Improving Load Carryiing of GMC HD2500

[IU Fan]

We have a 2006 HD2500 GMC with the 8.1 gas engine. It does well in towing our 2007 Mountaineer 303RLD....however, I have noticed that it is beginning to squat more than it did...we put about 12,900 miles on it this summer. Now I am wondering if I should replace the shocks and if so, with what...also should I be putting helper springs on it, air shocks or??? The 5'ver weighs just over 9500 before we load it and about 11,300 loaded. We carry 80 lbs of air pressure in rear tires of GMC and let me tell you, it still rides stiffer than I'd like but am concerned because I can tell by looking at the shocks that it is compressing them all of the way when we go over bumps, etc.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

[Ozz]

look into Timbrens

[noneck]

IU Fan, shock replacement is a good thing to do. Shocks that come on our vehicles have one direction resistance and its only on the recoil...replacement shocks from Gabriel, Monroe, Bilstein, and Rancho work in both directions.
Truck squat correction will require another solution but for this type of loading wouldn't recommend coil over nor air lift shocks. I've only followed a couple of threads on this topic here but seems majority use the airbag add on w/consideration for on board air compressor and control to make changing pressure settings easier.

[William H. Collier]

Timbrens, easy to install, cheaper and no maintance.
Bill

[exav8tr]

IUFan, I have an 05 2500 that I added an extra leaf spring to and pull a much heavier trailer. No air bags nor special shocks. Plenty of bed clearance and only about a two inch drop on springs. 80psi in rears and 70 in front when pulling. I do have the duramax/allison combo. I air down tires when not towing and it rides great. I guess many ways to do the same thing. Some folks use air bags. I tooka professional driver course in Alaska and the instructor strongly suggested air bags......

[mtheo]

Air bags are the way to go. Love the ride on mine. Just air down when not towing. I have had them on my last two truck with not a problem in 15 years. You can adjust them to the load you carry.
Mark

[Glenn and Lorraine]

We love our Firestone Ride-Rite Airbags. They remove the squat and make for a bit better ride. When not towing lower the pressure to 5 to 10#. If not lowered the truck ride will be very harsh. You can install them yourself in a few hours.

[richfaa]

We had the airbags on A previous Chevy TV after trying different kind of shocks.. the air bags worked...none of the other things did.

[Ozz]

I will go with Timbrens instead of airbags next time, if needed. Less hassle, no filling, letting air out. I had the airbags, they worked great, but Timbrens will do the job for my needs.

[Ozz]

Here: http://www.timbren.com/aeon-rubber-springs.htm

[hazmic]

I hate being a fly in the ointment but no matter what or how many springs,shocks or helpers you still have to go by what is the rear axle is rated for. If you go over the rating of the rear axle you probably will have bearing or axle components that fail.The springs,air bags or what else will make the truck ride level but not increase the load carrying capacity.

[MacDR50]

I noticed nobody suggested overload springs. Any reason why?

[Gonfishin]

Ozz, One thing to consider when going with the Timbrens is the weight of the hitch and any other added weight you carry when not towing. I have a pullrite super glide and usually have wood stacked in front of the hitch. When I had my Timbrens that put them about 1/2 inch off the spring pads, add two adults to the back seat and you basically lost all axle movement before the Timbrens would hit the spring pads, you talk about a rough ride. I removed them and went to the Ride Rite with an onboard compressor and that was the best thing I ever did. The picture below is before the Timbrens and the air bags. This was my experience yours may differ good luck with watever you decide.
Rick