Any one have any ideas on how to get some solid rear shocks for the back of the truck. Welding?? Aftermarket??? How much help is it to have the ass end stay up when pulling?? :grd:

Any one have any ideas on how to get some solid rear shocks for the back of the truck. Welding?? Aftermarket??? How much help is it to have the ass end stay up when pulling?? :grd:



I've seen many people try this and it usually causes more problems. Most times if they are lucky, the shock mounts will just bust off, but when they are not, the frame cracks (older chevy's 73-87 were know for this even with "stock" shocks). The problem is the springs still flex a little as the "solid shock" becomes a pivot arm. I would block the rearend before trying to use a solid shock....just my opinion though.

They way i did it in my 1/2 ton pickup was to take off the bump stops and measure the distane between the frame and axle. Then take some square pipe and wield flat stock on each end. Then drill two holes in one end, so it mounts were the bump stop was. That way it's pretty easy to remove and install them. Worked great.

I need this setup on my 2003 Duramax, though!! Is it something that has benefit? Of course this is on the rear axle only.

Your profile doesn't say where you're from, but if you're thinking about coming to western PA or Eastern OH, solid shocks are outlawed by a couple of the organizations.

What My05 is referring to are called "suspension blocks" by most pulling organizations. Most around here require 1" or 2" of suspension travel, and you can use blocks, but not anything that will restrict the 1" or 2" of travel.

Spring clamps and traction bars are generally accepted, but it depends on the class. There are some "box stock" classes that don't let you use any suspension mods.

Check with your local pulling outifts and get a copy of the rules before doing anything. It's not worth cheating IMHO.

I have a really sweet set up on my truck. Timbren over loads. They replace the bumpstops and when the truck sits down about 1 inch it stops. It rides like stock on the street and I have had as much as 6000 lbs in the bed and the truck still sat level.
http://www.timbren.com/

Good luck.

Block it to the rule limit, ours is 2".

Shock mounts are not strong enough to hold the weight. You will eventually (or immediately) break the mounts.

What about the Airbags? They'd have a little cushion and be useful for more than just pulling. I'm guessing here.

airbags will tend to bounce. You could fill them with water and the shut a valve.

Many pulls will not allow air bags. Go with an adjustable set of suspension blocks.