Rear suspension improvements (elimination of sag)

[Roman Merkushen]

Curious what options there are to stiffen rear end a bit. I have already upgraded stock shocks to bilstein 5100 and it was an improvement in stability while towing. Now looking to eliminate the sag. Has anyone updated to max tow rear spring leaf? Is there a part number?

[MrMagloo]

Air bags.

[s10dragracer888]

3 hours ago, Roman Merkushen said:

Curious what options there are to stiffen rear end a bit. I have already upgraded stock shocks to bilstein 5100 and it was an improvement in stability while towing. Now looking to eliminate the sag. Has anyone updated to max tow rear spring leaf? Is there a part number?

I did one better. After doing the 5100 bilsteins all the way around, I found that RoadActive Suspension makes a bolt on kit. Took me about 45 minutes total to install. It helps with towing and stiffens the rear a bit (Also picks up the rear and prevents a good amount of squat). If you’re looking to eliminate some of the sway when turning, Hellwig 7780 rear sway bar. Best two things I’ve done to my ‘20 Trail Boss. You’re welcome!  

Edited December 5, 2023 by s10dragracer888

[s10dragracer888]

1 hour ago, MrMagloo said:

Air bags.

I disagree. The ride is rough when unloaded, due to a minimum pressure requirement.

[Roman Merkushen]

14 hours ago, s10dragracer888 said:

I did one better. After doing the 5100 bilsteins all the way around, I found that RoadActive Suspension makes a bolt on kit. Took me about 45 minutes total to install. It helps with towing and stiffens the rear a bit (Also picks up the rear and prevents a good amount of squat). If you’re looking to eliminate some of the sway when turning, Hellwig 7780 rear sway bar. Best two things I’ve done to my ‘20 Trail Boss. You’re welcome!  

Thanks! Tell me more.. Did it raise the rear? Do you have a link to the product?

[MrMagloo]

16 hours ago, s10dragracer888 said:

I disagree. The ride is rough when unloaded, due to a minimum pressure requirement.

I've been running the Airlift bags in every SUV I've owned for the last 25 years and never noticed any marked change in ride when unloaded and aired down. Maybe a tiny bit but nothing you'd noticed after the first 5 minutes.  I've always used their onboard air pumps with the automatic pressure controller, so that might have helped to maintain a consistent minimum.  And if you get the bags with the internal Internal jounce bumper, you don't have to run any minimum pressure.

 

I've seen the RA system and cannot fathom how that would not effect the unloaded ride too, but I'll defer to you on that.  It certainly doesn't have the immediate infinite adjustability capability on the fly as you do with an onboard compressor, but if you trailer the same weight consistently, and get it dialed in, it should work well as a solid option.  I tend to tow many different things, at different weights, so adjustability is important to me.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 6, 2023 by MrMagloo

[s10dragracer888]

MrMagloo, 

 

Thank you for your reply. I have to point out something. The weight distribution in an unloaded SUV is quite different than in an unloaded truck. The ride would be smoother with bags on an SUV with no load than a pickup, because your average SUV has a higher curb weight in the rear, naturally.

 

I will agree with you about the RAS, because you are correct in your assumption. My load is usually consistent and doesn’t change much. Minimum adjustability is needed in my application. However, the purpose of RAS is to increase your towing capacity (although I’m skeptical of the accuracy of that claim) and it does, in fact, raise the rear, by about an inch….but when you set the system, it’s designed with a variable spring rate; with a higher load and more pressure on the rear suspension, it resists expansion more; thus maintaining ride quality when unloaded. When installed in tandem with the Hellwig sway bar, I’ve noticed a significant increase in maneuverability at higher speeds, and better load control when towing.

 

Roman Merkushen,

If you’ve read this far, I believe my reply to Mr. Magloo should answer your questions. 
 

Here is a link to the product on Amazon.

 

(RAS®) RoadActive Suspension 4611-HD | Fits Chevy/GMC 1500 1990-2022 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MSKZWZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_OkatwEP9lUdTP

 

To find the Hellwig Sway bar, just enter “Hellwig 7780” in the search bar, it’s available on Amazon. Several sellers stock it for the same price.

 

 

[MrMagloo]

I'm glad it's working well for you.  I have the LZO and Max Tow, so increasing the capacity is the least of my worries, more just leveling it out.  As well all know, these things tend to squat a ridiculous amount even with 1/3 of the weight capacity.  I use a WD hitch with my toy hauler which reduces the amount of pressure required, but WD isn't possible for some of the other non-equipped trailers I need to deal with from time to time.  The flexibility is rather important for the immediate infinite adjustability.