Spongy rear suspension

I installed Bilstein 5100's all around about 12k miles ago. For the past few months, I've noticed that the rear suspension is very spongy, yet hit bumps harshly. The leaf springs are original and have negative arch. So I was wondering would worn out leaf springs cause such a feeling? On certain bumps, it feels like there's no dampening. It hits the bump, then quickly springs up to the max point and it hurts like hell. Need to do coils and fix the rear suspension. Could my 5100"s be worn out and causing this issue or would it be the leafs? If so, which leafs would you guys recommend for about a 2" lift? Thanks!

 

pretty sure that's what the 5100 shocks do. make sure you tightened the bolts properly. they could be loose and intensifying the "hit". you could also try going with longer stock shocks from other applications to see if it gets any better..

heres a list of stock ride shocks that are longer than a 2k trd v6 sr5's stock shocks

 

Ok, will check that out tomorrow. Need to do something. That rear end doesn't like bumps very much. Sometimes, the back end will start going sideways while hitting the bump, then come back straight. Looking at your list, the one that is 4" longer would be best?

 

I also think it's the leafs. 300 Pounds of dirt makes my truck squat an inch and a half. Been considering Dakar leafs.

 

check that against your stock part number height with monroe. the numbers are relevant to my trucks lengths, possibly not yours.

 

I've had anything from a full bed of bricks to a trailer full of wet marter and lats. Truck did well but it was squatting hard

 

Oh ok gotcha.

 

unless you put add-a-leafs or stronger leafs on there, it will do that. and if you want a smoother ride, don't put stronger leafs on.

 

at this point, it's the shocks that are causing the issue. im sure of it.

 

I'll replace them since the shocks arent expensive. What leafs would you recommend? Was looking at wheelers 8 pack or 5 pack

 

Here's my question for you.

I'm at stock height in the rear and my ass sags. If I buy longer shocks.. Does this fix my problem? I don't have to lift it? Just a straight replacement.

 

You need to mess with the leafs. Shocks are only dampeners for the rear

 

I couldn't recommend any leafs for you. im perfectly fine with my stock leafs on extended shackles. I just went with longer shocks from an 82 toyota 4x4 and the ride is pretty smooth for me.

 

Ok, thanks for the info!

 

All Pro and Dakar are both pretty stiff IMO. Not sure on Wheeler's but sounds like it's the softest of your choices. Diagnosing suspension issue is always difficult because everyone uses different terminology to define the problem. If the truck feels very squishy most of the time but jolts hard over large bumps it's likely that the springs are shot and the jolt is coming from your bump stop.

Jump on your rear bumper and try to shake the rear end up and down. It shouldn't articular more than a few inches.

 

It moves quite a bit. Its difficult to explain how it hits certain bumps. And what you're telling me makes sense. I can't seem to find anyone who has experience with the wheelers packs. I can ony lift it about 2 inches cause my UCA's are Camburgs and I was going to put OME 881's on the front

 

Dakars get consistent great reviews. They advertise 2.25" lift. They're made specifically for over landing so they are pretty stiff for unloaded driving. They are generally the least expensive although I got my All Pro leafs cheaper on sale. I would recommend them just based on the amount of lift and the price for you. Sounds like you haul stuff around frequently so the added spring wont hurt. Your other option is just an AAL. They work ok but tend to be a little stiff as well, but they are very inexpensive.

 

I dont really haul much anymore honestly

 

Dude, get some new leaf springs... yours are shot and you'll appreciate the ride again. I have Dakars... they are excellent.

 

Thats the plan. They're a little expensive right now for me so I have to wait to replace them. Was just wondering if maybe the shocks would kind of help the ride