What Holds the Rubber Springs in Place on the Timbren Kit # TGMRCK25D on a 2012 Chevy Duramax

Question:

I have a 2012 D Max Crew short box 4x4. I was going to buy Firestones until i seen these.When i hitch my 5th on my truck s about 1 1/2 inch .what will it with these installed? Our Palomino 5er weighs 12200.

asked by: Larry L

Expert Reply:

The Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement system that you referenced # TGMRCK25D, is intended to replace the factory installed bump stops on your truck.

These Timbrens are confirmed as a fit for a 2012 Chevy Silverado Pickup 2500 or 3500 and fit both the 2 wheel drive and the 4 wheel drive versions of this truck.

This style of Timbrens will install directly in the current bump stop cup and is held in by compression. There is no hardware that is needed to install these Timbrens on your truck. I have included a video of a similar style of Timbrens being installed on a 2011 Suburban so that you can see the process of installation.

There is a bolt that is on the top of this Timbren system, but it holds the two components of this Timbren system together. This kit is shipped pre-assembled and ready to install on your truck. I have included a diagram that shows the components of this Timbren system for your reference.

According to my technical contact at Timbren with this kit installed on your truck there will be approximately 1/2 inch of clearance between the base of the Timbren and the axle. This set of Timbrens are rated to provide vehicle suspension assistance for up to an additional 8,600 pounds. The additional support that the Timbrens provide is not a linear scale, but a progressive scale.

Timbrens are specifically designed to work when the rear suspension of your truck is under a load, either while hauling a trailer or a heavy load in the bed of your truck. When the springs are compressed is causes them to collapse along the folds, and that increases the resistance and stiffens the suspension keeping the vehicle level. When under a load the Timbren system will improve ride quality, handling, and reduce vehicle sag. This is what would be the case when your truck is hooked up to your 12,200 pound trailer.

I have included a video of a slightly different style of Timbrens installed on a 2010 Silverado and at about the 55 second mark you can see the vehicle suspension riding without a load in the truck. Then the truck is placed under a load and the Timbrens are compressed and in use.

Please note that using a Timbren system will not increase your trucks overall weight carrying capacity.

Depending on the current fifth wheel installation kit that you have on your truck, a Firestone vehicle suspension system might interfere with the mounting brackets of the fifth wheel. So, the better choice is to use the Timbren system.

I have included a link to this product, the installation instructions, and several helpful articles for your reference.