Truck sagging in the rear when towing? Passing cars flash their brights? Find it hard to steer or stop with a trailer hooked up? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, odds are you're in need of handling help.
KONI's new line of adjustable performance shock absorbers improve handling and ride quality on two- and four-wheel-drive SUVs and pickups. Plus, their rebound damping adjustment makes towing easier by increasing overall vehicle stability, minimizing sway and bouncing, and reducing driver fatigue. Only KONI uses all three shock- absorber designs (mono-tube high-pressure gas, twin-tube low-pressure gas, and twin-tube hydraulic) to optimize performance and longevity for each particular vehicle's suspension needs. KONI, Dept. TTOL0212, 1961 A International Way, Hebron, KY 41048; 859/586-4100; www.koni-na.com.
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Another way to keep the front end down, increase vehicle stability, and reduce suspension fatigue is with a set of Firestone Ride-Rite air helper springs for rear leaf-spring suspensions. These airbags help level off-center loads in bed or cargo area, both front-to-rear and side-to-side. Firestone's heavy-duty Ride-Rite kits are designed for loads ranging from 3200 to 5000 lb, but the company cautions to not exceed a truck's GVWR. Firestone Industrial Products, Dept. TTOL0212, 12650 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032; 800/247-4337; www.firestoneindustrial.com.
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Trucks are a handful for towing and driving enthusiastically. Amtech's RollGard Suspension Stabilizer System has been designed to dramatically improve handling and reduce body lean, which the company says lowers the chance of a rollover on SUVs, pickups, and vans. The innovative counter spring system increases stability for trailer towing and in side-winds and provides a smoother ride through abrupt dips. RollGard is easy to install in as little as 15 minutes and it fits a variety of trucks with a leaf-spring rear suspension. Amtech Corp., Dept. TTOL0212, 3120 Venture, Las Vegas, NV 89101; 888/880-8949; www.amtechsprings.com.
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If your 1/2-ton pickup or SUV has rear coil springs, these springs from Hellwig Suspension Accessories will help level the truck while towing or hauling a heavy load. The Coil Spring Helper provides an additional load-leveling capacity of 1000 lb and increased spring rate when necessary for more control. The springs are available for such vehicles as the Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, and Denali. Hellwig Suspension Accessories, Dept. TTOL0212, 16237 Ave. 296, Visalia, CA 93292; 800/367-5480; www.hellwigproducts.com.
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Amazingly enough, virtually all pickups and SUVs come with rubber suspension bushings and mounts--even though soft rubber bushings allow suspension to deflect, contributing to understeer and wheel hop. Rubber bushings also wear out quickly from stress and exposure to under-vehicle fluids and chemicals, causing sloppy suspension response, a lack of stability, and road wander. By replacing soft rubber suspension bushings and mounts with Energy Suspension's firmer and more durable polyurethane components, you can experience a serious improvement in handling and control without affecting ride quality. For towing applications, Energy Suspension recommends its anti-roll bar bushings and end links, leaf spring bushings, and body mounts. Energy Suspension, Dept. TTOL0212, 1131 Via Callejon, San Clemente, CA 92673; 949/361-3935; www.energysuspension.com.
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Want to lower a 1-ton dualie substantially and still be able to tow? Benefit from the advantages of an integrated bolt-on four-link rear suspension with AirBar HD from Air Ride Technologies. The AirBar HD system lowers 1-ton GM dualies 14 in. and lowers Ford and Dodge dualies as much as 11 in. Plus, it delivers improved handling and retains a smooth ride for passengers and content without compromising OEM-suggested load or towing capacities. There's no welding required, and all mounting hardware is engineered to not only maintain safe ground clearances, but preserve critical driveline angles and offer room for a wide range of tire and wheel combinations. Air Ride Technologies, Dept. TTOL0212, 350 S. St. Charles St., Jasper, IN 47546; 812/482-2932; www.ridetech.com.
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