Rear spaces to level out during towing

[wchevron]

Originally install a 1.5" front spacer kit to level out my JT couple of years ago. Now I find myself with a car trailer and car I'm towing 5-6 times a summer. I think total between the car and trailer is 4300lbs. Noticed the rear end drops which forces the front end up. Drives fine but at night my headlights must be right in drivers eyes because I get multiple people flashing their high beams at me. Wondering if I put a 3/4" or 1" spacer in the rear it would help level the truck out a little bit when towing?

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[Main Line Willys]

I think you would be a good candidate for rear airbags.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Originally install a 1.5" front spacer kit to level out my JT couple of years ago. Now I find myself with a car trailer and car I'm towing 5-6 times a summer. I think total between the car and trailer is 4300lbs. Noticed the rear end drops which forces the front end up. Drives fine but at night my headlights must be right in drivers eyes because I get multiple people flashing their high beams at me. Wondering if I put a 3/4" or 1" spacer in the rear it would help level the truck out a little bit when towing?

Your best solution would be air bags, they make to fit inside your stock coil springs. You might raise the necessity of upgrading the rear and ultimately front shocks, to help control the extra weight.

 

[WK2JT]

How much are you willing to spend?

There are the less expensive airbags you pump up yourself that basically create friction and in a way increase the spring rate.

Then there is the Accuair rear only air suspension. Expensive, but it adds on-board air and will always remain constant by automatically adjusting the air pressure for the load. It can be lowered to aid in loading and hitching. Did I mention expensive?

You could use a lift spacer like you mentioned, but then you’re back to a rake in the truck when you’re not towing.

 

[Pips_the_JT]

Rear airbags will help you out. Firestone has a kit for about $120. Here's a previous thread about them: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/airbags-firestone-vs-airlift.52197/

 

[wchevron]

Airbags look like just the ticket. I see on Amazon the AirLift are only $116. Since I only need them when towing 5-6x a year, even if I manually inflate/deflate in between uses, that would be fine. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[wchevron]

Quick question. Looking at the old thread you posted and another, seems like you roll up the bags like a hot dog and slide them into the springs. Looking at the Airlift 60830 for the JT, there look like 1" or so spacers? Do those need to be installed?

 

[RudeJeepin]

If it's the same trailer all the time you could just get a weight distribution hitch setup. That would help take some weight off the rear axle and force it on to the front axle as well as the trailer.

I've used both airbag and WDH on various rigs and trailers and honestly I'd do the hitch system over airbags.

My opinion is...bags for various payload changes...WDH for trailer loads.

 

[Pliny]

Timbren SES

Have the Timbren SES on our JTR since the trailer I tow can't take a weight distributing hitch. They are essentially rubber overload springs.

 

[Mjolnir]

You could always just take the spacers out of the front and that will alleviate your issue while towing.

Putting more spacers on will just undo what you did originally (which I personally don't find worth doing). There is stock rake for this exact reason.

So either spend the money for airbags in the rear or take out the spacers in the front.

 

[audibahn]

Quick question. Looking at the old thread you posted and another, seems like you roll up the bags like a hot dog and slide them into the springs. Looking at the Airlift 60830 for the JT, there look like 1" or so spacers? Do those need to be installed?

I just installed the same set of bags on my truck for similar reasons. You can fold them and squeeze them between the coils without needing to remove the suspension. I warmed up the bags with hot water to make them more pliable. It helps to jack up the rear by the frame to give you more space. The spacers go on top of the bags.

 

[MTB58]

If it's the same trailer all the time you could just get a weight distribution hitch setup. That would help take some weight off the rear axle and force it on to the front axle as well as the trailer.

I've used both airbag and WDH on various rigs and trailers and honestly I'd do the hitch system over airbags.

My opinion is...bags for various payload changes...WDH for trailer loads.

I'm with rudejeeping. WDH definitely.

 

[Janster]

Take the spacers out of the front……. And see where you’re at….

 

[wchevron]

Ended up going with the air bags. Towed the car this weekend. Inflated to 30 psi. Truck was almost level. Bags worked great. Before, over some bumps, the front end felt like it was wandering a bit, now it feels like normal.
I couldn't get the airbags rolled up tight enough to zip tie and slide into the springs so just dropped the rear end and pulled the springs. Think it took about 2 hrs total, from grabbing all the tools needed from the basement to putting all the tools away. Pretty easy install.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

I recommend you deflate those air bags a little. You’re getting close to the maximum pressure of 35psi. A little sag when hooked up to your loaded trailer is okay.

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