Upgrading leaf springs

[Fryedbm]

Tell me what you know. Is it easy? I'm a WAAAAY beginner. Tips,tricks,ECT......
What is the load limit on factory leafs?
Do I need to order anything besides the leafs? Bushings,bolts,ECT??

 

[Fryedbm]

Just found this. Does this mean I can put 2500 pounds in my bed? That does not seen correct....

 

[Dirtman]

Does this mean I can put 2500 pounds in my bed? That does not seen correct....

No... Not even a little bit.

The rating is A. What it takes to flatten the spring to the point you have NO suspension, and B. cargo weight is not static, meaning when you hit a bump with 1,000 pounds in the bed the force of that 1,000 pounds coming back down is significantly increased. The springs have to handle that dynamic force which is much greater than the load itself.

 

[Dirtman]

What are you trying to accomplish? Simply gain a bit more hauling capacity? Increasing the spring rate will make the truck ride HORRIBLE. If you're current springs are still in good shape and you just wanna be able to haul a bit more look into getting an air helper kit this way you don't effect the ride quality when the truck is empty.

 

[Fryedbm]

No... Not even a little bit.

The rating is A. What it takes to flatten the spring to the point you have NO suspension, and B cargo weight is not static, meaning when you hit a bump with 1,000 pounds in the bed the force of that 1,000 pounds coming back down is significantly increased. The springs have to handle that dynamic force which is much greater than the load itself.

I knew that didn't seem right. Lol. Glad you got a kick out of that.

 

[Fryedbm]

What are you trying to accomplish? Simply gain a bit more hauling capacity? Increasing the spring rate will make the truck ride HORRIBLE. If you're current springs are still in good shape and you just wanna be able to haul a bit more look into getting an air helper kit this way you don't effect the ride quality when the truck is empty.

Yes. I have a business and days like today when I had 800 pounds in my bed plus hauling a lil 5x8 trailer with about 500 pounds in that was just a lil too much. So tell me about this other option.....

 

[Dirtman]

Something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CFO08Q/?tag=959media-20

There are cheaper versions, "universal kits" go for like $150 but some fab work to make them fit properly is usually required. or you could use air shocks.

 

[Fryedbm]

Something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CFO08Q/?tag=959media-20

There are cheaper versions, or you could use air shocks.

Is this something I can install myself?

 

[Dirtman]

Is this something I can install myself?

The kit I posted is a direct fit, bolts on. If you can change a control arm you can install that kit.

 

[Fryedbm]

The kit I posted is a direct fit, bolts on. If you can change a control arm you can install that kit.

I have never done it.....but I will be doing it this weekend. Thanx bro!!!

 

[Fryedbm]

The kit I posted is a direct fit, bolts on. If you can change a control arm you can install that kit.

That one you sent is a good quality one?

 

[Dirtman]

Yea the one I posted is made by Air Lift which is one of the better companies out there and they've been in business forever. I had a similar setup on my 92 S10 and it worked great.

 

[sgtsandman]

Changing leaf springs is a real project. Dirtman’s recommendation is probably a better choice for you as far as one being new working on vehicles.

When I did mine, there was a lot of cussing and I’m not new to that kind of work.

 

[Fryedbm]

Changing leaf springs is a real project. Dirtman’s recommendation is probably a better choice for you as far as one being new working on vehicles.

When I did mine, there was a lot of cussing and I’m not new to that kind of work.

 

[Fryedbm]

Already ordered. Thanx!!