Posted 2010-11-21 7:23 AM (#127322) Subject: Timbrens / Opinions?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Florida
I am thinking of a set of Timbrens for my 05 4x4 6.0 4 door F350 Dually for Christmas.
Any recommended dealers? Thoughts on this product?
We have a large / heavy LQ and although my drop is @ 3.5 inches I imagine I can reduce that drop to @ 1 - 2 inches reducing headlight lift and strain on the trucks suspension.
Posted 2010-11-21 7:27 AM (#127323 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
Just made 2600 mile round trip with a friend Chevy that had Timbrens installed. My Ford has air bags. For ease of use, Timbrens hands down. For ride quality air bags.
Posted 2010-11-21 8:06 AM (#127324 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Excellent product, zero maintenance, no constant adjustments, less expensive than air bags. We've been using ours for many years, and like the fact that no matter what our load is, the ride height is unchanged.
One common complaint about auxillary load devices, is the resulting ride quality when the truck is driven empty. Most result in an overly harsh ride when the truck is lightly loaded. The Timbrens can be installed so that empty ride is not affected.
Fords seem to have a reputation of squatting more than other brands when loaded. Ours hasn't for years, and it's very apparent when you compare rigs at a show. I would not consider owning a tow vehicle without having the Timbrens installed.
Posted 2010-11-21 8:27 AM (#127325 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Member
Posts: 15
I have had a set installed on a 2002 chevy 2500 Duramax for about a year now, and I like them very much. I would not be able to tow our 4 horse large dressing room without them. When installed properly they do not make the ride harsh unloaded. I hardly ever have the truck a little loaded. It is either loaded down or not.
I bought my pair because I could not afford a set of airbags. They are also install and forget them. No maintenance or worries about a blown hose or pump.
Posted 2010-11-21 10:00 AM (#127327 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Tennessee
I installed them on my 2000 Chevy 2500 4x4 right before I bought a larger/heavier LQ trailer. Mostly based on what I had read on HTW, particularly Gard's advice. I have been extremely pleased with their performance.
Posted 2010-11-21 5:58 PM (#127338 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Florida
When they are engaged is there a firmer noticible ride or is it a standard ride? I don't want a rough ride when engaged.
Hope that makes sense.
And thanks for the responses
BTW I changed my shocks last weekend with Monroe refex shocks (66k on the factory ones) all four were dead three wouldn't even expand the forth had no fluid left.
Posted 2010-11-21 10:11 PM (#127341 - in reply to #127338) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by BlazingCreekBar on 2010-11-21 5:58 PM
When they are engaged is there a firmer noticible ride or is it a standard ride? I don't want a rough ride when engaged.
Hope that makes sense.
And thanks for the responses
BTW I changed my shocks last weekend with Monroe refex shocks (66k on the factory ones) all four were dead three wouldn't even expand the forth had no fluid left.
They are very noticeable when the trailer is hooked up...when empty, if you run over a heavily washboarded road you will definitely know they are there... have a set on my K2500...
Posted 2010-11-21 10:25 PM (#127342 - in reply to #127338) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by BlazingCreekBar on 2010-11-21 6:58 PM
When they are engaged is there a firmer noticible ride or is it a standard ride? I don't want a rough ride when engaged.
The ride will be firm instead of mushy under a heavy load, as was with the original suspension. The heavier the load, the more firm it will be. The advantages are several. The suspension will not squat under bumps, cornering etc. The front of the truck remains level, and the headlights no longer look for new stars at night. The rig will not feel tail heavy, with a more neutral attitude and better balancing of the suspension. It's a very secure and comfortable feeling under load, and unnoticeable when empty.
The Timbrens are hard rubber cylinders that compress slightly under loads. They cushion and support the load from the truck's axle to the truck's frame, without involving the standard spring pacs or the overload springs. This saves all the components of your rear suspension from being damaged by unnecessary wear.
Posted 2010-11-22 8:32 AM (#127348 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
They are awesome! I love them on my 06 f250. Word of advice--when installing them, do not use the rubber "donut" that comes with them. That will make your ride rough. Installed without the donut makes them sit about 1" from your axle. I don't feel them engage unless I hit a set of railroad tracks or something with a large bump that would've been rough anyway. (even then, its not like they bounce you out of the seat..its firm, just enough that you don't forget they're there, but not too rough) Your 1 ton is going to ride firm empty anyway. It won't be much of a change.
The loaded ride is excellent. Like Gard said, firm yet not too firm with a more controlled feeling. When I had my LQ trailer hooked up, the truck squatted 3.5". With the timbrens, it squats 1".
I really like mine and will have a pair for every other truck I own in the future. The no maintenance and no worries plus lifetime warranty is great, too. I even convinced my family members with 3/4 and 1 ton trucks to get them and they are very pleased as well.
Posted 2010-11-23 7:59 AM (#127372 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
You'll find some online that are cheaper in price than others, but after shipping is factored in, they are all right around $200 regardless. I went to Timbren's website, found the closest local Timbren dealer (ended up being a big rig service center), called them and went and picked them up all in the same day for $194 plus tax. Worth it to me to not wait for shipping. (Plus I was going on a ride that weekend and wanted them on the truck before) You might be able to get the same deal if you don't want to wait.. Enjoy..they are one of my favorite purchases of the year.
Posted 2010-11-23 5:08 PM (#127378 - in reply to #127322) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Member
Posts: 45
I have a question. Do you put timbrens on the front suspension as well as the back or do you just need them on the back? I have a small gooseneck living quarters and a 2005 F-250. Thanks,
Posted 2010-11-23 8:28 PM (#127385 - in reply to #127338) Subject: RE: Timbrens / Opinions?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
We installed air-ride sys on our 06 F-350 to help with the obvious. We were under-trucked and over-trailered. When that 6.0 diesel started puking antifreeze, and the head bolts stretched, and we had to take it to the dealer (under warranty) to be fixed... then we got a big truck to pull it. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but they never tell you what you need when you are writing the check for the trailer, do they???
Timbrens / Opinions?
have a set on my K2500...