Towing with Timbrens?

I wasn't sure if I should have posted this in the towing section, suspension or 2nd gen section so move it if need be. I have a 2005 V6 access cab prerunner sr5 non trd truck. I have 108,000mi on the orginal 3 leaf rear end and shocks with 265/75/16 bridgestone duler a/t revos. I tow a 4000-5000lb trailer 3-5days a week for my landscaping company with my truck. I noticed lately now that my truck sits a little bit lower in the rear than usual and I hit the bumpstops alot while carry heavy loads in the rear or towing my trailer. I am pretty sure its due to my shocks being worn out since I have so many miles but i wanted to upgrade to something stiffer. Thats why I wanted to know peoples experience with the Timbrens on a non-trd 3 leaf rear end truck who tow over 4000lbs frequently or haul over 1000lbs in the bed like I do on a regualr.

Did it really make a big difference compared to stock?

Would updating to the trd bilsteins shocks and timbrens be a better solution?

I'm not to concerned with ride quality unloaded since I mostly use my truck for work and always has a load in the back. I also feel my sr5 rides way to soft compared to other 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks I have driven before (not including the new ram and escalade of course).

 

i suggest getting a set of expedition leaf springs from all pro or call alcan and see what they can do for you.

 

If you haul that heavy and that frequently, I'd think you'd be much happier with a set of air bags to help the factory suspension.

 

I would say you would need new springs and shocks and maybe an air bag assit system to help the ride???

 

didnt really think about air bags. that would be a good thing to have also

 

Dakar OME 7 Leaf pack will give you about 3 inches of lift but will settle nice w/ that load. You will no longer bottom out. I have these and have been really happy with the performance.

 

^^^^^ this

you may just want new leafs and some upgraded shocks.

you could try just new shock and airbags though, i recommend the firestone rite-ride bags

 

The reason why I say new springs as well is you said that the rear was lower or sagging from all the weight, which makes me think the spring has "wore our its sprung" so to speak. Just added insurance. pudge has a very good suggestion with the firestone bag system

 

The shocks are only there to control the spring motion. Shocks don't hold anything up or support any weight. A worn out shock might blow thru the travel quicker and hit the bump stop harder though. What you probably have is the springs sagging over time which is normal, especially if they're always loaded.

I vote for the airbags. I've got the 4 leaf TSB springs but the truck still always sat a little low in the back with the canopy on and definitely rode low with a heavy trailer on. I just put in the ride-rites and 20psi bumped the back up an inch and leveled the truck right out. Ride quality is good yet and I can still put in another 80psi to counter added load while maintaining ride height.

 

This.
To those that recommended new shocks to fix the problem...What were you thinking?

 

am i reading the same thread, who recommended to only get new shocks?

 

Op was thinking trd shocks and bump stops.
Add a leaf (aal) in the rear springs is best for your work horse without breaking the bank. IMHO.

 

I disagree... AAL's are a band aid for a sagging leaf pack and will wear out quickly if the base leaf pack isn't performing well. Best bang for your buck over time will be a replacement leaf pack or air bags

 

Aig bags? Are those bean bags? Just bustin your berries. I agree. New springs or air bags.

 

I don't know what you're talking about