Timbrens, SumoSpring, Firestone, Airbags...argh!

sdeeter19555 · April 23, 2014

I decided to look for something to keep the truck level when I'm hauling firewood, towing the camper, and whatnot. Its not that I'm overloaded, I just want it to ride more level since some of my trips are fairly long. I had Firestone Airbags on the last truck, they were OK...while they did loads OK; they tended to pogo, they required airing up/down, and they also tick-tocked. They worked, but they had their cons. FWIW, I did search the forum, but there is very little on Timbrens.

I'm sort of looking at the non-adjustable deals this time around, the Timbrens were THE suspension enhancement of choice in the Dodge/Cummins world several years back, but $400 for a set (front/rear) is steep; but considerably less than the prices of airbags I was looking at (they've went up almost $125 since I bought them last) and talk about an easy install (wow!). Now I see that there are knockoff of Timbren: SumoSpring and Firestone both make a Timbren-like deal that replaces the bump stop (at about $50 less per set). But unlike the Timbren's lifetime warranty, the knockoffs are just two years. Do they really fail that often to even worry about it?

I've never had any experience with Timbrens, are they worth it? Or should I hold out for bags in the rear and Timbrens for the front?

sillywillie07 · April 23, 2014

I have timbren in my truck, and like them. Had air bags and did not like the fact of airing up and down. Just put the timbren in and forget about them. You will feel them on frost heaves. They ride great with a load on them. It will stiffen up the ride, but I like the ride.

MORSNO · April 24, 2014

I have some opinions for you to ponder.

1. Torklift StableLoads: They are very inexpensive, super easy to install, easy to engage or disengage, and almost leveled out my truck with 3,000 pound loaded camper. Absolutely no swaying with a top heavy load. This is my first choice.

2. Timbrens: You do not need them front and rear on a GM unless you have a plow on the front. They help with heavy loads, but can interfere with a soft ride when empty and hitting a jarring hole, heave, ect.

3. Air bags: Expensive, bouncing and swaying down the road unless at very low pressure, leak air, more maintenance. This would be my last choice.

Check out a truck camper forum for the best advice when carrying heavy loads, they have tried them all with every size truck imaginable.

sdeeter19555 · April 24, 2014

Check out a truck camper forum for the best advice when carrying heavy loads, they have tried them all with every size truck imaginable.

I've owned a truck camper, the reason I had airbags on the last truck and the reason I dislike them.

The only reason I considered them on the front is that I have a winch cradle and 12k Warn on the front, as well as a second battery...not the weight of a plow, but its noticeable. I'll check into the Torklifts, I only know Torklift from their camper tiedowns.

sdeeter19555 · April 24, 2014

Looked at the Torklifts, neat design...guys were building the same thing several years ago using plastic felling wedges (for chainsaw work) and zipties. My only thought on those is whether there is a chance on bending a spring since you are placing the load at a single point, and not over the length of the spring?? I'e seen guys bend the main leaf from building too stiff of spring packs...I doubt I would ever get anywhere near that heavy in the first place to worry about it.

I'm thinking I still like the Timbren since it places the load on the frame and not the spring. If that makes any sense?

MORSNO · April 25, 2014

I have both StableLoads and Timbrens, the ride is better with StableLoads when carrying heavy weight because you are using your springs as they were engineered, and no added sway. The Timbrens are better at preventing as much sag with a heavy camper. I would recommend the StableLoads with your occasional weight because you can disengage them and keep a nice ride.

I've never heard of a bent spring from the TorkLift StableLoads in years of reading camper forums. But I guess anything is possible.

sdeeter19555 · April 28, 2014

Well, I ordered front and rear Timbrens.

I figure if I don't like the Timbrens on the front, I can always pull them and run the OE bumpstops. Again, I have probably 300 pounds hanging off the front with accessories, so I may or may not need it...but it took about an inch of torsion bar adjustment just to level that out.

While I appreciate the adjustability of the StableLoads, I had too many questions about them. The main thing was that I didn't like the idea of having to adjust them with a wheel well full of slop and snow, which isn't an issue for everyone; but its pretty ugly around here. Not to mention how well they would ultimately hold up in the rust belt environment.

I got a pretty good deal from TruckSpring dot com, I was just looking around at their site (was considering who to order them from) and entered their $30 off $300 code, and it took $30 off each item (total of $60 off), so I just couldn't pass that up...and free shipping.

As a side note (and assuming the scales at the scrap yard were accurate), I weighed in at 8840 pounds over the weekend, with a trailer that weighs around 750 pounds and two passengers (assume 250 each)...I'm sitting a right around 8,000 pounds "empty" with passengers. I can't hardly believe that my few add-ons added nearly 900 pounds (base is 6640 pounds), just goes to show how quickly it adds up.

sillywillie07 · April 28, 2014

sounds good

Let us know how it works for you when you get them installed

8.1HD/ALLISON · April 28, 2014

I have timbrens in rear and like them. Really holds truck level when towing or hauling loads.

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sdeeter19555 · April 30, 2014

Received my Timbrens today...too bad its a little wet right now or I would go install them.

On a side note, although the instructions show them disassembled; these come fully assembled for the 2012. They just press into the existing bumpstop pockets. Hopefully I can install them tonight.

sdeeter19555 · May 1, 2014

Installed.

Couple things:

Wrap a rope or strap around the old bumpers and use a screwdriver for leverage to yank them out.

The fronts almost require pulling the shocks to allow enough droop. The install can be done without it but its a pain. Took me about an hour to do the fronts...its difficult to get them seated because the contact point isn't square to the cup.

The rears took less than five minutes.

The only thing I didn't like was that it was difficult to tell if they were seated far enough. I hope they are still there by the time I get my 300 mile trip in tomorrow.

The ride improved...jarring utility cuts in the road are much less abrupt. It seems to handle better, probably less body roll?

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sillywillie07 · May 1, 2014

Good to her. The set I just put on a 2013 3500hd were assembled. I use a little dish soap on the timbren when installing. You will notice less body roll.

chupe442 · May 1, 2014

I am planning the Timbrens myself as the adjustability of the Stableloades seems like the same fun as Airbags would be.. Glad you like them. Couple of buddies have then on their 1/2ton adn 3/4ton Dodges and love them. Will have to see.. The 1/2 ton sets are only 190.00 on Ebay so I may end up ordering up a set.

sdeeter19555 · May 2, 2014

I got mine for $169 a set...a lot of places are offering $10/$20/$30 off and free shipping.

I used a silicone protectant spray you'd use on a door seal as a lubricant.

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sdeeter19555 · May 2, 2014

Well, I drove it to work today...50 miles of everything from narrow, rough, back country, two lane to milled/polished concrete interstate highway.

The ride is going to take some getting used to. On smooth roads, it actually rides better...it almost feels like its floating, a lot less surface feedback (think a worn asphalt surface). On rough roads, it takes the roughness better, maybe a little more jarring...pretty sure I feel a little more "kick" on bigger bumps, but its not harsh if that makes any sense at all. I have to check all the deals and make sure they are still there.

The ride is not objectionable at all (again, started with a 2500 not a car). Maybe it would be more objectionable if I started with a 1500 and got the ride of a 2500, but it really didn't make the 2500 ride any harsher than a 2500. I'm planning on a load of firewood this weekend, if I can get back the field to it. For the record, the Wife and I went into town last night and she didn't object to the ride...so it must not be that bad.