GMC Rear Springs Wore Out

[FLtravelers]

We've been dragging our 38 foot Monty around for the last 5+ years. We travel a lot - over 100,000 miles. Lots of bumpy roads.

The GMC's rear springs are wore out and its rear is starting to sag. In fact, the Monty's landing gear are now only 5 inches off the ground when towing. We can hardly exit a gas station without them scrapping. We sheared two pins this past year. The leaf springs now have a slight negative arc when hooked up.

I'm wondering if a lift kit is the best way to go, or... Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks - Steve

[rmthelen]

I installed a set of Timbren overloads and problem solved

[Tom S.]

A lift kit? NO! Lift kits for the rear aren't springs, they are merely blocks that mount between the springs and axle housing. While that will lift the rear end, it won't do anything to help the root cause, your springs. You should either get new ones built by a spring shop or buy some used ones from a wrecking yard. Since you have a 3/4 ton truck, you might look for a set off of a 1 ton of the same year. They will fit and while they won't legally change your carrying capacity, they will physically change/enhance it. A spring shop will be able to do that too. Either one should make the springs last longer.

[jcurtis934]

Unless you plan to kill the monte at the same time as the 2500...I think it's time to invest in a 3500 tv that will outlast the monte (smile on face). John

[tweber502]

I have the Firestone bags installed on our 2004.5 and inflate to 45-50psi. This brings the truck back to original ride height and also makes for a much more comfortable ride while towing the 3400RL. Tim


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[Rondo]

I'm with Tom! If you are going to put new springs on your 3/4 ton and be keeping it as your TV, I'd invest in the two additional springs and that is what the difference between the 3/4 ton and the 1 ton is, at least in the way of the spring differences. The 3500 has a little heavier breaking system than the 3/4 ton but those two are basically the difference. I thought about putting the two extra springs under my old TV but since it had nearly 100K miles on it, I went with a new one. At least that's what I'm claiming and I'm sticking to that no matter what the DW says!

[mlh]

I agree with Tom. New 3500 springs and new shocks all around. Problem solved.
Lynwood

[kdeiss]

Go to a good Spring Shop have those leaf spring replaced and ask to have the extra leaf added like the 1 ton.(3500)

[davidaf]

Before I bought my new Truck I had the same conversation with my Truck Camper dealer (4500lb + of payload). He said to call Deaver Springs http://www.deaverspring.com/ tell them what you are carrying and they'll come up with the perfect match. I sold the truck and upgraded prior to calling Deaver but I trust that dealer's opinion.

[sambam]

Another vote for new springs, or boneyard leftovers. 1-Ton if you can find them for your truck.

[1retired06]

Agree, invest in new springs

[jlb27537]

Just put air bags on it. You can adjust them so the truck is level.

[rohrmann]

If those springs have lost their arc due to metal fatigue, they may be getting close to breaking. If they carried the load of the 5th wheel originally, and now it's sagging, the springs need to be replaced. This is a real safety issue that needs more than a bandaid.

[commish]

Yes and now it is time you get a bigger truck...

[FLtravelers]

Thanks for all the great responses. The truck has over 175,000 miles on it, so I'm hesitant to spend the money to put new springs on it. A new truck would be great, but DW is getting tired of full-timing. I guess I'm just looking for a band-aid until we figure out what we're going to do. Love this forum!