Lvling kit and payload

[MerryBerry]

Hi guys, not sure I'm on the right forum to ask for this so feel free to redirect me towards the right place if this isn't it.

I'm looking to augment the payload capacity on my ranger. It's a 2006 4.0l V6 4x4 crew cab, manual transmission. Max payload should be 1,260 lbs. I've been reading about some suspension upgrades, like the Hellwig duty helper springs. I'm wondering if you guys had any suggestions of a good product for me. I want to put a small diy camper on it and need the payload to be higher. I'm also looking to increase my ground clearance since I'm using this truck for everything, from everyday transportation to trails to camping and going to my hunting grounds. I'm wondering if I'd be better off with a leveling kit or a lifting kit.

I haven't done any mods to my truck yet so I'm still a newbie it this whole area. Hopefully some of you can guide me to the right products to get my hands on.

Cheers

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Legally your payload is written in stone.

You can add things to make it handle that weight better but there is no way change it.

 

[RonD]

First look at the drivers door label, take a picture of it

It will have a GVWR, gross vehicle weight rating, thats the most weight that can be on the 4 tires
The 2006 Ranger 4x4 supercab will weight about 3,600lbs(curb weight) , subtract that from GVWR
What you have is the Load weight, including passengers and cargo

The axle rating is 2,750lbs, empty bed with frame and transferred weight from front should be about 1,200lbs on the axle now
That gives you about 1,500lbs, so not much more than 1,260lbs

 

[sgtsandman]

You could do like I did and install heavier rated springs. I started with 1,250# springs when I bought the truck and upgraded to 1,750# springs. Another option is helper springs. Either way, like mentioned above, it doesn't change the legal load rating of the truck. It will just let your truck handle the rated load better.

To protect the forum and it's owner, we can't say much more than that. Promoting or encouraging something that breaks the law and/or regulations put both in jeopardy of liability. So, we have to tread carefully on what we say.

Changing the springs, even if you stick with the factory ones, can open a can of worms since you will need to replace the u-bolts (one time use) and more than likely the bolts that attach the springs to the hangers as well since they will be very likely to be stuck in the bushings of the springs. You may also have to also replace the rear shackle and the bolt that attaches it to the rear hanger.

Adding a helper spring may be more user friendly, depending on the design. Several bolt right on to the existing spring and nothing else gets touched.

There are pluses and minuses to both approaches. I first had helper springs but they tended to squeak and performance wasn't as good as when I did a complete spring swap.

It is possible to build a camper and stay within factory load limits. You will have to be very judicious when it comes to weight when doing it. There are also campers out there that will fit the Ranger and stay within it's load rating. Not many but they are out there. And don't forget to factor in the weight of your camping gear and what not. Not just the weight of the camper. Also, try to keep the weight as low as possible in the camper. The higher the center of gravity is, the more it's going to make the truck lean and sway. Especially if you plan to off road.

Good luck in whatever direction you decide to go.