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Old 10-22-2015, 09:13 PM   #1
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Sagging Leaves or Shocks on Tow Vehicle

Our 1994 Suburban is beginning to sag in the rear end when hooked to our Salem Ultra-Lite trailer. Weighing it our local CAT scales, too much weight isn't the problem. In having it inspected today by our local, and trusted tire/shock dealer, they indicated they could replace the aging shocks with either OEM, air or self-adjusting rear shocks. Another option would be to add another leaf to the suspension on each side. Given the age of the truck, their recommendation is to install NAPA self-adjusting shocks at app. $150 a pair.

Anyone have experience with this brand and model of shock, or other thoughts.
Thanks
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Old 10-23-2015, 06:58 AM   #2
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One option you may consider: I had to add "heper springs" to my 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 after I bought it. When I hooked up the TT the truck would "washboard" while going down the road. My previous truck, a 2007 GMC Sierra Z71 2-wd didn't do this with the same TT. Making adjustments to the WDH made no difference. A friend who works at the local truck accessory place recommended them. I believe they were "Hellwig" brand and only one leaf. The installation was simple and they did make a great improvement.
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Old 10-23-2015, 07:17 AM   #3
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Given the age, I would just have a new set of springs installed.
Add a new pair of shocks too.


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK
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Old 10-23-2015, 07:30 AM   #4
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IF you feal safe with all the Weight held up by (2) 1/2" shock rods take their advice! Youroo!!
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Old 10-23-2015, 08:32 AM   #5
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IF you feal safe with all the Weight held up by (2) 1/2" shock rods take their advice! Youroo!!
What would you recommend?
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Old 10-23-2015, 08:38 AM   #6
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New springs and shocks.
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Old 10-23-2015, 09:01 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny kustom View Post
Given the age, I would just have a new set of springs installed.
Add a new pair of shocks too.


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK
X2
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Old 10-23-2015, 09:15 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Kenny kustom View Post
Given the age, I would just have a new set of springs installed.
Add a new pair of shocks too.


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK
X3 or maybe X4

Shocks aren't the reason the vehicle sags.
The problem is that the springs have weakened or were stressed beyond their elastic limit at some point.
Get new springs.
And if you go to the trouble and cost of replacing the springs, it makes no sense to put old shocks back in.
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Old 10-23-2015, 11:36 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny kustom View Post
Given the age, I would just have a new set of springs installed.
Add a new pair of shocks too.


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK
X5
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Old 10-23-2015, 11:50 AM   #10
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Air assist bag would also help.
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Old 10-23-2015, 11:56 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gyrogearloose View Post
X3 or maybe X4

Shocks aren't the reason the vehicle sags.
The problem is that the springs have weakened or were stressed beyond their elastic limit at some point.
Get new springs.
And if you go to the trouble and cost of replacing the springs, it makes no sense to put old shocks back in.
X2. With a new set of springs, you wouldn't have to get air leveling shocks, but a new set will help the ride.
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Old 10-23-2015, 11:57 AM   #12
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Shocks, with the exception of air shocks or air bags, are not designed to carry the weight of your vehicle. That's what springs or air bags are for. Shocks are there to control the "spring action" of your leaf or coil springs. I'm sure you've seen old vehicles bouncing up and down as they navigate down the road, they need NEW SHOCKS!
The recommendation of new spring and shocks is a solid recommendation. The alternative would be air shocks or air bags to supplement your current rear springs.
Myself, if the OEM suspension is adequate to handle the weight your putting on the rear of your vehicle, I'd replace the springs and shocks. If that weight is at or close to the max weight your vehicle can handle, consider air shocks or air bags.
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Old 10-23-2015, 11:58 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny kustom View Post
Given the age, I would just have a new set of springs installed.
Add a new pair of shocks too.


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK
I'm totally with this route.
Why put a band aid on it?

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Old 10-23-2015, 11:58 AM   #14
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As an afterthought, you could have a set of springs custom made for your Burb to carry your weight and avoid the hassles of air shocks.
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Old 10-23-2015, 12:28 PM   #15
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Check out deaver springs.


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Old 10-23-2015, 12:42 PM   #16
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We used Supersprings Helper springs. They work great but a bit stiffer ride. Auto Anything will match Amazon with free shipping and no tax. Simple install
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Old 10-23-2015, 01:00 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo View Post
IF you feal safe with all the Weight held up by (2) 1/2" shock rods take their advice! Youroo!!
Shocks don't hold up any weight; they control motion. Exception---coil over shock (race car) or air shocks. Otherwise, they control spring oscillation.
That why they are called "dampers" in some circles. Add a leaf to your springs. Did that to a Dodge van with good results.
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Old 10-23-2015, 01:58 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1 View Post
Shocks don't hold up any weight; they control motion. Exception---coil over shock (race car) or air shocks. Otherwise, they control spring oscillation.
That why they are called "dampers" in some circles. Add a leaf to your springs. Did that to a Dodge van with good results.
My Post was meant as a slam,I know what shocks are for! Youroo!!
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Old 10-23-2015, 02:42 PM   #19
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We have used Firestone Ride-Rite air bags on our last three trucks. They make a world of difference when towing or carrying heavy loads. These bags are place directly between the axle and the frame. I would suggest these over air shocks because they are much more substantial and last a very long time. The pressure can be adjusted according to the load. We use 10 lbs without a load and 60 lbs when we had a slide in camper. Forty to 50 lbs would be the range for a travel trailer. You can level your rig with air pressure. You can't do that with helper springs.Ride Rites are also pretty easy to install yourself.
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Old 10-27-2015, 10:19 AM   #20
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As a follow up, we just installed NAPA self-adjusting shocks and see/feel the difference. Taking our trailer out this weekend for one last outing, so we'll see how it does. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.
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