Improving rear sag

[gregchambers]

If the existing ride and handling is acceptable and I just want to raise the rear slightly to point the headlights where they should be, what would be the better system, Timbrens or Stabil Loads? I know that Stabil Loads can be quickly repositioned when the truck is unloaded but it sounds like they only provide minimal ride height improvement. Timbrens are not removable but shouldn't come into play until a load is added. Do Timbrens increase ride height? Truck is primarily dedicated to carrying the camper. Has anyone ever used both system separately? Your thoughts/comments would be appreciated! I am not interested in air bags.

[CptnBG]

Wanderin fool wrote:
I agree with adjusting the headlights. If the ride isnt the problem, then why mess with it? Adding stuff just to adjust the headlights may affect your ride quality,,,

Agree 100%.

[Bedlam]

If the material is solid, I would suspect there should be a gap like the StableLoads. If the material does compress (like Energy Suspension), the stops can touch the springs.

[bikepsych]

Anyone else using the "Super Sway Stops?" Are they supposed to contact the overload spring with no load in the truck? I guess I can cut an inch or so off of them to reduce the impact unloaded. Sure rides like a truck now.

Bruce

[bikepsych]

"I recently installed stabiloads from Torklift. It must be pointed out that there are two very different things made by torklift that are each named stabloads. I am not even sure how they spell that word but some idiot at torklift should have used their brains and named the two devices differently."

I think that the product by SuperSprings is called "Super Sway-stops." I installed them on my F250 with my Adventurer 89RB. I am a bit surprised that they contact the overload spring with no load in the truck. Is that the way they are supposed to be. It sure stiffened the ride right up. Almost too much with no load. I'll contact SuperSprings and make sure they are supposed to contact the upper overload spring when empty.

Otherwise, they seem to already make a big difference in the sway going around corners. As much as the swaybar I had installed on my old pickup (Chevy Colorado).

BG

[eagle777]

I now have two trips with the new 86fb and all I had added were timbrens knowing that I may have to add something extra after several trips. They were actually doing great until the last trip and launching the boat. my son usually just backs up and puts me in the water but since this was the first time with the 86 I was on the ramp to guide if needed. as the boat was going down the ramp I happen to look down and the spare was only about 3 or 4 inches from hitting the ramp...not good. I know super springs worked great on the old truck and camper as they kept it from dropping to low, so if launching a boat or backing down a slop you might think about the super springs. I usually don't drive at night so I don't worry about the lights but they should help there also as the rear doesn't drop as low.

[MORSNOW]

gregchambers wrote:
MORSNOW, thanks for answering my questions! That was exactly the information I was looking for. This has been almost as interesting as the diesel vs gas engine topic!

You're welcome Greg. Weigh the pros and cons and choose what's best for you....or buy the perfect truck I guess.....

[covered_wagon]

Highbeam wrote:
I recently installed stabiloads from Torklift. It must be pointed out that there are two very different things made by torklift that are each named stabloads. I am not even sure how they spell that word but some idiot at torklift should have used their brains and named the two devices differently.

The ones I installed are the upper bump stop kind that engage the top overload leaf sooner. I haul huge loads of cargo in my truck and was regularly frame on axle without the stabloads.

I love them. They are a cheap and simple method to add stiffness to the suspension when under load. No leaks. No maintenance, pumps, etc. and I really didn't want to point load my frame with an air bag all in one place on the frame.

You never rely entirely on the air bags but, pump them up to where the springs can work in conjunction with the air bags. That is how you do it. Each works to help the other.

And what a difference it made on my truck. It even smiled at a Ford guy the other day.

[Bedlam]

See the link below from another post i made. I call the upper ones blocks and the lower ones wedges:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27820842/gotomsg/27823380.cfm#27823380

[Highbeam]

I recently installed stabiloads from Torklift. It must be pointed out that there are two very different things made by torklift that are each named stabloads. I am not even sure how they spell that word but some idiot at torklift should have used their brains and named the two devices differently.

The ones I installed are the upper bump stop kind that engage the top overload leaf sooner. I haul huge loads of cargo in my truck and was regularly frame on axle without the stabloads.

I love them. They are a cheap and simple method to add stiffness to the suspension when under load. No leaks. No maintenance, pumps, etc. and I really didn't want to point load my frame with an air bag all in one place on the frame.

[Wanderin_fool]

I use airbags also, but for weight help, not to adjust the lights. Maybe the title is misleading, but filling to adjust lights would unweight the springs and basically rely on the bags for support vs the full suspension? I have tested this and definitely can tell when I have too much air in the bags because of the extra sway.

[covered_wagon]

It has been my experience that springs weaken over time without the use of airbags. I finally got the PacBrake brand air bags (supposed to be better than Firestones)and they really put a smile on my face.

No more relying on springs alone for me ever again.

[Wanderin_fool]

I agree with adjusting the headlights. If the ride isnt the problem, then why mess with it? Adding stuff just to adjust the headlights may affect your ride quality,,,

[gregchambers]

MORSNOW, thanks for answering my questions! That was exactly the information I was looking for. This has been almost as interesting as the diesel vs gas engine topic!

[jimh406]

sleepy, you don't have a real truck .. you have a GMC. Joking, really. I'm not sure if you'd admit buying the wrong truck either, but that is beside the point of the op's question, right?