2005 Rear Suspension Help

Hello,
I am wondering what people are using to help the rear sag when towing trailers, campers, etc.

Any recommendations would be welcomed.

Thank you!

 

New leaf springs. Helper air bags. If you're over 200K miles, its probably time for a new leaf pack.

 

Timbrens are another option.

 

Thanks for all your input. I decided to give this a try. Once I get them and install them, I’ll update the thread. Thanks again!

 

Let us know how the install goes too!

 

Update, the install was very easy and very straightforward. I took a few pictures to show everyone. This is a great aftermarket option!

 

You gonna run on board air?

 

I’ve decided not to. I’ll be needing them only when I pull my camper, so I’ll be doing tire pressure anyway.

 

So that bolts to the frame only, and pushes down on the leaf?

 

correct, you have to drill the holes but that is explained very well in the instructions as far as placement goes. Then it just clamps to the top of the leaf springs.

 

How do you plan on filling them? Just a Schrader valve like a tire?

 

Usually anytime you're buying Firestone bag kits, they come with Schrader fittings and hosing, with fittings to isolate, or tees to tie them together. I don't recommend teeing, letting each bag have its own isolated air is better (IMHO) if towing. I helped my dad install his bags on his 2.5, the Firestone kit was easy. We ended up having to pull his bump stops though.

 

Noted about teeing. If you've got a fitting/line that blows, you're only down one side. Not both. I think I'd route both hoses to the license plate, or thereabouts.

That Firestone kit looks good that OP installed

https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Firestone/F2245.html

 

A couple of folks on here have the same kit on their 1GT. I was debating it, but I just don't tow enough.

The one we picked up for dad was from SuspensionConnection.com ... they had the best price we could find at the time. It came with a bracket to hold the Schraders, we mounted under the edge of the bumper. I can get some pics of his install tomorrow in daylight if it adds any value to the thread. All the connections were typically what I've had with full airbag suspensions, with easy push-in fittings. Made things really easy.

 

How much does your camper weigh, and what's the tongue weight? If you're at 4K - 5K gross and 400 - 500 tongue, you really should be using a weight distributing hitch.

 

Exactly. I forgot to mention I ordered a “T” for the air line so I don’t have to fill each side individually.

 

Just know, by doing this, you're creating a passage between both airbags, which allows one to deflate and the other to inflate.

Say you're expecting your bags to maintain a constant pressure of 30psi. If there's a T-line between the two bags, if you hit something on the passenger side, you're going to see air shift out of the passenger bag and into the driver side bag. The diameter of the air hose you use will dictate how much that may be. But if you have an application which requires or will benefit from both bags maintaining a constant pressure on both sides, don't connect the bags with a T line just to make life easier, knowing you don't (or shouldn't need) to top them off very often.

 

+1

I would also highly advise against putting a T inline.

If you do, when you corner the air bags are adding sway/body roll -- the opposite of what you want and the opposite of what an anti-sway bar does.

When you make a left hand turn, weight is transferred to the outside/right wheel. If the air bags are not connected, the right side airbag helps maintain a flat stance thereby reducing sway/body roll. If the two sides are connected, when weight is transferred to the outside/right wheel, not only does the right side airbag not contribute to maintaining a flat stance, it transfers air over to the left side, actively lifting the left side up and compounding sway/body roll.

 

Howdy. Related question here about whether or not to get some leaf spring help. I've got an 03' AC. My new camper shell is +/- 600lb. So with that, build out, potentially small dirt bike, camping gear, I'm looking at maybe 1500 lb in my bed. I may have noticed a slight sag when adding my shell. Do you think I should add some Supersprings or bags or something to prevent sag? Or is 1500 lb not enough to worry about? Not trying to break the bank.

rockauto has a cheap set of helpers https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1056438&cc=1418475&pt=15009&jsn=1394

Thanks!