Of bump stops, leaf springs, shocks, and lifts

Questions from a Newbie.

1. I just got a shell put on my truck and plan to roll with bikes and camping gear soon. Right now, with my two kids, dog, and wife I am wondering if I am hitting my bump stops when I go over speed bumps. There is a new sound that I haven't heard before, almost like I am hearing a bushing clank or something?

2. I am resigned to getting new leaf springs soonish. I don't want to alter the ride too much or lift the truck more than an inch or so (~2.54 cm hosers). Any recommendations? The OME set up sounds great but seems like more lift than I want.

3. If I upgrade the leafs am I going to need to get new shocks?

4. Does lifting your truck, in and of itself, drop your mileage or is it the bigger tires that many switch to that drops your mileage?

TLDR; I want to solve my leaf spring issue without changing the appearance or performance of my truck too much. What is a cost effective solution?

Cheers

 

^ thanks.

Just read through some posts regarding lifting and it looks like it opens a can of worms with respect to driveline vibrations.

Perhaps there is an easier solution to this problem without having to add any lift to the truck?

Any help appreciated. I certainly don't need to lift her. Just want to find a solution to the leaf spring prob.

 

The superbumps or the timbrens should soften the bump...if you're hitting your bumps
I wouldn't be too worried about driveline vibes with a 1" rear lift.
My suggestion, since youll have some weight in the rear, get an add a leaf for 1" lift and superbumps and you should be golden. With the weight youll be carrying that 1" lift will probably settle to near stock height

 

Aight. Sounds great. Any recs from where/who to get the add a leaf from?

Thanks for your time

 

I just got a pair of

$105 Hellwig 550 EZ-550 Helper Spring Kit

Hellwig 550 EZ level helpers. I wasn't interested in any lifting, but wanted to get rid of the sagging rear end. I have a camper shell and another 200 to 300lbs. They are like a half spring which bolt to the leaf springs behind the rear axle. Cost me $53.95 with shipping. Very easy install, load rating is 550lbs. Helps a lot with the 25mph vibration. So far I'm very satisfied with my purchase, perfect for my needs.

 

Wheelers off road should have everything you need.

 

Thanks

 

GTOJim, how did the Hellwig level helpers work out for you? I know this is an old thread but I'm trying to research before buying anything. Thanks, Ty
@GTOJim

 

A new noise that is a clank from the rear end could indicate a broken leaf that hasn't worked itself out of the ubolt yet.