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Rear Suspension - BEEFIER For HAULING & TOWING

gwraalstad

SM 2022
PM 2020
Full Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2020
Messages
15
I have a 2009 LS and I'm looking for some recommendations on beefing up my rear suspension. I don't necessarily want a lift kit but I do wand to stiffen up the rear suspension for hauling/pulling trailers. I'm leaning toward a stiffer spring or spring assisted shocks.
 
First welcome to the website!
Do you plan to tow a lot and are you considering exceeding the recommended towing limits in the owner's manual or on the hitch?
If you are coming close to maximum designed weight limits you would likely benefit from other upgrades too such as brakes, drivetrain etc.
You may want to spend some time reading older threads about towing so see what others have done such as using a weight distribution hitch setup in addition to airbags.
Not suspension related but many members have improved towing performance by adding a Magnussen supercharger too.
Good luck and hope you have many happy and safe miles in your AV.
 
Best bang for the buck Up grade your sway bar links front and rear. Along what Vaeagleave said.
 
Thanks for the info. Here is what I've been able to find.
CargoMaxx has two types of springs that can replace the existing springs and are the same height as the original. The 351-897HD will give you an extra 35% hauling capacity (475lbs) and the 351-897XHD will give you an additional 70% hauling capacity (950lbs). Another option is Bump Stops. The GMRYS4 has a compression ratio of up to 6000 lbs. I'm leaning toward the Bump Stops because they hang above the axle anywhere from 1/2 to 1 1/2 above the axle and only take effect when a load compresses the springs. The vehicle will you your normal factory ride in non-hauling/towing operations. Best buy for the above components is at - sdtrucksprings.com.
 
FYI:
No matter what mod you do... by Law you cannot exceed the GVWR, axle ratings & tire ratings (listed on driver door sticker.
 
And to add to the above. If you’re ever in an accident with your trailer being above the towing capacity, you can kiss goodbye your insurance paying for anything!
 
This is not my first rodeo. I have a Black Angus cattle ranch and haul/tow all the time with my two F150's and F350. I have heavy duty springs on them not so I can carry/haul more than the rated vehicle capacity it is because I have found that with the stiffer springs it gives me better control in emergency situations. Especially when the trailer gets squirrelly or you loose a tire on it. I travel between Oklahoma and Florida about 5 times a year and I usually drag a trailer behind my Avalanche (250K+miles on it) for equipment purchases. Some times I get close to the GVWR. With these idiots on the road I have had a few hairy calls. So I want to beef up the suspension so the trailer does not push me around as much in such situations. ygmn, I'll bet that you put your turn signal on when you turn even if there is not another car around to see it. Because the law says you have to. My wife keeps harping to me about not doing it all the time. I keep telling her I'm trying to extend the life of my turn signals.
 
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