Woot ! Another suspension thread !!

[Dusty Diggs]

I've been sitting here reading some of the posts . I've got a 2001 Tahoe w/215k miles . I haven't found much for my dilemma . So , what's going on is I have a 16' utility trailer , I hooked it up with the Tahoe , no load on the trailer and the Tahoe squatted just over 2" . It has Rancho 5000 shocks (a bit tired) , and regular good old fashioned coils in the rear .
Z-71 Moog #81069
AC Delco #45H2164 Variable Rate #1300 lbs. ,
TRW JCS1536T
or some bags for the rear (I'm not too fond of the bagging idea) .
I'm considering KYB shocks . Gas Adjust #KG5040 (Fr.) / KG54341 (Rr) . I don't want it riding like they belong in Fred Flintstones SUV , firm and positive .
Also , it has more than enough lift , I don't need a bloody nose each time I crawl up in the truck. What should I change , if anything ?
Steve

 

[swathdiver]

I've been sitting here reading some of the posts . I've got a 2001 Tahoe w/215k miles . I haven't found much for my dilemma . So , what's going on is I have a 16' utility trailer , I hooked it up with the Tahoe , no load on the trailer and the Tahoe squatted just over 2" . It has Rancho 5000 shocks (a bit tired) , and regular good old fashioned coils in the rear .
Z-71 Moog #81069
AC Delco #45H2164 Variable Rate #1300 lbs. ,
TRW JCS1536T
or some bags for the rear (I'm not too fond of the bagging idea) .
I'm considering KYB shocks . Gas Adjust #KG5040 (Fr.) / KG54341 (Rr) . I don't want it riding like they belong in Fred Flintstones SUV , firm and positive .
Also , it has more than enough lift , I don't need a bloody nose each time I crawl up in the truck. What should I change , if anything ?
Steve

The springs are what support the load. I would just get the stock HD springs which should be the same for the Z71. You can put Air Lift Springs inside the coils to help with sag, but not necessary at that weight really.

 

[iamdub]

What exactly are you wanting to accomplish?

If you want it to sit the same but not squat as much under load, then you'll need firmer coils. This would be a firmer ride at all times when unloaded.

If you want it to ride about the same, but still have a rake or sit level when loaded, then you'll need "lift" coils or just add spacers to your existing coils. Spacers won't change the ride quality from what you have now. Lift coils would change the ride quality, maybe very little, maybe a lot. It will depend on the brand and type of coil. Either of these would give a lot of rake.

If you would like to maintain it's current ride quality but adjust accordingly only when you tow, then air shocks or helper bags are the ticket. You can keep a small compressor on board (which would be good to have anyway) and air them up as needed when towing. Any other time, it'd sit and ride just as it does now.

 

[Dusty Diggs]

The springs are what support the load. I would just get the stock HD springs which should be the same for the Z71. You can put Air Lift Springs inside the coils to help with sag, but not necessary at that weight really.

Thanks , I was disappointed to see how that tail end sunk with an empty trailer . It's got all of it's original springs .

 

[Dusty Diggs]

What exactly are you wanting to accomplish?

If you want it to sit the same but not squat as much under load, then you'll need firmer coils. This would be a firmer ride at all times when unloaded.

If you want it to ride about the same, but still have a rake or sit level when loaded, then you'll need "lift" coils or just add spacers to your existing coils. Spacers won't change the ride quality from what you have now. Lift coils would change the ride quality, maybe very little, maybe a lot. It will depend on the brand and type of coil. Either of these would give a lot of rake.

If you would like to maintain it's current ride quality but adjust accordingly only when you tow, then air shocks or helper bags are the ticket. You can keep a small compressor on board (which would be good to have anyway) and air them up as needed when towing. Any other time, it'd sit and ride just as it does now.

Mainly I want the truck to be pretty much level . Like it is , I'm blinding UFO's
Ride not being "stiff" I wouldn't know how to act . Out here you can cut tires on rocks QUICK ! Many years ago I took to running 10 ply All Terrain KO's . It ain't fun getting stuck in the desert because you cut a tire . It can get pretty dicey if you're out there for any length of time . We got stuck in Titus Canyon in Death Valley in March or 17 . It was 101* / 95* at midnight .

 

[Big Mama]

That sounds like a lot but remember you’re at the far most rear of the truck so it doesn’t take much. it all depends on how often, how far, how much weight you tow to make your decision. Helper bags are common and fairly easy to install.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I'd say go with bags. They are cheap and give you the ride you want unloaded and prevent squat when loaded. Mine sags about 1" with an unloaded 12' utility trailer I'm going to do bags eventually.

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks , I was disappointed to see how that tail end sunk with an empty trailer . It's got all of it's original springs .

They're just tired, nineteen years old and all. Mine is 11 and still good but have a plan for replacement.

 

[iamdub]

Mainly I want the truck to be pretty much level . Like it is , I'm blinding UFO's
Ride not being "stiff" I wouldn't know how to act . Out here you can cut tires on rocks QUICK ! Many years ago I took to running 10 ply All Terrain KO's . It ain't fun getting stuck in the desert because you cut a tire . It can get pretty dicey if you're out there for any length of time . We got stuck in Titus Canyon in Death Valley in March or 17 . It was 101* / 95* at midnight .

I think you'd best be suited with load bags. Cheap, simple, effective, won't alter your ride when unloaded and they'll prompt you to carry an air compressor which sounds like something you should have anyway.

 

[OR VietVet]

If you like the way it sits and rides now, except for when the trailer is on, then use a load distribution hitch. Looks like this and is easy to set up and if you tow more weight than just the empty trailer you can adjust the tension on the chains to handle it. Would be less money than what you are thinking of doing. This one even has the sway control with it. If you want you can still put in a new set of Moog 81069 springs.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dis...MIgY_z6baz6AIVmB-tBh10tgoHEAQYAyABEgKkZfD_BwE