REAR: Springs ~VS~ Shocks

I am trying to soften up the ride in the rear to match my new front 5100's with eibachs. The rear is pretty harsh. I currently have no TSB and am on a block lift. So would new shocks soften it up enough or are new springs the better buy?

Basically, which one affects ride quality more? Springs or shocks?

Further, would would you recommend for either?

 

It's the combination of the springs and shocks that determines the ride. If the shocks aren't valved right for the particular spring rate, then they will do a poor job of dampening the springs and will lead to a harsh ride.

 

No TSB and you think it rear rides stiff compared to Eibachs in the front?!?!

Springs affect how hard a bump is absorbed and the shocks control the ride. If you go to an aftermarket shock, it will help make the ride seem more controlled but it won't soften it up any. You also won't find a softer leaf pack than the non-TSB leafs unless you with a long travel leaf setup.

 

Yeah I'm thinking that what he's feeling isn't really the rear being "stiff" (as in a high spring rate) because if anything the rears on these trucks are too soft.

I'm thinking new shocks will help the situation if you don't like how the rear rides.

 

Gotcha. If that's the case, 5100's in the rear actually make the rear ride a lot better. It doesn't bounce and has a very controlled feeling.

 

yeah mine bounces and gets axle hop a lot...
but I had a spacer lift in the front before, so to clarify, the eibachs and 5100's are soooo much better. I actually love hitting potholes now lol

 

I am thinking about 5100's, 5150's, or 5160's in the rear now...

 

Lose the lift block, that's probably causing a lot of the axle hop since your leaf springs are wrapping when you hit the gas. An AAL will actually help but will not eliminate axle wrap. Heavier shocks like the 5100's will help the bounce.

 

Hmmm
Well the block nets 2" of lift for me. Is there an aal that can do that? Also, what if i kept the block but did that helper spring mod to reduce axle wrap?

 

He had a spacer lift first

 

^what he said

I haven't updated that, I literally just threw in 5100's with eibach coils like two days ago...

 

I'd say get some AAL's and get rid of the blocks. I might be selling my rear 5100's here pretty soon.

 

Keep me posted on the sale, I probably won't look to buy for at least another week or two anyway. I will do some research about the aal and what not and see what I come up with and post back in here for further scrutinizing and opinions so I can get this done right.

 

If you're considering AAL's, I'd seriously consider the 1.5" 3-leaf progressive AAL made by Icon or Wheelers. You can keep your overload leaf in place and net 2" of lift and it rides great!

 

Okay I will. Still need to do some research on used prices and shipping costs.

 

Whats the overload leaf?

 

Is the short one on the bottom of your pack that is only needed when hauling heavy loads.

 

Is it pre-TSB?

 

I'm not sure what you mean by that.

 

The overload leaf exists on both the TSB and non-TSB leaf packs. In the non-TSB leaf pack there are 2 thin leafs and a thick bottom leaf, in the TSB leaf pack there are 3 thin leafs and the thick bottom leaf. The thinner leafs support the truck when just driving around and is, for all intents and purposes, your active suspension most of the time. When you put a heavy load in the bed or tow a trailer, those thin leafs flatten out until they rest on the thick overload leaf. This prevents the leafs from inverting and riding on the bump stops.