Look For Key Signs That It’s Time To Upgrade Your Suspension
If you have been wondering lately how you are supposed to know if you need to upgrade your suspension, this article will try to answer the following 3 questions:
- Is it time to upgrade your suspension?
- What’s the best way to upgrade your suspension?
- What are the benefits of using a Timbren SES upgrade kit?
Is it time to upgrade your suspension?
Notevery truck that rolls off the assembly line has a suspension that can meet the demands of its owner. Have you noticed that your truck isn’t performing as well as it used to? Here are three situations you need to be made aware of:
- Sometimes problems with your suspension stem from hauling an oversized load that exceeds the GVWR set by the manufacturer. Installing a set of helper springs isn’t going to solve this kind of problem. Before you load up your truck, it’s best to think about your truck’s maximum weight capacity and make sure you stay within those parameters.
- Sometimes you have suspension components that are either damaged or broken. Adding a helper spring isn’t going to cut it. What’s broken needs to be fixed! (Am I stating the obvious?)
- Sometimes your suspension needs extra help. That’s what helper springs are for. Whether you’ve got a front suspension that squats beneath the weight of a snowplow or a sagging rear suspension laboring under the additional stress of a slide-in camper, helper springs can have a positive impact on the truck’s overall performance.
How do you know you need a set of helper springs? Here’s how:
- You’re getting a lot of body roll and sway
Ask yourself this question: “Does it feel ‘safe’ when I’m hauling a heavy load?” In other words, look at how your truck responds to the road. Do you find yourself 'white-knuckling’ it on corners because your truck is leaning too much?
- Your rear truck suspension is squatting too much
Ask yourself this question: “Does the hitch on my pickup line up properly with the tongue on the trailer?” If your headlights are pointing up into the ‘eyes’ of oncoming traffic, that’s a good indication that your suspension needs a set of helper springs.
- Your steering feels "loose"
Ask yourself this question: “Does it feel like I’m driving a boat?” If the rear suspension of your pickup is frequently bottoming out, that’s a good indication that you need a set of helper springs.
What’s the best way to upgrade your suspension?
Upgrades? We’re not talking about suspension conversions, i.e., a vehicle that has been raised or lowered. The best upgrade for your suspension would be a set of helper springs.
Okay. What is a helper spring? A helper spring is an auxiliary spring designed to assist the primary suspension system. It does not override the primary suspension at all.
Furthermore, what are the different types of helper springs for light-duty trucks? Well, there are basically three types:
- Steel helpers are extra leaf springs used in conjunction with the factory spring pack.
- Air springs are inflatable rubber bladders placed between the OE springs and the frame.
- Rubber springs usually replace the factory bump stops to help support the added weight.
Rubber springs made by Timbren are your best bet. They’re guaranteed to give you the biggest bang for your buck.
What are the benefits of using a Timbren SES kit?
- Simple & easy DIY installation: Most of the 450 SES kits are designed for light-duty pickups and, with the proper tools, take less than 30 minutes to install. Some of them don’t require any tools. Simple and easy.
- Zero maintenancerequired: Once it’s installed, a Timbren SES kit adjusts automatically to the weight of the truck. Once the springs are installed, you’ll probably forget that they’re there.
- Lifetime warranty: Everything included in the SES kit is under warranty for as long as you own the vehicle.
- Customer satisfaction guarantee: Each kit comes with a money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied and wish to return the product, ask a CSR for a return authorization along with proper instructions.
- Roll & sway significantly reduced: Timbren SES kits offer the best combination of smoothness and maximum stability. You will notice how they have reduced your stress when you realize you are no longer ‘white knuckling’ it, especially on corners.
- Suspension sag & squat eliminated: There’s no better way to protect your suspension than to install a Timbren Suspension Enhancement System. There will be less wear and tear when the load is level.
- Increased vehicle safety for towing & hauling: If stability has been restored, your ability to navigate safely is increased 100 percent.
If your truck is experiencing a lot of body roll and sway or too much rear-end squat, it’s time to upgrade the suspension. Rubber spring helpers will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Easy-to-install Timbren SES upgrades are hollow rubber springs that combine smoothness and stability. For more information check out our Timbren SES kits.
