Question About Timbren Bump Stops

[richp]

Has anyone here added the 8000# Timbren rear bump stops to their late model Duramax, and if so, what thoughts do you have about their effect on towing and daily driving?

[More Power]

First glance... Not a good choice for a bumper-pull trailer hitch load because of the frame bending leverage that could result. Otherwise, barring a humongous 5th-wheel type load, just a rough/jarring ride might occur if the bump stops come into play often. If it's hardly ever a factor, then...

Simply curiosity - Why do truck owners consider a product like this? Are they simply airbags without the air? Soft and squishy or hard rubber?

[richp]

Hi Jim,

My fiver puts something like 2,500# on the pin, so it qualifies as a candidate.

If I interpret the installation instructions properly, the Timbrens sit about 1-1.5 inches off the bottom pad, so normal ride characteristics are maintained when not under load. As the load increases, the larger, taller Timbren bump stop finally engages progressively, and begins to take load that otherwise would be sagging the rear springs and lightening the front suspension.

The asserted advantages of simplicity in installation and transparency of operation appeal to me. -- no compressor to install, no lines to run, lower cost, etc.

I've already towed my fiver about 5,000 miles in stock trim. When I start a trip, I do notice the front end is a bit lighter. So this could remedy that, although so far it hasn't been a major concern. Just looking for a bit of improvement at a reasonable cost, and trying to decide if this a way to achieve that.

Hang in there and stay well.

[joed]

Rich,

I've had Timbrens on the rear of my 06 2500hd since 2009 (when I bought it). I think they are great and work as advertised. As you state, when empty they don't contact the axle so ride quality is not affected. When loaded, the heavier the load, the more support they provide. Basically they 'self adjust'. I mainly tow a 5th wheel that has about a 2k tongue weight but have towed a heavier gooseneck as well. They definitely give the truck a more stable feel. Unless you really need to customize the amount of extra support each side gets, I don't see the advantage to a more complex air bag system. Hope that helps. Joe.

[richp]

Thanks Joe. That's the kind of direct experience I was hoping to tap into.

Rich

[richp]

Well I talked to Timbren today about the vertical dimension of the product, in comparison to the available space on my truck.

The key to retaining ride quality with low loads is the space between the bottom of their bump stop and the plate it engages when the suspension compresses.

I've got more than their minimum, so I decided to go ahead with the purchase. I'll report in the future how well they work. But it will be a while before I work them under heavy load, since the trailer won't be going out again this season.

[a5150nut]

I have them on my 2006 K3500. They were on there when I bought the truck with 17500 miles on it in 2014. Towing my Fifth wheel from CA to TN i was running 23,500 GCVW. Rode good and i get complements how well it ride empty. It also has Bielstien shocks.

[EdHale]

I have Timbrens on my truck. They were installed when it was new by me and that was 14 years and 212,000 miles ago. The ride is normal without my 5th wheel and great with my 5th wheel. No issues with Timbrens at all. I definitely would install them again.

[richp]

Wanting to beat incoming wet, cold weather, I installed the Timbrens the other day -- it was just about as easy as their video made it look. It actually took more time to fiddle around and figure an angle that worked to pry the stock bumpers out, lying flat on my back on the driveway, than it did to install the new ones.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to check out towing performance until next spring, but local unloaded ride is unchanged.