Forum Discussion

EM_Hood's avatar
EM_Hood
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014

Frong suspension upgrades for GM, any experience?

Hi,
New member here with a 2006 2500 Chevy Duramax SRW with bags, sway bar, Rancho 9000xl, and soon to be installed stableloads (should have added the stable loads first :S )

I've noticed that my front lower arm bumps are shot and was thinking about any mods for offering a little less sag in the front with the camper on (~2300lbs when loaded 2006 810WS Adventurer, yes above GVWR, no not above axel or front/rear tire/wheel ratings).

One option would be tightening up the Torsion bars a little bit and getting an alignment, which I need one anyways so I may do this irregardless (probably only a .5 - 1".

Another option look like to add Timbren or similar for the front, but would the unloaded ride suffer as a result?

Also, if I went this route I may try out these and save some $ over the Timbren, does anyone have any experience with these on a Truck Camper rig? If so what was your impressions?
Buyers Auxiliary Suspension Fronthttp://www.amazon.com/Buyers-Products-Auxiliary-Suspension-TruckStar/dp/B002VMD9DK
It looks like mostly these are used in Truck snowplow set-ups but I'm assuming with a large aftermarket metal bumper, a Diesel engine and the camper weight, I'm easily exceeding a plow weight and could warrant a little extra help up there.

Thanks for the help!
Eric
Truck Campers

9 Replies

  • deltabravo's avatar
    deltabravo
    Nomad
    Nov 12, 2014
    EM Hood wrote:
    One option would be tightening up the Torsion bars a little bit and getting an alignment, which I need one anyways so I may do this irregardless (probably only a .5 - 1".

    Another option look like to add Timbren or similar for the front, but would the unloaded ride suffer as a result?



    I think the ride quality "might" suffer to a small degree by tightening the torsion bars, because doing that "stiffens" the suspension up front. It might be so minimal though that it may not be noticeable
  • narcodog's avatar
    narcodog
    Explorer II
    Nov 11, 2014
    I had the torsion keys replaced and cranked up two inches then re aligned. I now have 100K miles and I am very satisfied with the mod.
  • silversand's avatar
    silversand
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    2004.5 2500HD, gasser: after 10 years, the front passenger-side bumpstop (orange in color) had disintegrated (broke apart, similar to dry rot) at my post winter inspection...coincidentally, after the coldest winter in ~70 years here (and, the 1st time I had ever stored the truck outside over winter: a coincidence?). I then replaced both front bumpstops with GM OEM part #15835666 (not the 667).

    The driver's side bumpstop looked perfect ( still retain both parts in the garage). They both appear to take the same loads, so I am leaning towards a QC issue at the OEM parts manufacturer...

    No suspension adjustments are made to my front end. Our camper adds ~1300 LBS to the payload, total (very light camper). Not much unimproved roads travel.

    Thanks for the info on the Z71 OEM yellow replacements. I will keep a close eye on the new rubber next season...
  • Oldtymeflyr's avatar
    Oldtymeflyr
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    Our camper adds 300# to the front suspension. Our current engine is an 8.1 but when we had the diesel there was a lot more weight on the front end because of the diesel.

    My torsion bars are cranked up approximately 1 inch. No alignment was necessary. I have done this on both a 2004 diesel and our current 2006 8.1. There have been absolutely no problems and no unusual tire wear. I am now running 285/70/17 tires.

    You are right to focus on the bump stops. They are important to the GM 2500 series suspension and that is the reason yours are shot. I switched out to Z71 yellow polyurethane bumper #15835667 on both our former diesel and our current 8.1. Probably 100K miles on them. They have worked well.

    I looked at the product you are looking at but based on other recommendations, I went with the GM product and have no need to change.
  • SugarHillCTD's avatar
    SugarHillCTD
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    jimh425 wrote:
    There are some YouTube videos that show that tightening torsion bars can be bad because it prevents travel of the suspension. I'd replace the parts that need it, and drive it.


    My local shop cranked our torsion bars just enough to provide clearance for 285/75 tires. Never felt any big difference.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Nov 11, 2014
    There are some YouTube videos that show that tightening torsion bars can be bad because it prevents travel of the suspension. I'd replace the parts that need it, and drive it.
  • Wheelholder's avatar
    Wheelholder
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    Em Hood, I had to replace my front bump stops on my 08 Silverado shortly after buying. One just tore itself up. I ordered new z-71 style from the chevy dealer and installed myself. Took a little over 30 min. as I had to jack the truck up to get the new ones in. They have been on the truck for the last 2 years and look like they are new. I am guessing the oem ones dry rotted. The truck sat for almost 2 years before I bought it.

    You might check on those from your local chevy dealer and it could save you some money.
  • kerry4951's avatar
    kerry4951
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    I added front Timbrens soon after I bought my truck. I never noticed any difference in the unloaded ride.

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