Just to stir the pot..

I think I'm actually going to "tweak" on the overloads a tad more.. Tighten them up a bit more. On bigger bumps, the brackets will rattle just a little.. Not enough to be bothersome, but I'd just like to see if a couple of extra turns on the bolts help at all.

Still, I'm very happy with the setup and can't wait for the next tow.

Mitch

Sounds great Mitch. Thanks for the followup.

Often here on the forum, folks will dis the idea of using rear suspension enhancements. They will often state that it doesn't change the capability of the truck.

That could well be a true sentiment, but it misses the point that well chosen changes can and often do improve the overall driveability of the combined truck and trailer combo.

Glad you are enjoying the changes.

Just a quick update as I finally got to tow the trailer with the new setup and all I can say is why did I wait so long to do this!

The ride was so much smoother than with the OEM setup. The new shocks really make a difference there.

The overloads did well too. Kept the truck from sagging as much initially and when I put the bars on, brought it back to within 1/2" of it's unloaded height.

The front was within 1/4" of it's unloaded height too. Not bad for my having done a 1.5" "Level" on the front.

So, have at me, rip into it or ask questions if interested.

Thanks!

Mitch

I had a set similar on an 81 C2500 long gone to wrecking yard. I like the look of these better. Reality, having done these, add a leaves. I prefer the replacement of the complete spring pack stronger than original best.
Hope to do that with current C2500 from Gitt spring in Auburn.

Marty

Today was my first real drive with them and I have to say that they didn't change the unloaded ride at all. Still smooth and I think with the new shocks as well, that helps dampen the ride some too.

Ran over the same pot holes I always do and it just sucked them up like before the springs.

Looking forward to towing with them as well. Will have to wait and see what it does to the WD setup.. It did ride just a tad low in front (on purpose) before, so wait and see.. Still about 6 weeks out to the first trip.

Mitch

Looks really good!

I put the same ones on my old Chevy. The rear leafs were a bit tired as it's a high mileage truck. I haven't towed with them yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

The install looks great Mitch. On the subject of this kind of "helper", I installed Sumo Springs ( urethane "towers" that fit between the axle and frame ) under my Frontier. I set them up so they have just a very slight air gap with the truck unloaded. Set that way it has essentially a stock ride empty, but they come into play as soon as the suspension begins to stroke into it's travel.

Prior to them, I had about 2.0" ( travel trailer ) to 2.5" ( horse trailer ) of sag once the WD was all hooked up. With them I now have about 1" of sag.

I did have to reset the height of my hitch head to return the trailers to level, so I made another couple trips to the CAT scale to re-dial everything. My bet is you are going to have to reset your hitch.

Very happy with the Sumos. Looking fwd to your review of your install once you've towed some with it.

I also installed a Hellwig anti roll bar and B-stein 5100's under the back several years ago. A definite improvement in handling both empty and loaded.

That sure looks like an easy install, and a good option for someone needing to level a load. Having some adjust ability is good too.

stir the pot...looks fifth wheel ready to me :C

Jerry

I use the same Hellwig springs on my 2011 Chevy Silverado half ton. When we go to Alaska the truck is full with a 17 cu ft chest freezer, fishing and shrimping gear, a 20HP outboard, mounted RV tire and wheel, and a mess of boat stuff. When we come down, the freezer is also FULL of fish and shrimp. Overall, we're around 8100-8500 pounds when we head south, but the truck runs level and smooth. When full, because of how the aux springs are adjusted I find very little difference in the ride from when it's empty. When empty, the truck rides like it just had the OEM springs installed.