How to increase load capacity?

[Billgrieve]

So I have a 2009 Mazda B4000 (Ford Ranger) I load my bigger then normal atv (2005 Can-am Outlander Max XT) It’s 94 inches long and weights 646 pounds..My truck squats in the rear pretty bad ..Wondering how I can make the rear springs stiffer .(Cheapest way) I have a friend that owns a auto scrap yard..I was thinking I could take the springs from some other vehicle that could handle more weight or even add a extra leaf spring to my truck from some other vehicle ? Any suggestions ? Thanks

 

[fastpakr]

I'm running springs out of an '01 Sport Trac. Never checked the load rating, but they're significantly stronger and taller than the ones I removed (to the point that I pulled out the factory lift blocks and got rid of them). If you're 4wd, that's a good option. Airbags might be a good way to go as well.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I've used Hellwig overload springs in the past... cheap... simple to install and pretty effective.

 

[Curious Hound]

An overload spring would help. Basically a flat leaf added to the bottom of the stack so that when the regular leafs flatten out under load, they contact the overload leaf and it helps with heavier loads. Doesn’t affect normal ride quality. Airbags are another good solution.

 

[Billgrieve]

I'm running springs out of an '01 Sport Trac. Never checked the load rating, but they're significantly stronger and taller than the ones I removed (to the point that I pulled out the factory lift blocks and got rid of them). If you're 4wd, that's a good option. Airbags might be a good way to go as well.
View attachment 28433

Yes my truck is 4x4 air bags would be nice but I’m a poor man lol ..Did the springs from the sport track line up or did you have to do some messing around to get them bolted in ? Thanks

 

[fastpakr]

They bolted right in.

 

[Billgrieve]

They bolted right in.

So the 2001 sport trac have a load capacity of 1500 lb and my truck has load capacity of 1260 lb ..Thats a pretty good increase ..This might be the way I’m going to go ..I will post back and let you know if I do it just depends on how much the springs will cost me with my buddy

 

[Uncle Gump]

I also think in 08 Ford lowered the ride height by removing the block in the rear. I think it was 4 inches.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I have had good luck with those shock coil overs. Easy to install and 40 bucks for a set last time i bought some. That was 10+ years ago so they are pry more now

 

[fastpakr]

Rusty - got a link to what you're referring to?

 

[Ranger850]

I also think in 08 Ford lowered the ride height by removing the block in the rear. I think it was 4 inches.

You talkin Ranger or Sport Trac?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Ranger

 

[Shran]

I have coilover/load leveler shocks in both my Silverado at work and my 92 Explorer...really like them. Much easier than swapping leaf springs.

Side note, I gained 2" of lift in the rear of my Explorer with those shocks. Crazy.

 

[don4331]

The right answer is get a trailer. Solve the problem, not the symptoms.

At ~650 lbs, the issue isn't really weight, Rangers (B4000s) are rated for 1,250 lbs. 'course that gets reduced by options, passengers, etc before you get to actual payload. But you should still be fine.

Your issue is the quad @ ~8' long has rear wheels on lowered tailgate, so all its center of mass is behind the rear wheels. So, in addition to quad's weight, you are lifting weight off the front wheels which make the perceived squat worse than it really is. And means you don't have weight on front wheels for turning/stopping.

So, adding stronger springs really isn't solving your issue. You need to get quad's center of mass further forward on truck i.e. Ramps in truck bed, to lift quad's from wheels to point where tailgate can be closed, If tailgate can be closed quad's center of mass is directly over rear axle (more/less).

<My solution is 7' bed on my SuperCab, but that is rather drastic fix.>

 

[Billgrieve]

I have a set of coil overloads that I love, go between axle & frame. Clamp to axle, circle bumpstop. On a 4wd they don’t contact the frame when truck is empty so you have a “stock” ride. On a 2wd they do contact and compress about a inch when empty. I’ve not noticed a harsher ride because of it. I’d stay away from springs that go over the shocks. I’ve had a stock shock mount (top) break off before. I’ll try to find a pic of my spring setup. They are rated at 2500 pounds, paid 50 (I think) at autozone.

I loo

The right answer is get a trailer. Solve the problem, not the symptoms.

At ~650 lbs, the issue isn't really weight, Rangers (B4000s) are rated for 1,250 lbs. 'course that gets reduced by options, passengers, etc before you get to actual payload. But you should still be fine.

Your issue is the quad @ ~8' long has rear wheels on lowered tailgate, so all its center of mass is behind the rear wheels. So, in addition to quad's weight, you are lifting weight off the front wheels which make the perceived squat worse than it really is. And means you don't have weight on front wheels for turning/stopping.

So, adding stronger springs really isn't solving your issue. You need to get quad's center of mass further forward on truck i.e. Ramps in truck bed, to lift quad's from wheels to point where tailgate can be closed, If tailgate can be closed quad's center of mass is directly over rear axle (more/less).

<My solution is 7' bed on my SuperCab, but that is rather drastic fix.>

You are exactly right..I’m going try backing the atv in and see if that helps at all ..