Looking For Rear Suspension Assist

Mazer18 · October 5, 2009

I'm looking to get a little extra support in my rear suspension. A few weeks back I hauled a pretty good load of firewood. I didn't weigh it but it was stacked neatly in my bed so we could get more in instead of being just tossed in there. I'd say it had to be at least 1,500 lbs. maybe. Anyway when we were unloading the first truck I took a look at mine and thought it looked like it was squating quite a good bit. There couldn't have been more than 5"-6" between the tire and wheel well lip. I've also got a 2" Rough Country level on so that made it even worse.

I'm looking now to remedy that problem though. I've done some searching here and I'm trying to decide between air bags and Add-a-Leafs. I came across the Timbren rubber springs and like the idea of the simple install and no maintenance or air regulation in them. Anybody have a good or bad experience with them? Do they work like they say they do? (3,600 lbs. Level Load Capacity) http://sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_p...oducts_id=3332#

Thanks.

hockeypro1411 · October 5, 2009

Add-a-leafs will make your truck ride rough all the time from the added stiffness in the back. The airbags are nice because you can inflate them when you have a load, and run a much lower pressure in them when unloaded to preserve a decent ride quality. As for the Timbrens, I haven't heard of anyone using those, but a lot of guys who plow seem to love their products for beefing up the front.

MYZ-71 · October 5, 2009

had the timben`s on my 94 Sierra and they worked great, the only problem I had was that I didn`t leave the recommended 1" gap between housing and rubber so truck was a bit rough unloaded but was great when loaded but if properly spaced you`d have factory ride when unloaded and that needed extract support when loaded. very quick and easy install and no fooling with air pressure

700 sportsman · October 5, 2009

I'd go with air bags for sure, I would also check out Air Lift, and Firestone Air Bags, if you search, there are several threads about them

2005LT · October 5, 2009

My dad had some Timbrens installed on his 03' 2500 HD at a shop while we were traveling across the country this year with the 5th wheel trailer. The road was rough and rolled out and with the heavy load we were concerned about the suspension.

There is one main issue with the Timbrens, being what Chris mentioned above. Over the years, the leafs on dad's truck have somewhat flattened out and so there only remained about a 1/2" gap between the 'timmies' and the axle when unloaded. The ride was fine when loaded (axle resting fully on the timmies) and it reduced the squatting. However, when empty the back end would 'buck' when going over bumps large enough to close that gap and cause the axle to come up and hit the timmies.

If you leave a bigger gap though you won't experience this problem as much. Like Chris said, this is essentially a no-maintenance installation which is a benefit.

fast86gn · October 5, 2009

I did the timbrens for towing 6500 lb. camper 1/2 hour job very happy. Approx. 1 inch space before the timbrens hit, so retains factory ride until the load. I did the add a main spring in my last truck made the truck sit higher all the time and the ride was stiff all the time. I bought mine used on ebay for $75, just remove the factory bumpers and bolt them on...easy, holds the camper now! Ride is good with camper also, they are firm but help a lot.