Sumo Springs Upgrade

[#1Bama]

Moderator Note: The original post by the OP had two separate upgrades in one post. I've taken the liberty of splitting them up as one is suspension (this one) and the other is a camera upgrade (so it belongs in a different channel). The non-applicable text in each has been deleted, but all the text is the OP's original words (with some minor word change for flow). -Howard

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This post is for anyone interested in adding sumo springs.
To preface this, I am 55 years old and have retired once already from law enforcement but I am working full time at another agency to get a second pension. I have done a lot of mechanical work on my vehicles over the years and home repairs too. If I can do it myself and have the time, I will to save a buck.

The sumos took about an hour to install and that included reading the instructions, setting up the camper, install, and lowering camper back down. Super easy. Just make sure you keep the spring part loose enough while tightening the bracket bolt. It needs to move a little to seat the jaws onto the springpack top plate. I had to use one spacer and I found that I have Dexter axles (at least one thing not made by Lippert).

I hope this helps anyone else having doubts about doing this upgrade. If this old man can do it, so can you.

[iborders19]

Thanks for the info, we are looking at adding Sumo Springs to our 2023 2500RL. Have you noticed an improvement in ride quality? Thanks for your service, my wife and I are also active law enforcement and looking forward to retirement.

[Wileykid]

I added Sumo springs last month to my trailer. Wasn't difficult, other than lifting the frame high enough to install. First trip is in May, so we will see how they do.

[TucsonJim]

I too considered Sumo Springs on my trailer. But a word of caution to anyone considering this modification. According to their fitment chart, the gap between the frame and the top plate must be between 5.3 and 6.55 inches. On my trailer, the gap was 4.5". I contacted the manufacturer, and their response was:

"From the measurement you provided the Trailer SumoSprings will be compressed a lot more than we would like to see so it may be a non fit for your application". They advised that you "perform this measurement with the trailer sitting level and fully loaded."

So make sure you measure before purchasing. It may be a real hassle to return them if you try to install them and they aren't a correct fit.

Jim

[COReflection]

There is another alternative to consider.....I tried the Timbrens on my last GMC and didn't like them and assumed the ride would be similar with the Sumo Springs for my Reflection. For the camper....I went with the Comfort Ride shocks instead. I took my rig for a stroll the other day after installing the shocks and was amazed at the ride change. They take a bit longer to install than the Sumo Springs but they are a great alternative with lots of adjustments to fit the different rigs.

[Cate&Rob]

Sumo springs and Comfort Ride shocks are completely different animals. The sumos carry weight and dampen motion somewhat. The shocks are strictly dampers and cannot carry any weight except momentarily while they are contracting or extending. Properly installed and preloaded sumos will raise ride height slightly. Shocks should not change ride height.

TucsonJim I am surprised that sumos would not fit your suspension. I don't have the numbers with me but sumos fit my suspension perfectly with one supplied spacer ring. I do have the taller Correct Track Hangers which might be the difference.

Rob

[TucsonJim]

Sumo springs and Comfort Ride shocks are completely different animals. The sumos carry weight and dampen motion somewhat. The shocks are strictly dampers and cannot carry any weight except momentarily while they are contracting or extending. Properly installed and preloaded sumos will raise ride height slightly. Shocks should not change ride height.

TucsonJim I am surprised that sumos would not fit your suspension. I don't have the numbers with me but sumos fit my suspension perfectly with one supplied spacer ring. I do have the taller Correct Track Hangers which might be the difference.

Rob

I'll bet the difference is the hangers for sure. Mine are much shorter. But I'm not complaining. Less lateral stress is a good thing.

Jim

[COReflection]

Sumo springs and Comfort Ride shocks are completely different animals. The sumos carry weight and dampen motion somewhat. The shocks are strictly dampers and cannot carry any weight except momentarily while they are contracting or extending. Properly installed and preloaded sumos will raise ride height slightly. Shocks should not change ride height.

TucsonJim I am surprised that sumos would not fit your suspension. I don't have the numbers with me but sumos fit my suspension perfectly with one supplied spacer ring. I do have the taller Correct Track Hangers which might be the difference.

Rob

That is totally true. I didn't realize people were trying to augment their leaf spring capacity to carry additional weight. I do not have that requirement for sure. My goal was to dampen and cushion my ride a bit and reduce the transference of that into the truck.