Need New Shocks?

[Togman]

I added a topper shell to my truck and now it bounces. I unbolted the rear shocks & they extended on their own, so they work. They are the stock Bilsteins Blue & Yellow TRD pkg ones. I think they may be too soft now I added the 200lb shell?

Any ideas? Upgrade to a heavier duty shock be better??

[Thundra04struck]

I tow a 6,000 boat/trailer and at around 70K miles, ditched the TRD/Bilstein shocks and got Heavy Duty Bilsteins, so much better afterwards. Cheap too, like $300 for all 4. It is totally worth getting new shocks.

200 lbs isn't much at all, like putting a person in the back, but new shocks will surely help.

[Togman]

OK, I installed the Heavy duty Bilsteins, made the ride so much better. Brought the height back up 1/4" to 1/2" too.

Here is the new problem. When I load 100-200lbs of gear in the back, I looks my height & the rear sags a bit. Still drives OK, but I was wondering if I should now install some form of Airbag load leveling system like this: Load-Leveling Systems for Towing - Technical Articles - Four Wheeler Magazine

[H2O_MAN]

Originally Posted by Togman

OK, I installed the Heavy duty Bilsteins, made the ride so much better. Brought the height back up 1/4" to 1/2" too.

Here is the new problem. When I load 100-200lbs of gear in the back, I looks my height & the rear sags a bit. Still drives OK, but I was wondering if I should now install some form of Airbag load leveling system like this: Load-Leveling Systems for Towing - Technical Articles - Four Wheeler Magazine

I roll with an average payload of about 500 pounds in the bed, plus Line-X and a high top LEER.
The shocks are HD Bilsteins and the rest of the suspension (except for the Hellwig) is bone stock.
You want the rear to sag a little when loaded, this brings the brake proportioning valve into play and helps you stop.


I do have a Firestone Ride Rite kit on stand buy just in case I start hauling and towing bottled water again.