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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:19:16 PM EDT
A buddy of mine has a Chevy Tahoe that he uses to pull a trailer weighing close to the max pulling capability. The Tahoe gets pretty low once the trailer is hooked up. He was told that replacing the factory "tow-package shocks" with air shocks was the answer.
What say you . . . . 
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:27:00 PM EDT
[#1]
Air shocks are for 70's stink bug looking cars
Air bags are the way to go for trucks |
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:31:06 PM EDT
[#2]
Air Shocks? not the best idea, sure they will (can) level the vehicle but they won't increase the spring rate - which is what you're looking for here.
Air Spring Bags might be what was recommended. Alot of American 'Luxury' cars (Lincolns, Cadillacs, etc) use them as they allow a nice soft spring rate for a Old Folks sorta ride, but also allow the car to maintain a safe ground clearance as the passenger load increases. When they where first introduced they had some issues, but its well sorted technology by now. Any decent RV / Towing place should be able to hook you up with a system in an afternoon. |
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:35:26 PM EDT
[#3]
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:36:01 PM EDT
[#4]
Air bags?
WTF, he's not lowering it. He needs a add-a-leaf kit and progressive shocks. This will add one more leaf spring in each corner in the rear finally making it tow worthy and the progressive shocks will be stronger when they're at "idle" compaired to stock and they will be able to deal with the dips/bumps MUCH better then standard shocks. Keep in mind that when he's not towing, it's going to be a stiffer ride, but the trade-off should be worth it. This is one of the main reasons why chevy trucks drive so much nicer on the road compaired to say a Ford, the stock setup is not so much for utility. |
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:39:43 PM EDT
[#5]
Air bags are great, just remember to deflate before putting vehicle on a lift or they can tear.
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:40:46 PM EDT
[#6]
add a leaf is the way to go. stay away from the shitty ride of after market air shocks.
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:47:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Just make sure that the Tahoe has LEAF springs to begin with! We have a '01 1/2 ton Suburban, and it has coil springs in the back. REALLY sucks for trailering. Bout the only "add a leaf" for coil-sprung Tahoes/Yukons/Suburbans is made by Hellwig, and is just ONE leaf that bolts on. It works, sort of. Rear leaf spring suspension is the best way to tow, and unfortunately, GM "soccer-mommed" the damn 1/2 ton Burbs/Tahoes/Yukons. 
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:51:40 PM EDT
[#8]
Gloftoe, they make an airbag that inserts inside the coil.
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:51:42 PM EDT
[#9]
Thanks.
The intent here is to not have the rear of the vehicle so low, once the trailer is hooked up. The intent is also not to "bottom out" at every dip. He is not looking to convert his Tahoe into some gangsta ride, just to improve trailer pulling performance . . . Any other thoughts???? |
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:53:45 PM EDT
[#10]
Yep, they do. But the talk turned to "add a leaf" systems. Hence the Hellwig link. |
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Posted: 8/25/2004 3:59:58 PM EDT
[#11]
you know not of what you speak Load Leveling Air Springs Add a leafs will jack up the suspension and make a harsh ride when not fully loaded Air bags you just adjust the pressure to conditions. You think theres a reason semis use Air bags? Do they do it so they can "lay frame" ? no. Do they do it for the best ride and load carying ability. YES got a light load - lower air pressure same ride height same ride quality Heavy load higher air pressure same ride height same ride quality |
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Posted: 8/25/2004 4:18:32 PM EDT
[#12]
True, but I gave it my best. I didn't realize kits like these were affordable for light trucks. On my chevy, after 100K it needs an add-a-leaf anyways to the point it actually puts the rear just slighty above stock and made it tow worthy. Good shocks can go a long ways, and if he's looking at replacing the shocks anyways, he might as well go the better shock route. I guess one thing we all agree on is that air shocks are not the way to go.  |
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