Helf fixing the soft rear suspension?

tmoreau · February 8, 2003

I have a 2001 1500, its a reg cab shortbed v6 5-spd base model truck with absolutely no options. none. Anyway, I regularly haul my atv (700+ lb sportsman 400) plus a bunch of gear in the bed, and pull a 4x8 trailer with another atv on it (trailer weighs about 1000lbs). The rear end sags a couple inches compared to being unloaded. Its maybe an inch under being level and when its unloaded its about an inch above level in the rear. This causes my headlights to blind everyone and I am not about to adjust my headlights every time I load the truck. It still rides and handles quite well, on big bumps on the highway the steering gets light as the rear susp. compresses further.

I dont like helper springs, and would prefer to stay away from them. I like the looks of the timbrens www.timbren.com but I wonder if they will still let the suspension sag too much before kicking in. My other option is airlift air bags. I know with the airbags I could tweak things to be just right no matter how I load the truck. They are the same price as the timbrens but more more complicated install. The timbrens simply replace the bump stops.

I have heard of people adding leaves to the spring pack but the rear already sits way to high relative to the front and I cant live with any change in ride height unless I lift the front.

Does anyone have any expieriance with either of these products? Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

silverado3500 · February 8, 2003

You could get a set of gm 3/4 ton springs from an 00-03 2500 these will bolt right in and they ride terriffic. I recently did this to my 1500 but with 1 ton springs. You will get a little lift with these, but you can compensate for the lift with a lowering shackle. The ride will be only slightly stiffer, though not much at all. The springs will run you about 200 a piece from parts. Far cheaper for a good set from a junkyard.

Another option would be to take your existing springs to a spring shop and have them add a leaf. This will result in a stiffer ride, and more lift than the gm 3/4 ton springs, and will probably cost about the same as the new set from parts.

I would be wary of aftermarket helper springs as I know of several cases where the helper springs caused the main pack to fail under load.

Hope this info is helpful.

tmoreau · February 8, 2003

I would be wary of aftermarket helper springs as I know of several cases where the helper springs caused the main pack to fail under load.

Can anyone elaborate on this? What causes the faliure? Both the airbags and timbrens mount between the frame and the top of the axle, thats what I like the most about them.

Does anybody know if there is an inexpensive lift for the front? Its coil springs and I only want 2 inches or so just to level it out some.

TxDoc · February 9, 2003

I added Air Lift bags from: http://www.airliftcompany.com/. The ones I chose add 2000 pound of lift-they make a 5000 pound style also. The air can be added via an onboard pump, or as I did, with two valve stems hidden under the gas cap. It also makes the truck ride better by running 15-12 psi without anything in the back!

Each kit is complete with air bellows, inflation valves, air lines, fittings, brackets, mounting hardware, and detailed installation manual.

(Kit contents vary by application.)

Air Lift's sleeve design gives the best ride of any load assist product. Ride Control is engineered for 1/2 Ton and mini pickups, full-size and mini vans, and SUVs that are used for light to medium duty hauling or towing. Load ratings vary by kit - from 1,500 to 2,000 lbs - depending on the size of the air springs. Ride Control provides additional support for today's softer OEM suspensions without changing the ride.

Specific Uses:

Light duty hauling and leveling vehicles that tow small trailers.

Ideal for hauling boats, travel trailers, and jet skis. Also great for towing motorcycle and snowmobile trailers.

Adds front end support for snow plow or winch equipped 4WD pickups.

Rear kits for mini and 1/2 Ton pickups and vans and also SUVs.

Provides needed support to rear suspension of conversion vans.

Features and Benefits of Ride Control:

Smoothest ride, loaded or unloaded.

Provides up to 2,000 lbs. of leveling capacity. (NOTE: Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended GVWR).

Engineered for easy installation - 2 hours.

Most kits include an alignment tool for faster, easier, and more precise installation.

Air adjustablity from 10 to 100 p.s.i.

59600 series RC kits include an onboard compressor kit.

Quick-connect DOT air fittings.

Vehicle-specific illustrated installation manual.

One year limited warranty.

Company profile:

Air Lift Company has been developing air spring suspension products for over 50 years. The original product, a rubber air spring inserted into a car's factory coil spring, was developed and patented in 1950.

The versatility of Air Lift air springs were proven during the early years of stock car racing. Air Lifts were used by most of the stock car racing teams for twenty years or so until the racing suspensions evolved to more sophisticated systems. The Air Lift Company sponsored cars were tough competitors on the NASCAR Grand National Circuit. The Air Lift Company has the longest history of product development dedicated solely to the development of light vehicle air suspension products.

First, in the 1950's, we pioneered the use of air spring inserts in coil spring suspensions. Then, in the 1960's, Air Lift introduced the use of sleeve-type air springs on pickup truck suspensions. During the 1980's we started using air helper springs on the motorhomes and ambulances. Street rods and lowered vehicles were the target in the 1990's. Today's products are an evolution of Air Lift's breakthrough development programs applying the use of air springs in light truck and motorhome suspensions. Air Lift has won more SEMA awards for air spring development products than any other company.

Our engineering excellence is recognized by our industry and our customers. We are proud of our accomplishments. Air Lift products are sold throughout the world. Our products can be engineered to fit almost any coil or leaf spring suspension. We have applications developed for passenger cars, light trucks, motorhomes, race cars, street rods, military vehicles, and specialty vehicles of all types. All of our experience and technology is pulled together to provide the most versatile and durable products for our primary market - helper air springs to allow our customers to enjoy the ride and handling of their vehicle at work or play. You can buy Air Lift products with confidence - they will fit, work and last.

Steel Vs. Air - The difference is adjustablity.

Steel/Hard Rubber helper springs, one setting and not adjustable.

Original equipment springs age over time. Weak springs cause sag, sway, and loss of control. Adding steel helper springs or solid rubber springs is not the best solution. Both steel and hard rubber ride hard with little or no load. Uneven loads can cause sway. You will gain more comfort and value with air springs.

Air Springs Adjust to Load

The major benefit of Air Lift air springs is that you can adjust air pressure to compensate for your load condition. This ensures that your load is balanced and level for better comfort and control. When your load increases, you just add air...it's that simple.

Solve These Problems with Air:

Air Lift, with over 50 years of suspension design and production experience, has developed air suspension products to solve load problems for autos, trucks, vans, and RVs. If you have encountered on or more of the following conditions, there is an Air Lift product for your vehicle that will help correct the following:

Sag: Load pulls back of vehicle down making steering difficult.

Sway and Body Roll: Vehicle moves up and down and from side to side.

Bottoming Out: Vehicle hits frame or axle on bumpy roads.

Headlight Misalignment: Back of vehicle is so low, that the headlights are in the trees.

Hitch Alignment: Unbalanced, non-level trailers may cause steering and braking problems.

Tire Patch Contact: Wheel bounce on washboard roads results in poor steering and braking.

FAQ's

Q. How much will adding air springs increase the Weight Ratings of my vehicle?

A. Adding air springs will not change the Weight Ratings (GAWR, GCWR, GVWR) of a vehicle. Doing so is dangerous and voids your Air Lift air spring warranty. See the section on Weight Ratings and Loads.

Q. Do you have to keep air in the air springs all the time and how much pressure do they need?

A. You should always maintain the manufacturer's recommended minimum air pressure in your air springs. The minimum air pressure keeps the air spring in "shape" so that they will move throughout their travel without rubbing or wearing on itself.

Q. Do you have to add a compressor system to your air springs?

A. No. Air pressure can be adjusted with just about any type of compressor, as long as it can produce sufficient pressure to service the springs. You can even use a bicycle tire pump, but it's a lot of work. We do however offer compressor systems.

Q. Which compressor system do I need?

A. Air Lift offers a number of compressor choices. The section on Load Controllers explains each system so you can determine which one you need.

Q. What is the warranty on the air springs and compressors?

A. Air Lift air springs and compressor systems come with a manufacturer's limited one year warranty, against defects in materials or workmanship. Purchased with a Load Controller II, your warranty is doubled.

Q. How long should air springs last?

A. As long as the air springs were properly installed and the owner maintains the air springs, they can last indefinitely. Maintaining the air springs is pretty easy. All you have to do is check the air pressure on a monthly basis. If you install one of our Load Controller II compressors systems, the compressor system automatically adds air if the pressure falls below the minimum. Our exclusive, LPS or Low Pressure Sensor does the maintenance for you.

Q. Can you get replacement parts?

A. Yes. Replacement parts are available through Air Lift retailers and directly from the factory.

Q. Can air springs raise or lower my vehicle?

A. If you're asking if the air spring can take the place of a lift kit or a lowering kit, the answer is NO. If you're asking if the air spring will cause a normal ride height vehicle to ride higher, the answer is yes if you want it to. By adjusting the air pressure, you can create some lift, but usually only an inch or two.

Q. Can I use them if I have raised or lowered my vehicle?

A. Yes. We make a line of air springs designed specifically for lowered pickups, called SlamAir and SlamAir Plus. For raised trucks, we don't make specific kits, but people have installed them using blocks.

Q. I have a vehicle that rides rough, can I add air springs and make it ride better?

A. It depends on what is causing the rough ride. If the rough ride is caused by weak or overloaded spring, the answer is yes. Vehicles with weak or overloaded springs can bottom out which causes some very harsh ride problems. Reading through this user's manual will give you a good understanding of the use of our products and the problems they help to correct.

Q. Can I use them with factory overloads?

A. Yes. We do recommend that the factory overloads be removed before adding our air springs, however, most of our kits will work with the factory overloads left in place.

Q. How long do the air spring kit take to install?

A. Assuming you know your way around a suspension and this isn't the first time you've had a wrench in your hand, it will probably take about two hours to install a typical Air Lift kit. If you have access to a hoist and jack stands and air tools, the job can go faster. Always go through the installation manual before you start the job to familiarize yourself with what needs to be done. Installing an Air Lift kit isn't extremely difficult, but it has to be done right to get the best results. Unless you're pretty good with cars, you should let a trained technician install the kit.

Q. Can Air Lift air springs and accessories be installed by the average home mechanic?

A. Yes. Every effort is put into designing our systems for ease of installation. Any average home mechanic can install them. Air Lift's Technical Support group is there to help. Office hours are EST 8:00 - 5:00.

Q. Do you add air before adding the load?

A. AirLift 1000 requires adding air first. Ride Control and Super Duty do not.

Q. Can the air lines be connected together?

A. Yes they can, but you loose roll control due to air transfer and the ability to level left to right.

btw-if you go to http://www.thedieselpage.com , you will find quite a few Air Lift customers and you can read their posts. Also, my bags are independent. The air lines do not connect to both bags. The reason is, as you drive and corner, air can transer and, as stated above, you lose roll control.

Good Luck on your search.

Cyclic · February 9, 2003

Best thing you can do is pay more attention to the loading of the trailer. You shoud only have about 400 to 500 pounds of tongue weight. I suspect you are overloading the rear of the truck. Half-ton trucks shoud only have 1000 pounds on the rear end. First thing I would try is to redistribute the load.

Place both ATV's on the trailer and balance them as to make the tongue load as stated. The load up the rest of it in the bed and then see how she sets. If you know any racers with weight scales it can help greatly in setting up a load on the trailer. I don't think the overall load is too much, just the way its distributed needs addressed.

James aka Cyclic

tmoreau · February 9, 2003

Yikes! I must clarify, I only have about 100-150 lbs tonge weight, the total weight of the trailer is around 1000lbs. The rest of the weight is in the back of the truck, around 800-850 lbs when I am loaded for a weekend trip. I also usually have a passenger. This is well within the weight ratings, and I think it sags to the point of engaging the stock short helper spring, but thats simply too much sag. My truck only weighs around 4200 lbs empty leaving something like 2100 lbs payload capacity. The v6/5spd is rated to pull 3500 lbs, overall I am about 1400lbs under GCWR.

TROYROBO · February 9, 2003

The original owner of my truck had air baggs installed on it for towing his huge trailer behind it. I have used it several times myself.-i love the onboard air compressor with the additional air valves located under each rear fender-----i even made me a air hose with locking ends on it so i can air up tires for other people or for me if i have a flat- I have lowered my truck 3 inches in the rear----it had no different effect on the baggs or the ride of the truck------I look at it as a little insurance if i need it ------ :thumb:

SilveradoWV · February 10, 2003

I think the only difference in the soft ride and the Z85 is the shocks right, or is the leaf springs different too? Mine is a base Z85 4x4 with a 4.8 and auto. I have hauled a bunch of stuff in mine such as 1200lbs of cement, and still my truck was setting level or a little higher in the rear. If shocks are the only difference between the Z85 and soft ride, I would suggest rear shocks, aftermarket or factory (my factory are blue, dont know who makes them though).