Suspension help in ’04 Silverado

I just purchased a truck camper that will be riding on my ’04 Silverado half-ton (Z71 package). It weighs approximately 1,400 pounds and seems to almost flatten out the leaf springs on the truck.

What are some options for beefing up the suspension? Air shocks have been suggested. Will these do the job, and if so, any suggestions on a brand?

Thanks,

Lars

I like and use air bags over air shocks. When i don’t have a load it rides and performs as normal. I’ve never gotten as good of a ride from the air shocks that I have had on past vehicles. my .02

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I like and use air bags

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What brand or type do you suggest? What do they cost?

I’ve noticed a lot of the air shocks say to not use on trucks with the Z71 option. Mine is a Z71, by the way.

Go to suspension connection (on-line) They have Air bag suspension add -ons that are easy to install and fairly cheap. Many motor homes etc. use them. I always used the ones without their own compressor. Just put a few lbs. of air in each one and good to go.

I see notes on most of these that require 6″ between the wheel and the frame. Does anyone know if this is the case on a Z71?

Air bag helpers all the way. I had them on my F-150 for very similar reasons. I got mine back in the day from NAPA. You won’t need the on board compressor as you can pull into a gas station and pump them up if you need more lift. I mounting the air hoses on the back bumper for easy access.

I could be wrong, but the Z71 option got you skid plates and maybe stiffer shocks, but I doubt the dimensions are different from a standard 1500. I think the 1500HD has a stiffer frame similar to or the same as the standard 2500. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

Here are options:

2000lb assist

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/59501-silverado-air.html

5000lb assist

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/6012C.html

Check your gvw for the vehicle and then add the weight of the truck with normal load and then add in the weight of the slide-in fully loaded (water, gear,etc.) You might be pushing the truck’s capacity a little. Just my .02 jerr

Stock suspension in 1/2 tons sucks for towing/load IMHO, mine was terrible! New 05 silverado z71…I towed my 1850 for the first time and felt like a bobble head. Within a few days I was shopping for a fix! I looked into air bags, overload springs and the Timbrens. I didn’t want to deal with air bags, installing gauges, running lines/power. Leaks? I also didn’t want to deal with installing overload springs and the rough ride that comes with them.

After much thought I decided on the Timbren SES, real easy install, if you can change a flat you can install the timbrens. Stock unloaded suspension is the same, as soon as you put a load on, be it heavy tounge weight or load the box, the Timbrens suck up the weight nicely.

They’ve been installed since new, going on 5 full years. No issues. The loaded ride is great, no sag keeping the truck level, easier steering. Trailering I don’t get the sway. I’ve hauled some heavy loads with these installed, block, brick, etc., I was amazed at how well they worked. Unloaded it’s the same soft, cushy chevy ride, 100% satisfied! They’re basically a self adjusting air bag, without the air, power and gauges to install.

When I’m due for a new truck, if it’s another 1/2 ton, I’ll be installing another set of Timbren SES before that truck hauls a single load. Great product, easy install, no maintenence, lifetime warranty. I’d recommend them to anyone that does any towing or hauls loads.

Check them out. http://www.timbren.com/

BIRDDOG

Back when I was towing a camper I used Air Ride brand suspension lift. The best place I know to get them at a great price is camping world in Rodgers, about 1/2 a mile from Cabelas. Check their website campingworld.com