More suspension help!

[Rickj91]

We have a 2013 Wolf Creek 850 on a 2005 Chevy 2500HD (no Overloads), with the Duramax with 120,000 miles on it. I still have the original shocks. Truck rides fine with the load but I get about a 3 inch sag in the back from the empty position. I am thinking about Monroe Reflex Light Truck shocks vs. Bilstein 4600’s and adding Super Springs. I do a lot of back country camping for fishing and hunting as well, and it performs just fine. I also pull a Cargo Trailer which adds to the sag in the rear a little, when attached. I have read all the posts on here and get confused as to the best route to take. First I am wondering about the shock choice, and then if the Super Springs will help with the sag in the rear.
I am very impressed with all the knowledge and experience on this site and it is my daily read each morning. Any ideas or comments would sure be appreciated. Oh, Love our Wolf Creek 850, after many campers, 5th wheels and travel trailers.

[Grodyman]

Chopperbob wrote:
Airbags are a bandaid. Super Springs are the answer along
With Bilstien shocks and Helwig sway bar.

The only problem with Supersprings is the cost...Overpriced. An add on should not cost as much or more than a shop adding custom overloads.

Gman

[Oldtymeflyr]

We use Air Lift bags, I think they are about all the same on a 2006 GMC 2500HD 4WD. Our camper is about 3500#.

The air bags work well. The key is not to over inflate them. I inflate until the main spring pack is about to separate from the factory overload spring. The over load spring keeps the truck from swaying and at that point our truck is about level.

I am not sure how your 2005 2500HD GM does not have overloads, I think it came from the factory that way. Were they removed?

Good Luck.

[Reddog1]

Maybe someone can explain how the truck can squat 3", and be raised back with anything that is not adjustable?

Anything that is fixed, is just that, fixed. If you have a given truck, and load it with five different weights, no fixed spring, Stable Loads or shock will bring it back to the original height. Air bags will.

For those that have a problem with airbags, they might consider how many big trucks are on the road with them.

[Bedlam]

I use upper and lower StableLoads to preload my OEM springs enough to carry my TC. My air bags level me out if I am towing.

I did not need heavier shocks until I went to heavier 19.5" wheels which increased the unsuspended weight portion of my suspension.

[travelnutz]

You will not have instability or side to side rocking with airbags on your 2005 GM D/A unless you go crazy with the bag's inflation. GM trucks do not have the issues other trucks have due to the airbags location and rear suspension design. Use approx 10 psi bag inflation for each 500 lbs you want to lift. like 50 psi for 2500 lbs. Never over inflate and deflate to between 5 and 10 psi when not carrying weight to maintain bag shape and have OEM ride.

First installed Air Lift Systems airbags in 1993 on our 1993 Chevy ext cab LB 4X4 to carry our TC and we dowve the truck 128,000 miles with about 100,000 with the TC on and twice to Alaska and all over the USA and Canada. Sold the truck to a farmer friend and it still has the same bags on with way over 300,000 miles on the truck as of last November. Never leaked either. Have them also on our 2004.5 Chevy 2500 D/A CC LB 4X4 truck and have over 149,000 on them now and they work perfect. We carry a heavy Lance 11'4" loaded with options and it's solid as a rock driving with 65 psi in the bags. About 40-45 psi when pulling our Carriage Carrilite 5th wheel that we are in right now in Florida.

[campingken]

We added airbags and they helped with the side to side sway. A nice part is that you can add or remove pressure as needed.

[billtex]

Rickj91 wrote:
Thanks for the replies.
cewillis - I like your idea, but no shop or talent
Super Dave- I read so much on here about air bags giving height, but also instability, used mostly for side to side levelling. No experience with them and from the replies here, a lot of people swear by them. Overloads - wish the truck came with them, that's why I thought the Super springs would work.
1mtnman - thought about Timbresn and Stableloads, but was in a quandary. Again I thought the super springs would compromise here. Are these Bilstein's the 4600's. The dealer I talked with thought the Monroe shock would work better but also offered the Bilstein.
Now I have lots to think about and will get back with my decision. thanks again

Supersprings will work...but lot's of Folks report severely harsh unladed ride.
Airbags will get unstable IF over inflated...you have to play around to find the right (minimum) psi, and they may actually improve unladed ride.
There's more than one way to skin this cat...you'll need to decide which will accomplish your goal.

I like the AB's as they are adjustable both front/back and side/side.

8 yrs...no leaks...no problems...

B

[Rickj91]

Thanks for the replies.
cewillis - I like your idea, but no shop or talent
Super Dave- I read so much on here about air bags giving height, but also instability, used mostly for side to side levelling. No experience with them and from the replies here, a lot of people swear by them. Overloads - wish the truck came with them, that's why I thought the Super springs would work.
1mtnman - thought about Timbresn and Stableloads, but was in a quandary. Again I thought the super springs would compromise here. Are these Bilstein's the 4600's. The dealer I talked with thought the Monroe shock would work better but also offered the Bilstein.
Now I have lots to think about and will get back with my decision. thanks again

[jimh406]

Other than coil over, shocks aren't going to help with ride height. I don't believe coilover are designed to hold a camper weight, but I could be wrong.

First, raise the height and that can be timbrens, supersprings, or air bags. Next, dampen the rebound which is the shock change. In any case, you are probably due for shocks at 120,000 miles.

[jefe_4x4]

Rick,
Cal Willis has the best set up i've seen for a Chevy. Also probably the most expensive fix. The secret is that it is a two tier system. Nice stock ride when you have no load and extra muscle when you are loaded for bear and a much reduced sag. Those with Stable Loads on their thick, stiff lower overload springs do get less sag but have to put up with diminished spring travel and a pretty harsh ride. Remember that a pack of thinner leaf springs have a better ride and much improved spring travel compared to a single, thick 'overload' spring, upper or lower. Air bags? I'm not a fan as they have that annoying recoil. But, they are infinitely adjustable; works for many and is a fairly easy add-on. An antidote to air bags would be very stiff shocks like the Rancho 9K's on 9 or KYB's. In my experience, the stock Chevy shocks ARE very stiff and seem to last longer than Dodge or Ford factory shocks.
There are lots of ways to proceed. Take your pick. Emulate folks who have had great success.
regards, as always, jefe

[RWDIII]

Rickj91 wrote:
We have a 2013 Wolf Creek 850 on a 2005 Chevy 2500HD (no Overloads), with the Duramax with 120,000 miles on it. I still have the original shocks. Truck rides fine with the load but I get about a 3 inch sag in the back from the empty position. I am thinking about Monroe Reflex Light Truck shocks vs. Bilstein 4600’s and adding Super Springs. I do a lot of back country camping for fishing and hunting as well, and it performs just fine. I also pull a Cargo Trailer which adds to the sag in the rear a little, when attached. I have read all the posts on here and get confused as to the best route to take. First I am wondering about the shock choice, and then if the Super Springs will help with the sag in the rear.
I am very impressed with all the knowledge and experience on this site and it is my daily read each morning. Any ideas or comments would sure be appreciated. Oh, Love our Wolf Creek 850, after many campers, 5th wheels and travel trailers.

Since you need shocks,try these

[1mtnman]

My truck is the same as yours except I have the 6.0 gas engine. My camper as you can see is a Wolf Creek 816 which is a bit lighter than yours. Everything depends on how it is loaded as to final weight. I installed Timbrens first which help a lot as the timbrens ride on the axle when you are loaded and give much more suppofrt that your OEM stops. I then installed Torklift Stableloads which really brought the rearend up 2.5 inches. My Stableloads are quick release so you can disengage them when not loaded. I also installed Bilstein rear shocks. They are BE5-A831-HO which are specially made for hauling acamper. They were $168.00 at ESHOCKS
Hope this helps.

[Chopperbob]

Airbags are a bandaid. Super Springs are the answer along
With Bilstien shocks and Helwig sway bar.

[billtex]

Reddog1 wrote:
My vote is air bags, no compromise in ride or height.

x3...and adjustable...which sounds like you would want as you sometimes tow.

B

[TucsonJim]

^^^ X3 ^^^ Air bags!