Posted 2006-07-25 8:38 PM (#345) Subject: Suspension on older truck
Posts: 10
Location: San Francisco, CA
I have a 20-year-old Chevrolet truck that has 153,000 miles on it. I have already replaced a lot of parts on it, but not many in the suspension department (yet).
Here's my question: I have noticed that when packed and ready to go horse camping, the bed is pushed down pretty far with the weight of the stuff in the back, even before the horse trailer is attached. This is a 3/4 ton camper special pickup with a more than adequate GVWR (don't have it handy to report here). This load is not huge.
I guess I need to replace something. What? What is at risk with it like this? I think I replaced the shocks all around in 2003. I drive it less than 3000 miles per year. I tow a 2H BP aluminum trailer.
Posted 2006-07-25 9:15 PM (#346 - in reply to #345) Subject: RE: Suspension on older truck
Posts: 2621
Originally written by Hellevig on 2006-07-25 8:38 PM
I have a 20-year-old Chevrolet truck that has 153,000 miles on it. I have already replaced a lot of parts on it, but not many in the suspension department (yet).
Here's my question: I have noticed that when packed and ready to go horse camping, the bed is pushed down pretty far with the weight of the stuff in the back, even before the horse trailer is attached. This is a 3/4 ton camper special pickup with a more than adequate GVWR (don't have it handy to report here). This load is not huge.
I guess I need to replace something. What? What is at risk with it like this? I think I replaced the shocks all around in 2003. I drive it less than 3000 miles per year. I tow a 2H BP aluminum trailer.
Thanks!
Bonnie
It would probably be worth you taking it to a spring rebuilder for an estimate.
I was surprised to find that I had broken leaves (OK, Leafs if you prefer) on both sides of mine after about 7 or 8 years and less than 100,000 miles.
It has been my experience that spring rebuilders give better value than dealerships on this work, it is what they DO, it is ALL they do.
If you discuss your use of the truck, e.g. horse trailer with xxx lb tongue weight plus a whole mess of stuff in the truck, they are likely to suggest rebuilding the stacks and adding an extra leaf or two. I'd do this before considering air springs or timbrens, at least get any broken leafs replaced first.
Posted 2006-07-26 8:59 AM (#347 - in reply to #345) Subject: RE: Suspension on older truck
Posts: 95
Location: Memphis, TN
I have a 1990 F150 that I used to pull a 2H BP with and I installed the "add a leaf" system from Rancho along with their shocks all around. Made a world of diff. Check with a "rebuilder" on replacing your springs or "helping" them. What Reg said!
Posted 2006-07-27 11:06 PM (#349 - in reply to #345) Subject: RE: Suspension on older truck
Posts: 3
Location: carson city NV
Older Chevy trucks were notorious for broken leaves. If the bed is not square to the cab when looking from the rear this is a good indication that there is a broken leaf in the pack. A good spring shop can repair them for a reasonable price.
I personally would much rather have air springs than additional leaves in the pack as they do not adversely affect the ride quality when the vehicle is empty. I have two Dodge CTD's, one dually and one SRW and both have airbags. It helps keep you off the overloads, maintain an even ride height, and they don't cause kidney damage when you are unloaded. As for safety, air springs are used on all over the road tractors....probably for the same reasons.
Suspension on older truck
