New Shocks

[rollinstone]

Looking for recommendations to replace stock rear shocks on my 2014 Expy. I tow a 3100 lb camping trailer with an Andersen weight distribution hitch assembly. The Andersen does a great job, however truck still squats 1/2" - 3/4" in the rear with full hitch tension. It's well within tolerance, but my Type A personality wants 0" squat.

I like Bilsteins...I'd like a rear set beefy enough to override that 3/4" squat...or any other after market brand that'll do the job.

 

[StephanSloan]

I'm not sure if just the shocks will prevent some squat. I ended up going with the Ranchos from their level up kit. They add 3/4 of an inch in the back and that help offset the squat from my horse trailer. They are adjustable and the mid adjustment seems to work well for around town as well as towing.
Good luck-
Stephan

 

[Adieu]

Have ranchos, in retrospect shoulda gone bilstein probably

 

[rollinstone]

Have ranchos, in retrospect shoulda gone bilstein probably

What model Bilsteins? I'm mostly just interested in boosting the rear end to carry the weight of my trailer better...take up that sag I mentioned in the OP...rather than a set of 4....maybe later.

 

[gixer2000]

What model Bilsteins? I'm mostly just interested in boosting the rear end to carry the weight of my trailer better...take up that sag I mentioned in the OP...rather than a set of 4....maybe later.

Unfortunately a shock alone isnt going to lift the rear end. The spring is what maintains your height and the shock just keep the suspension from bouncing and keeps the tires on the ground. Without the shock the tires would bounce uncontrollably

 

[USMCBuckWild]

Unfortunately a shock alone isnt going to lift the rear end. The spring is what maintains your height and the shock just keep the suspension from bouncing and keeps the tires on the ground. Without the shock the tires would bounce uncontrollably

This.

Stiffer springs or air ride is the only way you will actually compensate for the trailer weight. You can use spacers but ensure they are the bolt-in above/below the spring type and not inserts/slide-ins. Think “leveling kit” inserts commonly used on the front springs.

 

[rollinstone]

This.

Stiffer springs or air ride is the only way you will actually compensate for the trailer weight. You can use spacers but ensure they are the bolt-in above/below the spring type and not inserts/slide-ins. Think “leveling kit” inserts commonly used on the front springs.

Both you and gixer have confirmed my suspicions... that simply replacing with heavy duty shocks will affect only the ride and/or handling characteristics. Adding a lift kit, air or otherwise, is prolly more than I want to pay to ease my Type A illness.

That said, is there a shock assembly with stiffer springs... brand name? Thanks!

 

[1955moose]

As others stated shocks won't do a thing with ride height. I'm assuming you have coil spring rear suspension, if you had automatic factory air springs, they'd level automatically. I'm a big fan of air spring suspension. They raise and stiffen, when need be, but float like a 60's Lincoln when you don't. Best of both worlds. I'm afraid if you put stiffer coil springs, your not going to like ride without trailer. You might look into some of the better grade air spring conversions, with a toggle switch in cab to raise or lower. Everyone I've seen that had this mod done, was very happy with outcome.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[mbtech2003]

Always gonna have squat with steel spring suspension. And a little is good when towing. 3/4 of an inch is nothing. Don’t worry about it. And if a 3100 lb trailer is causing too much squat. It’s not balanced correctly. I tow 6-7k with my 05 weekly. You want 10% tongue weight. Soo 3-400 lbs. you don’t even need a weight Distribution hitch for that. I would move the weight around in your trailer if you can.

 

[rollinstone]

Thanks for not letting me buy a stiffer spring setup! Last time I weighed, the tongue weight was about 320 lbs... so I guess I can live with it.