Best Suspension for Leveling and Towing

Hey all,

With the 4Wheel Parts sale in progress, I figure now is a good time to level my truck (for looks and some functionality with trail driving in the CO Mountains) and think about rear suspension upgrades (for towing). I also wouldn't mind going 1" higher AFTER the level is taken into account (so, getting 1" higher in the rear and leveling the front to that height).

I have a 2016 Limited CM TRD Off-road. I've gone though the threads and am thinking of the following:

• Front - Height adjustable front shocks (5100s, maybe)?
  • But it sounds like this will not "level out" the truck. Also concerned about setting at the highest setting - sounds like there are mixed views on how that affects the ride and stability.
  • If I go with shackles in the rear, what could I do to get high enough in the front (given the limitations on raising up with shocks)?
• Rear - stiffer shocks to stiffen up the rear and help with towing a (soon-to-be-purchased) travel trailer (listed dry weight of around 5700 and GVWR of 7500. dry hitch listed @just under 600).
• Rear - shackles as well?
  • If I could go up an inch in the rear and level up to there, that would be awesome. But, not sure I'm willing to compromise towing capability for this
• Rear - airbags?
  • I will be using a WDH when towing and have heard mixed views on whether the airbags actually help (by stiffening) or harm (by putting too much weight on the rear axle)

I'm very new to the world of truck suspension and towing, and would love to get some of your expert input. Not trying to do this on a shoestring but I don't have unlimited funds and I'm not convinced that I need to drop a ton of $$$$ on serious off-road/rock crawling suspension - just looking to get a little higher/leveled and upgrade the rear to help with the payload issues (I understand I won't be "increasing" the payload - just wondering if getting better shocks would materially improve the towing experience).

I'll probably upgrade my tires at some point too, but I'm not sure I'm ready to do that with only 2k miles on the truck.

Really, really appreciate advice here for this newbie.

thanks!

 

This thread is right up @ColoradoTJ's alley.

 

Without getting to extreme, I would go with the 5100's at top setting. I have spoken with the techs at Bilstein and they max there 5100 setting out at 2-1/4 to 2-1/2" lift for a reason. You start to run into steering and ball joint geometry issues when going beyond that. Bilstein has been in the business for a long time for good reason. They know there stuff. I have your same truck with 5100s top setting front and stock shock in the rear. I tow a 24' travel trailer @ 8000lbs loaded with ride-rite airbags around 55psi and my W/D hitch set-up CORRECTLY. I have the front and rear ground to fender measurement within 1/4" when all loaded. ( measurement compared to no trailer and daily driving ). I also offroad my truck in the desert and it works great. No crazy fast driving. ( I have to tow the trailer home too ). Do your research on the 5100s and airbags. Think you will be happy. Good luck..........

 

Thanks guys! @ColoradoCJ, not sure if I'm ready to go that heavy duty but open to your thoughts on that set up, and how we'd handle logistics, vs just 5100 in front and airbags in rear. I can PM you if better.

 

4WP is not that bad..it's just they tend to push Pro Comp products...so if you don't know any better, you might regret it later.