Suspension aids

[Boom2]

I have a 2014 Silverado Z71 double cab that when towing my tt sags if I load some extra camping gear (bikes,firewood,canopies) just some added items. My question is what type of addition is recommended to the suspension to aid the problem without changing or raising the original stance of the vehicle. I did forget to mention that the truck is a 1500

[Boom2]

Thanks to all for thier different thoughts, will probably go with the timbren system just wanted a little help not expecting to go crazy with weight so these should do what I need

[OH48Lt]

I've used Super Springs and Timbrens. The Super Springs are laying on my garage floor now, the Timbrens are on the truck. I didn't like the ride with the $350 Super Springs, the $200 Timbrens don't affect the ride at all until you get a load in the truck.

All this talk about full vs semi floating and frame breaking, I have to ask "how much would somebody put into a 1/2 ton truck to get that to happen?" Put a 3000 lb + TC into a 1/2 ton pickup and you're going to have issues. Thats just WAY too much. Spring assist devices are very helpful to level out a weak-springed truck like the 1500 Chevy/GMC (and my Ford F-150...) with the somewhat overload (say, 1000 lbs over max, I hate to put a number on it), but I wouldn't put them on a Ram 1500 due to their weak frame construction.

Air bags can be very helpful on heavier pickups like the F-250/350 and 2500/3500 series, but putting them on a 1/2 ton is overkill and invites the truck owner to put too much load on the truck.

[Dave_H_M]

I bagged my F 250.

Each to his own, I am a bag guy. :W

[kevden]

I have used hellwig helper springs, airbags, and timbrens. I like the timbrens the best, but they are not on my daily driver. If you would like adjustability, air bags would be good.

[APT]

Well state, rhagfo.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Yes, stay within the fence line...

[rhagfo]

3oaks wrote:
If a vehicle is used within it's designed perimeters, it doesn't matter if what the axil configuration is. :R

Any vehicle will eventually fail when abused. Some sooner than later. :S

My point is that the first response from most posters is super springs, Bags, or other suspension add on.
The first thing the the OP needs to do is head for the scales!!

If the scales show all is good within ratings, then sure do something to correct the sag and be able to tow level.

Not knowing weight and suggesting putting bags or springs on it is irresponsible. Doing so could exceed the axle rating, or even worse tire ratings.

[3oaks]

If a vehicle is used within it's designed perimeters, it doesn't matter if what the axil configuration is. :R

Any vehicle will eventually fail when abused. Some sooner than later. :S

[rhagfo]

MitchF150 wrote:

While a semi-floater is fine for it's rated capacity, I have never liked them.
I have made sure every 3/4 ton PU I have owned had Full Floating axles. Ford chose to cheap out and put semi-floaters in many 3/4 ton PU and Vans.

So did Chevy and Dodge... 😉

Mitch

Thanks,
I have also updated the quote to match the edit I did for clarity, my distaste for semi-floating axles in HD applications.

[MitchF150]

While a semi-floater is fine for it's rated capacity, I have never liked them.
I have made sure every 3/4 ton PU I have owned had them. Ford chose to cheap out and put them in many 3/4 ton PU and Vans.

So did Chevy and Dodge... 😉

Mitch

[SoCalDesertRid1]

For the record, our old '05 E350 diesel van had a semi-float 8-lug Dana 60 rear axle. Never had a problem with it, but it wasn't run overloaded either.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Me Again wrote:
Another issue beside being over loaded on tires, is smaller frames are not designed for the forces over the axle are not design for the load that air bags can transfer to that point on the frame rails. Chris

I remember when member Sleepy cracked the frame of his 1/2-ton pickup right above the rear axle, from carrying a heavy truck camper with air bags supporting the weight in the middle of the frame. Cracked right through the bolt holes in the web of the frame that the upper air bag brackets were mounted through. I can't recall if it was a Dodge or a Chevy.

This is why I've always said, if one is going to overload a truck, at least get heavy duty leaf spring packs, so the weight is supported in the proper places on the frame, where it was designed to carry weight.

[GeoBoy]

To eliminate squat get a set of Timbrens.

[Me_Again]

Another issue beside being over loaded on tires, is smaller frames are not designed for the forces over the axle are not design for the load that air bags can transfer to that point on the frame rails. Chris