Here is what might pass as a write-up on the Timbren install. Silver had asked about it for other 1/2 ton members. Sorry, but I do not have before pics of the install. As a reminder this is for a 1/2 ton Chevy, others may be similiar.
These mount in the location of the stock bump-stops. Once mounted there is supposed to be about a 1 inch space from the bottom of the Timbren to the top of the axle tube. Here are the main parts of the gizmo:
The 15mm nut is in the exact same location of the mounting nut for the stock bump-stops. A few quick turns, and the bump-stop is out. The rubber Timbren is hollow and has an opening on the bottom side which contains the bolt that must be held during installation. Timbren recommends raising the truck on one side untill all weight is off that side, this is simply so you can get a ratchet with a long extension up in the Timbren, and it not interfere with the axle tube. As you hold the bolt from inside the Timbren, just tighten the nut up top--done! It really is that easy.
Next, here you can see how the Timbren just barely touches the top of the axle tube with the camper in the bed. This should be optimum, and help prevent that thud you might get with a space between it and the top of teh axle tube.
Here are a couple of pics of the stock bump-stops. As you can see they are nothing special, and they came right out with a wrench.
That's pretty much it, about a 20 min job. Unloaded I felt no difference in ride at all. Loaded, I have to say I was very happy. I really did not know what to expect with the handling as this is our first TC, but my apprehension was gone after a few miles. I paid $185 locally, but have seen them around $155 online, some charge shipping some don't, I went for convenience. Well there you have it, not much tech but maybe it shows just how easy it is.
B-n-B wrote: Once mounted there is supposed to be about a 1 inch space from the bottom of the Timbren to the top of the axle tube.
Next, here you can see how the Timbren just barely touches the top of the axle tube with the camper in the bed.
Thanks for the description and pictures. From the above sentences, I conclude that you have a 1 inch rear end sag with the camper loaded. Is that right?
What is your opinion about how troublesome it would be to install the Timbrens just before loading the camper, and remove just after unloading?
Also, would it be possible to space the Timbrens so that they just touch the axles unloaded (right before loading)? Or would that just negate the springs?
I'm asking because I'd use my camper once per year for 2 - 3 months, otherwise unloaded, and I'd like to find a way to level the truck when loaded without air bags. Maybe not possible.
Nice Pictures - I wish I would of been that thoughtful. I just put mine on a 2005 Ram 1500 last week - very similar and simple install also. I'm looking forward to seeing how they work this summer.
2007 Chevy Cobalt (Gas Saver!)
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 POWER WAGON, 4x4, Hemi, 4.56's
2005 Dutchman Lite 27B
My Timbrens don't touch the axle at all when the camper is off the truck (about 1/2" gap).
Timbren recommends the bushings sit 1" off the axle when they're unloaded.
B-n-B wrote: Once mounted there is supposed to be about a 1 inch space from the bottom of the Timbren to the top of the axle tube.
Next, here you can see how the Timbren just barely touches the top of the axle tube with the camper in the bed.
Thanks for the description and pictures. From the above sentences, I conclude that you have a 1 inch rear end sag with the camper loaded. Is that right?
What is your opinion about how troublesome it would be to install the Timbrens just before loading the camper, and remove just after unloading?
Also, would it be possible to space the Timbrens so that they just touch the axles unloaded (right before loading)? Or would that just negate the springs?
I'm asking because I'd use my camper once per year for 2 - 3 months, otherwise unloaded, and I'd like to find a way to level the truck when loaded without air bags. Maybe not possible.
Thanks.
Well, since they do not touch when you are unloaded, and might only make contact occasionally during normal street driving, I think it would just be best to leave them on all the time. As far as getting them to touch all the time, I'm sure you could add some sort of spacer of your own design to take up the 3/4 to 1 inch space, and then go from there to help level. I don't think it would be an acceptable ride unloaded. Even though Timbrens are a single piece suspension component, and are still progressive in their "spring rate", they seem to get into their overload range rather quickly. Put simply, they would make for a harsh ride in an unloaded situation.
I thought about making a spacer for mine that I could slide in before loading but I found that my truck sat almost level with the camper on and loaded for a trip and actually sits a little high in the back empty. The Timbrens are a simple solution, I have had them on the my last two trucks.
Had overload air shocks on the previous truck till they started leaking on a trip. Had to stop every hour or so to pump them up or the back would really sag. Put on Timbrens and just left the old shocks on till the shock part wore out.
Offline
