Rear suspension towing upgrades

[crowsnest]

2019 Lariat 4x4. Towing 4500 pound (gross) travel trailer with 6500 pound rated weight distribution hitch. When first set up the WDH the truck rode with stock rake. After a couple of month long trips the rear is definitely lower, even without the trailer. Dealer replaced one broken leaf spring back in February before the first trip. Payload in bed never more than 350 pounds. New aftermarket springs and shocks?

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[ctechbob]

Shocks won't do anything for ride height, although I usually recommend them as Ford shocks tend to be crap for towing.

I prefer the Blue Sumo springs in the rear of mine. Again, those won't pick the back end up any higher, but they will prevent it from sagging so much in the rear.

Also, if you are serious into towing, don't discount upgrading all 4 shocks. The rears make the most difference, for sure, but matching the fronts gains you a huge amount of control as well.

 

[Stic-o]

I have towed a lot with my truck. Various trailers and weights, including maxing it out. I'm still on the stock springs, but they have not sagged. Upgrading shock to a Bilstein 5100 will do wonders for stability. The Sumo springs are another great option, and I highly recommend them. Most rear spring packs will lift the rear without constant weight. So you will need to decide on that direction.

 

[ctechbob]

Upgrading shock to a Bilstein 5100 will do wonders for stability.

Or if you're not playing with ride heights, the 4600's will get you the same results and save a bit of coin. The valving is the same between the 4600's and 5100's.

 

[brroberts]

Test drove a truck. Right then knew on day one when I got my Ranger 4x2 I new blue Sumos and 4600’s would go on the rear. Got truck, drove it home, changed bump stops and shocks same day. I tow a lot. At 36K miles getting ready to put the 4600’s on the front.

 

[Chris M]

Test drove a truck. Right then knew on day one when I got my Ranger 4x2 I new blue Sumos and 4600’s would go on the rear. Got truck, drove it home, changed bump stops and shocks same day. I tow a lot. At 36K miles getting ready to put the 4600’s on the front.

Did you get those super cool Toyota bump stops?

Or did you get real ones? ?

 

[pismo1]

I think the bump stops he is talking about are the Sumos.

 

[Chris M]

I think the bump stops he is talking about are the Sumos.

Indeed.
I was making a lame joke about a recent bump stop thread.
The key word here is "lame".
?

 

[brroberts]

Unlike some, I don’t have a disdain for Taco’s. Our 2016 Corolla has 146,000 miles on it with nothing but maintenance. A Taco simply won’t tow or carry enough. There was only ONE midsize truck that met my minimums, and it was about $8K less than any full size. I also already own a ‘98 3/4 ton Chevy, and didn’t want or need another full size.

Yeah those bump stops are the aforementioned Sumos.

All of my vehicles have been pretty reliable except my 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. It had all kinds of issues, and cost me all kinds of time, frustration, and money. I will never own another Subaru. I did not find the dealers or the company helpful. Nope not ever.

As far as towing, the Ranger is great.

 

[Sojourner]

...Ford shocks tend to be crap for towing.

Another reason, I guess, why I should be pleased I went with the Tremor package for my Ranger.

 

[AZ_Stryd3r]

I tow 500# up to 7500# sailboats on trailers and 4500# TT regularly.

I installed the Bilstein's and the Loadlifter 5000# airbags. I went bags due to the ride quality unloaded is unchanged, and the bags raise the back of the truck to initial height after you hitch up. There is no impact on articulation when wheeling. Unloaded the bags with anything over 10# is a bit rough.

 

[crowsnest]

I’ve read that the Bilsteins will make for a stiffer ride. I’m not off-roading except for occasional dirt roads. In addition to the towing issue I’d like a less harsh ride.

 

[Sojourner]

I REALLY like the specialty shock showing at the rear wheel.

 

[SonoranDesertranger]

I got a set of euro spec wildtrak leaves and fox shocks on mine. Sits the same height as stock but much better ride and tows great.

 

[EJH]

I tow a 5,000 lbs GVWR travel trailer. Aftermarket shocks on all four corners (Fox 2.0) and Cooper XL rated tires have greatly increased the confidence I have towing over the squish Hankook Dynapros and FX4 suspension. I thought about the Sumo springs but don't really need them with the other updates.

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