Suspension Enhancement For 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD That Wont Affect Unloaded Ride

Question:

Hey there! Curious as to the unloaded performance of these air springs? Ive read mixed reviews about how the ride is affected when fully aired down 5 psi and as we only have our Four Wheel Camper on our truck 20-40 days per year, I dont want to negatively impact ride quality for the other 300+ days/year if at all possible. I had also considered the SumoSprings, but have heard similar mixed reviews on unloaded ride quality. My suspension is, for now, fully stock. Though to further complicate things, a leveling kit may be in the future for my truck.

asked by: Chris

Helpful Expert Reply:

So there is a really good option for suspension enhancement for your 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 that won't affect the unloaded ride (and will even improve it), but the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88204 can indeed affect it. When aired down, the jounce bumpers in the springs can engage, and they are quite stiff so the ride would be the same. Instead, the much better option for your Sierra is a leaf spring enhancement kit:

- RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit # RAS4611

The # RAS4611 is an active system, which means it continually reinforces your original leaf spring suspension. So the force that would normally go to your Sierra's OEM leaf springs will instead be transferred to the RAS Enhancement Kit, allowing your OEM leaf springs to work normally.

This will help your Sierra level out instead of sagging, which will significantly improve its handling. The reason for that is, normally when your are towing or have a heavy load in your truck bed (like a camper), your factory springs flatten, causing sag, which leads to poor handling for your. The RAS # RAS4611 will actively counteract that, and since they only engage when necessary, your unloaded ride isn't going to suffer at all, and will even improve. And since it works on your leaf springs, there won't be an issue with the kit on a lifted truck, while the air bags are going to require spacers.

expert reply by: Kyle S