Suspension mod's to carry 2005 1181 Lance
Hi Folks: I would like some input on what I should expect to have to install for suspension modifications on a 2015 GMC 3500HD 6.0L Gas 4x4 long box double cap to safely carry a Lance 2005 1181. Look...
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I have a lance 1181 that is carried on my 2012 Chevy dually diesel. I spent countless hours researching and testing suspension set ups. Keep in mind GM made significant changes to the HD pickups for 2011, so comparing trucks prior to 2011 is like apple and oranges. Here is what I found works best for me.
My goals were to have the best possible handling while hauling camper, BUT not to sacrifice ANY empty ride comfort.
Final set up.
Torklift stable loads, upper and lower.
Hellwig Big Wig stabilizer bar
Ranch rear shocks
1 additional rear OVERLOAD spring
Lance cabover shocks
I tried many combinations. The first 3 are must haves to me. I remove the upper stable loads and swing the lowers out of the way when not hauling. It requires a floor jack to gain the clearance, but the empty ride improvement is worth it to me. I also remove one side of the stabilizer link to further improve empty ride comfort. Takes me 10-15 minutes to disconnect or reconnect everything. The lower stable loads will make a clicking noise when disengaged. I can only hear it at low speeds with windows down.
The additional rear overload is worth the handling improvement, not huge but noticeable. Very easy to add, I went to a local spring shop where they had some factory take-offs. When not hauling, I remove the upper stable loads, then the overload spring does not make contact unless you hit big bumps. I tried adding 2 factory overloads for a total of 4 on each side but that was too much and harsh even while hauling the camper. Once I decided on the 1 additional overload spring, i trimmed about one or 1.5 inches from the upper overloads. I wanted the lower spring pack to be fully engaged before the upper overloads. Worked great for me.
Overall, I like my set up because its easy to return to stock like ride. Airbags give a harsher ride even when empty, small but noticeable even at 1-5psi. They also CAN leak and CAN cause headaches. Timbrens can also be noticeable when empty. Only an inch or 2 of empty travel before contacting the Timbren.
Goodluck.
My goals were to have the best possible handling while hauling camper, BUT not to sacrifice ANY empty ride comfort.
Final set up.
Torklift stable loads, upper and lower.
Hellwig Big Wig stabilizer bar
Ranch rear shocks
1 additional rear OVERLOAD spring
Lance cabover shocks
I tried many combinations. The first 3 are must haves to me. I remove the upper stable loads and swing the lowers out of the way when not hauling. It requires a floor jack to gain the clearance, but the empty ride improvement is worth it to me. I also remove one side of the stabilizer link to further improve empty ride comfort. Takes me 10-15 minutes to disconnect or reconnect everything. The lower stable loads will make a clicking noise when disengaged. I can only hear it at low speeds with windows down.
The additional rear overload is worth the handling improvement, not huge but noticeable. Very easy to add, I went to a local spring shop where they had some factory take-offs. When not hauling, I remove the upper stable loads, then the overload spring does not make contact unless you hit big bumps. I tried adding 2 factory overloads for a total of 4 on each side but that was too much and harsh even while hauling the camper. Once I decided on the 1 additional overload spring, i trimmed about one or 1.5 inches from the upper overloads. I wanted the lower spring pack to be fully engaged before the upper overloads. Worked great for me.
Overall, I like my set up because its easy to return to stock like ride. Airbags give a harsher ride even when empty, small but noticeable even at 1-5psi. They also CAN leak and CAN cause headaches. Timbrens can also be noticeable when empty. Only an inch or 2 of empty travel before contacting the Timbren.
Goodluck.
