Comparing Air Springs And Jounce Springs For A 2022 Chevy Silverado DRW 4x4

Question

Question:

My truck rides really rough will an airbag system help with that or is it just for an overload? I have a 2022 Silverado 3500 Dually 4x4. I want the one with the remote control. which system should I purchase?

asked by: Duane R

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Duane,

Air Springs are better for leveling loads and will typically give you a rougher unloaded ride quality so these might not be the best option for your setup depending on what your intended use is. Air springs are the best option when it comes to leveling the truck back out after placing it under a load so if you're planning on hauling a variety of items in the bed or towing multiple trailers they would have the most adjustability. If you're only towing occasionally and ride comfort is the priority then a softer jounce spring can help compensate for sag and cushion the suspension for a more enjoyable ride.

For the air springs I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs # F2709. These are compatible with an in-bed 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch and are rated for up to 7,500lbs. With your payload capacity ranging from 7,145lbs to 7,442lbs these would give you more than enough capacity to fully utilize your truck.

Since these can go up to 150psi you'll need a compressor like the Firestone # F96VV (Dual Path) or # F56VV (Single Path). Single path will have both springs air up at the same rate and dual path will allow you to fill both spring separately for offset loads in the bed or together. These both come with a remote as well as a Bluetooth app that you can download to monitor the springs and activate the compressor.

If you're just looking for comfort and don't plan on hauling a variety of loads then something like the SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs # SSR-203-40-2 could be installed instead. These springs will replace the factory bump stops on your Silverado, making them compatible with in-bed hitches. They have a 3,000lb load leveling capacity to help prevent sagging and can activate independently as you turn or face strong crosswinds for more stability.

Let me know what you think and we can keep discussing options until we have the right fit for your intended use.

expert reply by: Kevin C

0

Duane

2/11/2025

Kevin, is there a softer spring package I can use to replace my factory package. Then I would use the air springs to carry the extra wieght when loaded. I tow a 46vft toy hauler fifth wheel. But, my empty ride is horrible. Not much better loaded.

Reply

Kevin C.

2/14/2025

@Duane With a toy hauler, especially at that size, an air spring setup is going to be the most effective solution since the pin weight on a toy hauler can vary a lot depending on the weight of the toys you haul around. Is this the first dually you've driven? Dually's have a much stiffer suspension because they're designed to haul a ton of weight so the unloaded ride quality will not be the same as a standard vehicle or even a lower capacity truck. If you've been hauling the trailer for a bit and sag isn't that big of an issue and you're really just trying to fix the ride quality then I would switch to the SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs # SSR-203-40-2. These would replace the factory jounce bumper and so would the air springs so you would have to decide whether you want comfort or adjustability.

Reply

Duane A.

2/14/2025

Good morning, Kevin, thanks for your reply. I have owned several Chevrolet Dually's and this one rides the worst by a long way. I purchased a 2015 K3500 4x4 new in 2015. I actually ordered the truck. It was an LTZ it rode really well for whatever reason. GM changed something on these new ones. Now this 2022 doesn't sag much but it rides like crap. You dam near need to have a kidney belt on when empty if you get on the right road. I did put Blisten shocks on it. That took a lot of the bone jarring shock out of it. Still rides rough. I do like those sumo springs and may put those on. But I don't see them helping my empty ride. I have heard of guys cutting the bottom leaf or two off. Not sure I want to do that. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Reply

Kevin C.

2/17/2025

@DuaneA GM changed the frame in 2020 for increased towing and payload capacities so there is a stiffer ride quality from the norm with 2020+ models. The two-piece SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs # SSR-203-40-2 would engage even when you're unloaded and help with the ride quality.

Reply

See All (5) Replies to Duane ∨

Answer 1

Hey Micah! Pacbrake has actually been around for a long time, more than 60 years. We have had customers ask for these air bags in the past, and we've seen them on vehicles coming in. Until now, Firestone has been the go to since their quality is…

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Answer 2

If you are considering Timbrens like the #TDR1500DQ and the SumoSprings like the #SSR-307-47 for your 2022 Ram 1500 4x4, I recommend the SumoSprings #SSR-307-47. The SumoSprings will offer the same quality as the Timbrens in terms of suspension…

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Answer 3

Hey David! As long as you don't go over the 3,000 lb capacity I recommend the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit #RAS3611-HD. The RAS is nice because it won't have a negative impact on your unloaded ride quality. It can…

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Answer 4

In regards to the SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs for a 2022 GMC Sierra 3500; part #SSR-203-40-2 for 3,000 lbs or part #SSR-203-47-2 for 5,000 lbs, I don't recommend just going with the highest rated option as it's best to be in the…

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Answer 5

Hey George, thanks for reaching out! You will need to add the 2" Spacer Kit #PB73VV Alpha HD Air Bag Suspension Kit #PB85RV if the distance from the bottom of your jounce to the top of the strike plate is more than 7-12", according to…

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Answer 6

Based on the capacities you mentioned of your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6L engine you will not be over loading as you have a towing capacity of 18500lbs and your trailer only comes in at 13500lbs max. You will likely have some squat…

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Answer 7

Hey Jeff, The best way to reduce chucking on your trailer, especially since you have a new truck and quality hitch is going to be to upgrade the trailers pin box to a cushioned or air ride pin box. Now figuring out which one works on your trailer…

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Answer 8

Thanks for the picture! I would definitely go with one of the HD kits over the 2,000 lbs RoadActive item #RAS3611 you were looking at. Which one you will need is going to depend on whether or not your 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD has the factory…

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Answer 9

The SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs are only rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit so if you'll be using the truck in temperatures below this then you may have to consider other options like the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System. The…

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Answer 10

Hey Matt! The best SumoSprings for your 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 are going to be the Rebel Custom Helper Springs item #SSR-203-40-2. These have a 3,000 lbs capacity so they'll work great with your 5th wheel trailer. The best part about these…

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Answer 11

You can remove the spindles on the torsion axles that you have and we do sell replacements but it's not just something that unbolts unfortunately. They'll have to be cut off and reinstalled by a welder that has the correct tools to install…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Comparing Air Springs And Jounce Springs For A 2022 Chevy Silverado DRW 4x4

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