TorkLift StableLoad Upper Overload Spring Spacing On A 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500

Published 10/22/2024

Question:

Hi guys! I have a 2012 3500 srw. I purchased upper and lower tork lift stable loads. Im concerned the uppers will be close to touching overload springs. Should I trim them and if so with what kind of tool? With camper loaded my rear is engaged but the front is not. Im assuming if I trim the backs the fronts should be trim to the same size so they engaged as oem would just sooner. Thanks in advance

asked by: Drake

Factory Overload Springs 1
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Factory Overload Springs 2
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Expert Reply:

Hi Drake,

What you're seeing is actually normal, the rear engages first to preload the spring and the front will start making contact once enough weight is added. If both hit at the same time you'd notice a more dramatic stiffness when loaded up. The bottom of the TorkLift StableLoad Suspension Upgrade for Upper Overload Springs # TLA7202 can be trimmed up to 5/8" but I would install them first and test them out before actually cutting anything off. Maybe only trim an 1/8" at a time with a saw and then retest.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Drake

10/22/2024

Thanks kevin! I think the back will be engaged at all times due to the thickness of the stable load even when camper is not on the truck. Ultimately I want the truck riding on overload springs when loaded and not touching when unloaded. I'll take a look at it again when I get home but unloaded I think there is only about a 1 1/2 clearance on the rear of the spring. I appreciate you getting back to me. Has anyone ever just installed front of spring upper stable load?

Kevin C.

10/22/2024

@Drake I haven't heard of anyone only installing one side but I would assume that could lead to damage to the overload spring if it's only getting pressure on one side.

Drake

10/22/2024

@KevinC that is my concern as well. I would think all 4 need to be the same. I'm thinking maybe I need to search further for blocks that aren't as thick. I also purchased the lower stable loads but my lower overloads are completely engaged as soon as the camper is loaded without alot of squat. Camper is 2500lbs dry. Just trying to optimize ride as much as possible. I think I already mentioned I have a big wig sway bar. I considered airbags but I have heard that you don't want to inflate bags and lift off the overload springs. Thoughts?

Kevin C.

10/22/2024

@Drake What I was saying is assuming you're fulling loaded up. The difference between the front and back is normal but if you just completely removed one side I think you'd eventually run into some issues since that end of the spring has nothing to flex against. Air springs will definitely affect your unloaded ride quality no matter how low you run the psi so I really only recommend them if you're needing to eliminate sag and don't care about ride quality. Personally, I prefer SumoSprings jounce springs because they can help eliminate sag without, have a soft progression, and will generally not affect your unloaded ride quality anywhere near as much as an air spring or Timbren jounce spring. These springs can also help with the side to side sway that normally comes with hauling a truck bed camper. Personally, I would go with the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs # SSR-207-47, which has a 1,500lb capacity since you already have the overload springs engaging sooner. If you feel like you're sagging a lot then you could go with the 3,000lb capacity # SSR-203-40-2 instead, but you'd notice more of a difference in your unloaded ride quality.