Posted 2009-01-16 8:07 AM (#97603) Subject: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Member
Posts: 33 Location: East Texas
Looking for something to keep the truck from going so far down on the shocks when loading the trailer. Do not want to make the truck rougher at all, so I am leaning towards the timbrens (sp?) Advice from ya'll who have done one of these.. the good and bad
Posted 2009-01-18 1:25 PM (#97705 - in reply to #97612) Subject: RE: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Depending on the age of your truck any of the ones you listed would work.
If you have an older truck I would call Ray's Champion Spring on I-35 in Ft.Worth, Texas. I had a 91 Dodge 1-ton with sagging springs last summer and they redone the rear spring packs and beefed them up and was around $250. labor and all.
Posted 2009-01-20 1:37 PM (#97856 - in reply to #97603) Subject: RE: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Member
Posts: 33 Location: East Texas
The truck is a 2000 F-250 PSD. The springs do not seem to be sagging at all. I have put new shocks on it and the guys didn't say anything about the springs. I just don't want the truck to ride rough when not hauling as this is my everyday ride.
Posted 2009-01-20 4:48 PM (#97872 - in reply to #97603) Subject: RE: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Florida
My two cents.
On our Dodge Dakota PU I added the airbags with the compressor. It was an absolute disaster. Basically you can not increase the carrying weight and exceed the load restrictions. The tires and stability were all lost on that one.
So we grew to the Dodge Ram Hemi 1/2 ton I added Super Springs. Loved everything about them. But... Still a slight sag under my BP.
Well I think I solved the whole issue.
We bought the F350 Dually diesel.
The only thing I would like to do now is beef up the overload springs just for the heavy load of the LQ. But other wise. I learned match your truck to your load.
Posted 2009-01-20 9:12 PM (#97898 - in reply to #97856) Subject: RE: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
My opinion, Airbags is the way to go with your set up. Will keep the backend up while loaded but still have the factory ride (or better) while empty. There will be a couple step in and bash my reply shortly. What I mean by "or better" empty is, in my personal truck with the airbags set at 70psi the ride actually smooth out while empty.
Posted 2009-01-21 7:17 AM (#97914 - in reply to #97603) Subject: RE: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Member
Posts: 32 Location: chatfield mn
I currently have Timbrens on my 2003 Dodge 3500. I believe they are the easiest to install and they do not affect the ride when empty. On my truck, I have them set up so they do not contact the axle until the truck has a load on it. However, I believe that air bags may be the best overall for ride empty and full as you can use just the amount of air that you need to keep your truck level. This is just a best guess as I have no experience with air bags.
Posted 2009-01-22 1:28 PM (#98000 - in reply to #97603) Subject: RE: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Member
Posts: 33 Location: East Texas
Going to have the timbrens installed on the truck Friday afternoon... will see how it does when I haul the trailer to the CW to have them put on the awning in a couple of weeks
Posted 2009-01-22 3:31 PM (#98003 - in reply to #97603) Subject: RE: timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Make sure you have your Timbren installer, leave a gap that is in excess of the one inch specification that is factory recommended. Otherwise your empty ride can be adversely effected. A two to a four inch gap has been noted by various owners, with good results.
The Timbrens don't give much when they contact the axle. You will need to have them adjusted exactly, where you will need them when your truck is loaded. With an additional 6K# of capacity, your empty ride can be quite uncomfortable if they are incorrectly positioned.
timbrens, airbags or leaf springs
