Leaf-Spring Shackles

Before I would use something like that, I would start with replacing the OEM shocks with Bilstein shocks all the way around.

Make sure you have 20 percent pin weight, and the 5er tows level.

I think the Sulastics will give you a better "unloaded" ride but I believe "rhagfo" has the better solution.

X2 on the Bilsteins. I have had 3 Silverados and replaced OEM with Bilstein on all of them. That's a good place to start. The OEM shocks are not good.

I have a 2013 GMC 2500. I installed AirLift air bags and when I go down the road with my 34' 5th wheel she rides like a Cadillac!

Bags do smooth things and make ride height adjustable.

I've never used them on my trucks but my neighbor lady has them on her 3500 DRW flatbed Ram and a 4500 Ram chassis cab both in commercial service.
We have about 7 miles of county roads out here to get to the highway. I've ridden/driven both trucks empty and loaded before and after she had them installed. Nite and day difference at max axle loads or empty truck.

allimax wrote:
X2 on the Bilsteins. I have had 3 Silverados and replaced OEM with Bilstein on all of them. That's a good place to start. The OEM shocks are not good.

Without doubt, do the Bilsteins. Additionally, I added Timbren springs to the rear. They pretty much accomplish the same thing as air bigs but are a super easy DIY install and cheaper.

I have had the Sulastics on my 06 3500 dually for over 5 years now. No difference loaded with the trailer but there is a noticeable difference unloaded going over things like RR tracks & concrete road joints.

I agree with replacing shocks. Noticed a big difference to the good when I did it about 4 years ago on mine

Jandsa - It depends on what you mean by "smoother ride"; not to sound ignorant on my part. If your truck is hitting the bump stops/overload stop then timbrens, air bags, etc. would help. If your truck is "doing the porpoise" when going over bumps/concrete highway joints/etc, then your better option may be to look at a hitch and/or pinbox that have integrated shocks/air bag.

In 2003 I pulled a new 28' 5er with Chevy 2500HD one time before installing a TrailAir pinbox that made night/day difference. Also installed truck air springs to level the truck, but the pinbox is what gave the "ride" results.

Just a thought. If you already have this equipment, then ..... never mind!