Pretty sure I need new shocks for my 03 half ton ecsb I tow my rock crawler which on trailer is about 6500-7k pounds I have the LM7 not the 4.8. I can tow it as of now but sags pretty good.

 

Anybody?

 

I don't think shocks are gonna really help the sag out. Sounds like you should look into some helper bags or maybe some overload springs.

 

There is an interesting product called a StableLoad from Torklift International that is advertised as being a reasonably inexpensive and easy to install solution to being able to tow additional weight and having it handle and ride better when doing so. Below is a short video before/after of the kit being installed on a GM 1500 series truck and the links to the company and what I believe is the correct part number (C3203) for your truck. I don�t know of anyone that has them installed and quite frankly until the other day have never heard of them, so I haven�t a clue as to whether or not they work well or not, but interesting just the same and if they do, great. The website is: Torklift dot com

There is also a video of before/after and of them being installed on a 2001 GMC 1500 Z71 on truckutv dot com (Truck U Episode #816 � Can you Handle This?).

 

I love my edelbrock IAS shocks. Had two set of bilsteins before. But like said, sounds like you need helper bags.

 

A set of Timbren front and rear blocks would probably help a lot with the sag and keeping the suspension controlled in all driving conditions.

Any bumpstop could be used to limit suspension travel but the Timbrens are designed to have a "progressive" rate, so you can get comfort and stability in one package.

I recommend Bilstein for HD shocks. They tend to be stiffer valved than most replacement brands but comes with better suspension control and handling. It won't help a sagging truck though.

 

Thanks for the input/information. I'm between bilsteins an rancho 9000 for shocks an trying to decide to look into timbrens, air bags, helper springs. My buddy said he's got some 2.5 ton leaf springs an said we could add one to each side to help with the sagging issue. Opinions?

 

I personally don't have the rancho9000 but, I have been recommended to completely stay away from them. The HD springs may or may not help but, I imagine it would make the rear stiff/hoppy when unloaded. I believe the best option would be helper bags or possibly even an "air" shock.

 

timbrens are the only way to go. inexpensive and super easy to install/ or remove whem you sell the truck.

thier not engauged when you are empty, but put 300 lbs in the back of the truck, and they start to apply.

you can haul a skid loader with a 1/2 ton and still sit level. i have a set on my sierra c3, i have had 9,000 lbs of trailer and 2000 lbs was tounge weight, and the truck sat 1 inch lower in the back (because it lifted the front.)

 

Syclone0569 that's pretty impressive on what timbrens can do. Are they just bump stops or ?