Would Timbrens or SumoSprings Work Best on a 2018 Ram 3500 4WD?

Updated 08/14/2026 | Published 08/09/2026

Products Featured in This Question

MORryde X-Factor Crossmember for Standard Frame Hangers

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$156.59

SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs - 2 Piece - Rear Axle

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$641.99

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

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$372.99

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2502)

$382.99

Timbren Suspension Enhancement System - Severe Service - Rear Axle

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$398.07

Question:

Im trying to decide between Timbren and Sumo. For my 2018 Ram 3500 4 wheel drive. How do I decide?

asked by: Tim R

Expert Reply:

Hi Tim,

That's a great question! While Timbrens and SumoSprings are both suspension enhancements, they perform differently depending on how much weight you're towing/hauling and how often you're planning on towing/hauling.

The only Timbren kits we have fitted to your 2018 Ram 3500 are severe service kits rated for 8,000lbs of load support, like part # T94VR. The severe service kits should only be used on vehicles with a slide-in camper, salt spreader, mounted crane, or other aerial device that have the truck under constant load. If these are installed on a truck that isn't under constant load, the ride quality can be very rough over any uneven terrain or when hitting any bumps.

If your truck isn't being used with constant load, then the SumoSprings custom helper springs would be the better solution. Whether your truck is loaded or unloaded, even if it makes contact with frame, it won't affect the ride quality as much due to their softer urethane spring construction. There are different capacities for the springs depending on how much you're towing. For light duty towing with a tongue weight around 300-600lbs, I recommend the SumoSprings Solo Helper Springs part # SSR-312-47 rated for 1,500lbs. For standard duty with a tongue weight of 600-1,000lbs, I recommend using the SumoSprings Helper Springs part # SSR-312-54 rated for 2,800lbs. And for heavy duty towing, which is 1,000lbs or more of tongue weight, the SumoSprings Rebel Helper Springs part # SSR-301-47-2 are designed specifically for really heavy loads.

What are you towing with your 2018 Ram 3500 that you want suspension enhancements for?

expert reply by: Claire H

SumoSprings Helper Springs Installed
(click to enlarge)

Bill

8/14/2026

I tried the Timbrem on my 2017 Ram 2500 diesel. Found them to be too stiff ans gave a hard ride when towing our 5th wheel and even worse when not towing. I eventually went to Firestone Air Bags. Great ride all the time. The adjustability makes all the difference in the world

Claire H.

8/14/2026

@Bill That's a common issue we see with Timbrens when driving without any load in the truck. They're best used for trucks that are constantly under load, like work trucks or trucks with equipment like a salt spreader installed in the back of them. I'm glad the Firestone air bags were a good switch for you! Having the ability to adjust the pressure is especially great if you're towing multiple trailers or only occasionally towing.

Tom M.

8/14/2026

I have a 2022 2500 CC gas, since I have coil springs I wanted to keep the ride on the softer side so I went with the Sumo springs.I have dealt with timbrens on everything from 3/4 ton up to 2 axle dumps, these are beasts and they ride hard. You might want to see if there is a video on line that shows a cutaway to give you an idea. For me personal use on a 2500 or 3500 I'd go with the Sumo's. I did go light with the SSSR-312-47, my camper is a tow behind with 1250lbs tongue weight, these have worked well for me going on 3 years and along with suspension mods on my camper I can cruise 75 with one finger on the wheel (of course I don't recommend that). Next year I plan on going to a 3500, If I don't opt for the air bags I'll go with Sumo's.

Claire H.

8/14/2026

@TomM Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! It's always great to hear firsthand experiences and that fact that the SumoSprings make such a difference even when towing a trailer with a 1250lb tongue weight is incredible.