leaf springs

[Randy2]

I have a Ford F-350 7.3 diesel with single tires and leaf springs all around. I was wondering how much more payload an add-a-leaf would add to the 1 ton orignal weight limit, or any other ways to beef up my suspension. Any info or advice would be great. Thanks guys

 

[edj856]

It depends on the helper spring. Most helper springs will still tell you not to load past the original GVWR. They are intended to help the truck springs carry the load, not add weight carrying capacity. If you are going to add helper springs and load past the original GVWR, you have to watch that you don't overload your tires or axle.

 

[Chuck Heck]

I have a 2001 F-350, I used Timbren "load levelers" on it and I really like them! They are installed in place of your small "bottoming" bumper on the frame, over the axle. With about 1" gap, they do not affect the empty ride, but work great with normal load on them. Again, be sure not to overload your truck!

 

[Orangefever]

like chuck said the timbren kit is the way to go Had a 02 dodge I hauled cars with pulling a 53ft trailer the first time I put a ford ranger on top the trailer the truck bottomed out installed the kit and I put 4 mini vans on and she was still sittin pretty cost about 300 for both but it's well worth it if you can find out I still have mine and would sell them if they would work on your truck (150and there yours)

 

[On_the_road_again]

(quoted from post at 07:57:23 04/10/09) I have a Ford F-350 7.3 diesel with single tires and leaf springs all around. I was wondering how much more payload an add-a-leaf would add to the 1 ton orignal weight limit, or any other ways to beef up my suspension. Any info or advice would be great. Thanks guys

Randy I took my F350 to a spring shop and had them re-arch my leaf springs and add two leafs to each side on my Ford F-350 dually.
It cost me about $450 and is a permanent solution if you will be hauling a trailer with your truck.
A good spring shop can advise you how many leaf springs to add on your truck if you need them.
They can also check your suspension and advise you what you need.
I brought my trailer loaded with my truck so they could check it out under actual loaded conditions.
Good luck

 

[CbarJ in MO]

every truck I have owned I have installed air bags, usually ride-rite. I love them. air them up when you need to, and let them out when you want a smooth ride.

 

[mattofvinings]

In the original post a "1 ton weight limit" was noted...this isn't necessarily the case. I would look at the Gross Axle Capacities to get closer to your payload...and also look at the specs for brand new trucks of the same style/size for a reality check (just because the specs are usually online and easier to access). Usually there will be a "payload" capacity for a pickup truck.

In my own case a DRW Chevrolet 1 ton pickup has a rear axle capacity in the range of 5000 lbs. I put a 3500 lb Monarch lathe in the bed one time with no fuss or muss on a trip of about 80 miles and also towing a bumper-pull trailer of ~4000 lbs.

As above...the tires play a very important part in this...they should be Load Range E radials, and there is some base-weight of the pickup truck itself.