I am wanting to beef up the rear end of my 1/2 ton Chevy. As I see it - I basically have 3 options:

1. Adding leafs

2. Helper springs

3. Air bags

Does anybody have experience or advice on doing this sort of thing?


Thanks

BTJ88
Air bags are the only way to go. I used them on a
Z71 , when not hauling a load use small amount
of air for a nice ride then air them up when needed.
My 2 cents

I have done airbags but they are expensive. They did kick major azz!!!

I also know a buddy used the helper leaf springs and he really likes them

Jon

EITHER AIR BAGS OR BUY A 3/4 TON

I air bagged my Tahoe...pretty much a weekend job. The bags wern't that tough, but the compressor and related plumbing/wiring took awhile.

Much better now...less sway...I think the steering geometry really likes the normal ride height...I like the fact that I can pump em up when I really load it down...right from the driver's seat...

www.summitracing.com saved me around $100 off the local shops...

BTJ88,

I get this question every week in my store.

There are pros and cons to each choice.

The Add-A-Leaf will be the cheapest option. Pretty much a quick fix IMO. An Add-A-Leaf is actually for lifting the vehicle more then anything. You will get a slightly rougher ride with this and your truck will ALWAYS sit higher in the rear.

The Helper Springs are quite a bit more expensive then the Add-A-Leafs. With the Helper Spring you will have the towability (word?) without having to look at a raked truck all the time. You can adjust them to fit your needs with ease. Probably more suited for a towing situation then an Add-A-Leaf IMO. You can adjust the height of your truck up or down in case you are not towing also.

Air Bags are probably the best option but can be expensive. Very easy to adjust for obvious reasons. If you go with an on board Air Compressor it will make things REALLY nice. You can save money and opt to air them up at the station or with a compressor. Probably rated about the same as a Helper Spring for heavy towing. If your a do it yourselfer you could get into the Air Bags for a reasonable price and install them yourself.

Ease of installation......Helper will be the easiest. I would say the Air Bags and Add-A-Leaf would be a tie IMO.

PM me if you want to ask me anymore questions. I can give you some pricing ideas if you want to compare to prices in your area.


Good luck

Buck
#183

I justhad a leaf added to the rear of my Z71 1/2 ton. It did give it a slightly firmer ride but not bad at all. It made a HUGE difference when towing! The increased rake of the truck is negligable in my opinion. You can always adjust the front height of the truck by turning the tie rods I believe. A friend did it to his 2500HD so that it sat and rode level. I left mine alone. I don't know if this helps, but for the me the adding of one leaf to the rear was adequate.

Good luck.

Shane

All I have to say is AIRBAGS with an on-board compressor and dash mounted controls.

Nothing else even comes close!!!!!

Airbags are the way to go. Send a PM to OutlawMark from this board. He can get them for you through the shop he manages. Outlaw Motorsports, owned by 'Skater" (Mark House) of this board also.

That's funny, didn't buck183 just make a post saying he could get them??????




Buck
#183