How to: Stiffen rear suspension?

[BurbMan24]

I daily an 08 suburban 1500. I do a decent amount of towing, especially during the summer, (enclosed trailer with four wheelers, on the occasion cars), and it squats like crazy. If it was a regular leaf spring in the back I wouldn’t be worried, but I want it a bit stiffer in the back. Mostly to help reduce the squat on it. What are some ideas? Stiffer springs? How stiff would I go? Do I need different shocks?

 

[SpareParts]

Air shocks, Rock Auto
Monroe MA830. $65.79

 

[Blackcar]

Do you have an idea what tongue weight is when trailer is loaded may have to rearrange load maybe.

 

[Miami-Dade]

@BurbMan24 Moved you here from Site News.

Welcome from Miami&NYC!

 

[Marky Dissod]

Dayton 70% stiffer

2000 - 2020 Chevy / GMC Avalanche 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL Extra Heavy Duty Rear Coil Springs (Variable Rate)

2000-2023 Chevy / GMC SUV rear coil springs. Variable Rate. Extra Heavy Duty. Sold as a pair. Add maximum support to your Suburban or Tahoe today!

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Dayton 35% stiffer

2000 - 2020 Chevy / GMC Avalanche 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL Heavy Duty Rear Coil Springs (Variable Rate)

Upgrade your Chevy/GMC with coil springs. Special deals available!

www.generalspringkc.com

Dorman 70% stiffer:

DORMAN 929930 Coil Spring | Shop Now at RockAuto

DORMAN Suspension Parts and More for Your Vehicle at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

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Dorman 35% stiffer:

DORMAN 929929 Coil Spring | Shop Now at RockAuto

DORMAN Suspension Parts and More for Your Vehicle at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

 

[Joseph Garcia]

IMO, air shocks are the way to go. Buy a portable 12 volt compressor as well, and inflate the shocks to level the truck, regardless of the load.

If you just go with much stiffer springs, it will negatively impact your ride quality for all of the times that you don't tow.

 

[BurbMan24]

Do you have an idea what tongue weight is when trailer is loaded may have to rearrange load maybe.

Gross weight is 4500, so I would say 4500 at the most. Cant re arrange to much unfortunately

 

[BurbMan24]

IMO, air shocks are the way to go. Buy a portable 12 volt compressor as well, and inflate the shocks to level the truck, regardless of the load.

If you just go with much stiffer springs, it will negatively impact your ride quality for all of the times that you don't tow.

Will it just bounce around more?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Will it just bounce around more?

Yes, with specifically stiffer springs, there will be a significant bounce to the rear of the truck when empty, and road hazards like potholes will be felt much harder.

 

[Blackcar]

Do you have weight distribution kit on your vehicle?

I use them with good results.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution-Hitch/Reese/RP75FR.html?feed=npn&utm_id=268358706&msclkid=b6813b3e6e8012602a2353c4376bd5db&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20%7C%20Shop%20-%20Weight%20Distribution%20Hitch&utm_term=4577816666449766&utm_content=0%20-%2030

 

[BurbMan24]

Yes, with specifically stiffer springs, there will be a significant bounce to the rear of the truck when empty, and road hazards like potholes will be felt much harder.

I already have E load rated tires so pot holes already seem like craters

 

[BurbMan24]

Do you have weight distribution kit on your vehicle?

I use them with good results.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution-Hitch/Reese/RP75FR.html?feed=npn&utm_id=268358706&msclkid=b6813b3e6e8012602a2353c4376bd5db&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20%7C%20Shop%20-%20Weight%20Distribution%20Hitch&utm_term=4577816666449766&utm_content=0%20-%2030

There isn’t really enough space on the tongue of the trailer to mount the brackets

 

[Blackcar]

There isn’t really enough space on the tongue of the trailer to mount the brackets

Oh, I thought it was enclosed car trailer.

 

[BurbMan24]

Oh, I thought it was enclosed car trailer.

Sorry I thought i specified. 10’ with a 5’ V nose. Very short tongue.