Can Air Bag Helper Springs be Used to Raise and Lower the Ride Height of a 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500

Question:

I have a 2017 4X4 2500 HD chevy, I need to lower the rear end 2 to 3 inches so my fifth wheel will have proper clearance between bed and trailer. I would like to put the air bags on to keep truck level. will this kit #F2709 still work once you install the shackles?

asked by: Kenneth K

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would do is make sure that you have both the hitch and the pin box on the trailer adjusted for optimum trailer/truck clearance. Adjusting the hitch height upward and the pin box downward will raise the front of the trailer. The opposite will lower the front of the trailer.

If you have done that and still can't get 5 to 6 inches clearance between the bed sides and the trailer overhang with the trailer level then we can look at other options. If you were to lower the rear end of the truck then the hitch would also be lower. Also, the air bag kits are for stock suspension set ups. If you lowered the truck then the air bags that are available would not fit.

Another option is to raise the height of the trailer at the back so that the front will have to be higher (by raising the hitch and/or lowering the pin box). To do this you may be able to use over/under conversion kits. If you do think raising the trailer in the back is the way to go then you may be able to use an over/under conversion kit if:

The trailer leaf spring stack is currently mounted under the axles
The trailer uses double-eye springs
And the trailer has 2-3/8 inch or 3 inch diameter round axles

For a 2-3/8 inch round axle use # K71-384-00 and for a 3 inch diameter axle use # K71-385-00.

If you cannot use an over/under conversion kit then the only other way to raise the height of the trailer is to have the old suspension hangers cut off and new, taller ones welded on by a qualified professional welder. I have included a link to the hanger main page for you.