Rear shocks for towing

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GMW468

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Hey guys, I've got a question. I used my Tahoe to tow my car and it sagged a little more than normal. Now my Tahoe has relatively new rear leaf springs and last time I towed (September of 2019) there was no sag.

I'm wondering if my shocks have seen better days? Someone said I could replace my stock shocks with a set of Z/71 shocks. Anyone ever do that? Or can anyone recommend a good rear shock for towing?

I only tow my car a few times a year so it's not the end of the world that it sagged a little. Just wondering if there's an easy fix?
 

OR VietVet

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The shocks do not allow sag. The springs do. If you do replace shocks you can get Bilstein shocks and are the same brand name shocks used on Z71 packages. I would use a load leveling hitch with sway control. The hitch takes some of the tongue weight off the springs. Plus I would do a thorough inspection of my springs if I was you, just to make sure all is normal back there. Google the hitch I mentioned and read up.
 
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GMW468

GMW468

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This is how it looked the last time I towed it. Is that too low?? I used to tow the car with my 94 K1500 and don't remember the pick up looking this low.

towing Chevelle.jpg
 

Big Mama

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I’d look around under there. No sag last year is what doesn’t sound right. Without air shocks to keep it level it should have sagged a good bit. And I get dibs if he’s not home.
 

trailblazer

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Weight distributing hitch setup is priceless. Look for a used one off Facebook marketplace, Craigslist etc otherwise they are like $400+ for everything. Also consider Timbren’s.
I installed the Timbrens along with Monroe air shocks and it was nice but the air shocks kept losing air. If I did that again I’d also install a Air Lift 25804 compressor kit ($100-140) so I can keep it level even with a slow leak. I ended up giving in and installing new OE shocks as the weight dist hitch and Timbrens work perfectly.
 

MarkD51

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Sure its' riding too low. Not only monkeys handling and safety, but your headlights are probably not on the road either at night, and can be a problem for oncoming drivers.

Install a Firestone Ride Rite Kit on back, problem solved.
They work with stock shocks.

Such kits have the option of simply using Shrader Valves to fill, mount them wherever convenient, or one can go further with an additional and optional onboard 12v compressor kit and gauge at the dash.

One can use a T, so that one line-valve fills both bags, or separate, I did the latter, each shrader valve is at the hitch side plates for easy access.

A kit like this won't ruin your ride.

I have this on my own '97, works like a dream. Pump them up to a maximum of 100 lbs if needed, I commonly used 30-45 psi, I can throw up to 1000 lbs of cargo in the back, and 350lbs of hitch weight, you'd never know it was there. How do I know? I've done exactly this with two 1600 mile trips across country with cargo area maxxed out, and hauling a cargo trailer.

It adds good stability, and will not ruin your ride, loaded or running empty and not towing.
Add Leafs, or air shocks, you'll likely ****** your ride comfort.

Run 20-30lbs for day to day unloaded, and go ahead, try bouncing on the rear step bumper! Nothing! Rock solid! Don't care if you're a 250lb man, you will be impressed!

You'll be very pleased with the results, I was. Takes about 2 hours total installation, only a couple holes need to be drilled each side to mount the upper bracket to the frame rail, the rest is simply bolted-nutted together. Route the air lines, secure with zip ties, find a place to mount the shrader valves, job done. Easiest when yanking the rear tire on each side to install.

Instructions were concise, and easy to understand. Easy as pie for me, but I was also an Amtrak Mechanic for 30 years (1973-2003), I was changing out 24" dia firestone air bags on superliner 1's when they first came out with the german made trucks underneath, and amfleet cars that have them too for years.

I've had my ride rites on my Tahoe for about 17 years now, I installed them in july 2003, and no problems at all, ever. Maybe once every 6-8 months I treat the bags to a lavish dressing of something like Aerospace 303 protectant to feed the rubber and keep them looking pretty.

https://www.suspensionconnection.co...rite-air-bags&utm_content=Firestone-Ride-Rite
 
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MarkD51

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Wanted to add, I only linked this particular site for illustrative purposes only. You might be able to find the kit for your truck cheaper elsewhere.

I did note on this site, the dummies have the same #2025 Kit with 2 different prices, and varying by many hundreds of dollars! Goofs!

No, you're not going to pay $600+ dollars for such a kit if you shop around.

1995 Silverado 1500-1995 Tahoe, same freaking shit, and suspension-frame throughout, no difference.

When I bought my kit, I believe I paid $212, plus $20 to ship. Of course that was 17 years ago, everyone today cries they have kids to feed! LOL Thank God it ain't Toilet Paper!
 
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