Comparing SumoSprings And Timbrens For A 2018 Ram 1500

Question:

Hello, I have read that the Sumo springs will offer a better ride over the Timbren but, I notice that the Timbrens don’t make any metal to metal contact with my truck where as the Sumo’s have a metal plate and bolts the secure to truck , I’m worried about the bolts and metal plate rusting and welding themselves to my truck, do you know what coating these plates have and are these just zinc bolts ? I had to replace all of my running board hardware witching a year because the zinc bolts rusted. Thanks 2018 Ram Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4

asked by: Dennis B

Expert Reply:

I agree that the SumoSprings will offer a better ride than the Timbrens. Timbrens do offer a higher capacity and are recommended for vehicles that are under a constant load like a truck with a camper in the bed. The downside of the Timbrens is that it will affect the factory ride when you are not towing. They do not make constant contact with the axle and you will feel the hard rubber making contact when you go over bumps.

Sumo springs also do not make constant contact with the axle, but they offer a progressive spring rate. Meaning the more weight you put on the spring, the more firm it becomes. This is preferred in most cases because you can get the load leveling support you want, and still retain the factory ride when you are not towing.

As far as the brackets, the sumo spring brackets use a black powder coating which is highly rust resistant. The bolts are zinc plated. We have not experienced issues with the brackets rusting into place. I suppose over time nothing can stop mother nature, but the rust resistance is good. You are not wrong in that the Timbrens may stand a lower risk of rusting. The Timbrens do still use a zinc bolt to attach to the frame.

It really comes down to your application and if you are towing full time, or just occasionally. If you are an occasional tower, I recommend the sumo springs # SSR-307-47. These are the 1,500 lb capacity jounce springs. If you tow full time, the Timbren # TDR1500DS would be more appropriate with a 6,000 lb capacity. I have linked install videos for both products below if you want to take a look.

expert reply by: Jesse M