Tow package?

[Nemies]

When I got my '99, I hardly knew anything about what I was doing and was basically winging it when I got all the options. I'm fairly sure I got the tow package, but I've been seeing something on other 4x4s that I'm wondering about, and "tow package" is the only thing I could imagine causing this difference.



Looking at the truck from behind, I can clearly see my diff. On some other 4x4s (and others? maybe I only notice on the 4x4s), there is thick metal arm attached on either side of the diff. I imagine its a stabilizer of some sort? It's vey obvious.



Anyway:



What is this thing?

Why doesn't my truck have it?

Should I get one? (Or rather, do I need it?)

 

[tcourse]

I ordered everything I could get on my 98. 5, but I did not get the sway bar either. I think it goes with the camper package, not sure. Maybe it wasn't available on 98. 5. Is it an easy add on?



TC

 

[ftb87]

I believe its the camper package... extra springs and anti-sway bar.



Frank

 

[MoparDave]

Camper package it is, sway bar and extra leaf spring

 

[Nemies]

camper!

Dang, no, I don't think I have that.



Was it an option on the '99s? Should I get it (can I get it?) if I expect to do camper towing?

 

[The Sequel]

You don't need it for towing. It is more designed for hauling a slide in camper. As you put so much more weight in the bed, you have the extra leaf spring and sway bar. If you want it, get it, but it is not necessary.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

If you decide you need a sway-bar, it would be better to get one aftermarket. The dealer price with all of the hardware is around $400.

 

[RedRam1]

Does the camper pkg contain an additional leaf in the spring pack, in addition to the overload springs?

 

[seafood]

I have that package on my 01. 5, didn't need it but stock inventory was low and I didn't want leather. I tow a 6,000lb boat but dont have a camper. It sure makes the back end stiff when going over bumbs.

 

[Shooter]

Get the sway bar at the junk yard.



The " xtra " spring is an overload spring/ It has it's own spring saddles and does not come into play untill the main sprig pac is about 60 - 70% loaded, then the ( 2leaf on 2k & down ) ol contact the ol sping sddles and adds capacity to the main pac thus reducing the back end of the truck dragging the bumber on the ground, maintains ride height, ( aka does not look like a light loaded Chebby dragging it's butt ).