Sway bars versus RAS versus SS…which one did you choose/why?

billtex wrote:

To be clear-want to correct for sway/lean/roll/tracking.
Tx, Bill

The RAS and SS simply tighten your suspension. This may have an indirect efect on sway/lean/roll, but the anti-sway bar transfers motion from one side to the other and will do so regardless of how soft the suspension is. Anti-sway bars would be the first thing I'd look at to deal with the sway/lean/roll caused by a camper.

Wanted to pass this on also after speaking with the local spring shop. The Gentleman there commented that on trucks with just bottom overload (as our ¾ ton Chevy) should not be riding on the overloads. IOW the overload should only make contact when turning, dips in the road, pot holes, etc as handling/ride will suffer. They are not intended to be in play full time. Period.
Now conventional wisdom is to set you airbags (if you have them) so that the overloads are still (lightly) engaged. I don’t know about your truck, if I pump my airbags to may (100 psi) my bottom overloads are still engaged.
We would need a much lighter camper, or larger airbags, to get completely off the bottom overloads as he suggested.
I am no suspension expert…I assume this Gentleman is as this has been his Family business for generations…

Any comments on this thinking?

Tx, Bill

Torklift Stableloads here.

ticki2 wrote:
here's another option . Looks to be adjustable .
http://www.stengelbros.net/Helper-Kits--Leaf-Spring_c_13.html

That looks like what Cal is running...wish he would chip in here. We have same truck...

Bill

Install 3500 pound springs from Hellwig . Was told it would only engage under a load. Just contacted hellwig to ask about longer u bolts that go between helper an original springs was advised to remove the jam nuts ( on bottom ) an back off on the existing nuts to see if it makes a difference. If this works and makes for a better ride then I'll replace those nuts with lock nuts ....if this doesn't make for a better ride (unloaded ) then longer u bolts will be requested from Hellwig . Will let ya'll know if it makes for a better ride ( unloaded)

here's another option . Looks to be adjustable .
http://www.stengelbros.net/Helper-Kits--Leaf-Spring_c_13.html

Bedlam wrote:
I also could not find a spring shop with the low prices quoted, but did find entire replacement spring packs for about $200 per side that are higher rated. I'm sure that there are higher capacity upper overload springs available that would only engage under heavier loads for about less but had no reason to research further for my application.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hellwig-helper-springs

Yeah, I saw those too...but could not find too many users here to provide feedback.

(The design looked a little crude compared to ss.)

Having said that, Hellwig is a great company to work with, and they likely are a good option as well.

B

I also could not find a spring shop with the low prices quoted, but did find entire replacement spring packs for about $200 per side that are higher rated. I'm sure that there are higher capacity upper overload springs available that would only engage under heavier loads for about less but had no reason to research further for my application.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hellwig-helper-springs

One comment I want to add to this thread; many Folks have commented to visit a spring shop and have springs and/or overloads added to the spring pack. Some of these Folks have quoted some ridiculously low costs from spring shops they went to. I visited the oldest/most well know spring shop in our state (this Guy goes back to the horse and buggy days…literally). Here is what he told me;
• If you are going to leave the truck loaded adding to OEM spring pack is a good idea. Adding either spring (s) or overload (s) WILL effect unladed ride. Period. Superspring only kick in when loaded. So this is something to keep in mind, and we do not have the TC on 24/7/12, so this matters to us.
• Adding spring (s) would cost in the $700+ range
• Adding overload (s) would cost in the $1200 + range.

HD Supersprings with 5000# spring capacity and install kit cost me $434.27 delivered to my door.

Of course, the proof is in the pudding, and I should have them installed by this weekend…so we’ll see about the ride quality and how well they work with a load. If you are considering adding to your OEM springpack, be sure you get quotes before you make a decision.

Edit; BTW...Autoanythinghas 15% off Supersprings...

Yeah...looks like an easy install.
FEDEX says they arrive Thu...hope to have them on for next weekend.

B