My 2003 TLC has 130k and sees mild off road trails with a lot of camping trips with our family of 4. The ever increasing amount of gear we need results in the rear sagging quite a bit when cargo area is loaded along with a hitch cargo carrier. I'm considering air lift bags or upgrading to OME springs but thought I'd ask if anyone has simply replaced with OEM rear springs to help with load leveling? I'm not sure if a new pair of OEM springs would help much to be worth it.
New OEM rear springs - worth it?
- Thread starter 2003TLC
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I've looked at the question myself due to too much squat while towing. I came to three conclusion from reading MUD posts: 1) that replacing the OEM springs would help; they do get saggy; 2) OME springs would be overkill for my needs because I don't want any extra lift; and 3) the best solution for what I'm doing is Airlift bags in my current springs. The bags are sitting on my workbench awaiting a day when it's not -12F windchill to be installed (so that I can heat the garage to something above freezing).
cboyd
GOLD Star
In my 2006 I did new OME 864 springs with Timbrens for those times when I'm towing. The 864 will handle the camping load for sure. I have them for when I have the third row seating in with a car load and and the stuff that goes along.
I am all for OEM parts if possible, but several months ago when pricing shocks, bushings etc, I asked local dealer for price of OEM springs - it was more expensive than OME springs. I am planning to get OME 866. My springs are a bit tired at 213K miles.
guerasfj60
SILVER Star
Did you replace with OEM?
Any feedback would be appreciated
Any feedback would be appreciated
I was in the exact situation and i put in the heavy load OME springs. It lifted the rear end about 1.5 inches and it still fits in the garage. I load it up with gear for camping/climbing and sometimes carry a cargo hitch tray with coolers/water/wood. No issues now. I couldn't be happier.
I had pretty nasty sag and the rear was uneven on our 04 LC w/ 125k miles at the time. I replaced with new OEM springs which got me about 3/4" lift, very close to level and bit better ride.
I then followed that up a few months later with air bags and they are awesome. I keep 5-7 psi in them and they really improved the trucks handling and feel. I tried to avoid heavier springs as I drive around unloaded in near stock form daily. If I had more permanent weight in the rear I'd have gone heavier springs.
I then followed that up a few months later with air bags and they are awesome. I keep 5-7 psi in them and they really improved the trucks handling and feel. I tried to avoid heavier springs as I drive around unloaded in near stock form daily. If I had more permanent weight in the rear I'd have gone heavier springs.
I'm empty every day as well and the ride is excellent with the OME's. Better than my brother in law and his AHC!
Good to hear! I had seen some posts of unloaded LC being a bit too stiff with some of the lighter OME options. I'll definitely keep that option open for the future then. OME springs are much less $$$ than the OEM springs.
