE looks interesting.

Picking up the Cab and Chassis this morning. I expect it to knock my teeth out on the way home but still excited to have something to get started on. Ordered the Hutchinsons with the Continental MPT81 335'. Should have them in about 3 weeks.

Headed to Moab in my other rig tomorrow for some R&R.

Thanks,

DH

 

[Regcabguy]

Carli's pretty much aligned with unladen trucks going very fast in the desert.

Don should give you some positive feedback. He's revalving my shocks currently to work better with his softer ride coils as I formally had Kore's units in there. He'll probably suggest swapping out the shocks for some custom valved ones also. The guy's a gem.

Deaver Springs does all kinds of unit spring applications.