I own a 97 f-250HD that has a 4/1 rear leaf spring suspension, when i looked at the pad measurements its the smallest capacity spring they used on this model, being 2490lb. My truck is the 7.5 liter engine,4x4, crew cab, short bed. My question is if I was to put a 5/1 or 6/1 leaf system on this truck would the ride be softer when Im running down the road empty? I know that it would stiffen considerably with a load but Im mostly concerned about empty load considering thats mostly what the truck sees.

 

Unless your going to make it a F-150 its going to ride hard. I have a 6800 GVWR f-250 and it rides like a rock.... I live by, "load it or leave it." I have a Camry for when I don't need a truck.

 

I hate to thread hijack, but how did you come upon the information that your leaf springs were small? I wasnt aware there were any measurement specs on these springs, I mcurious as to which ones mine has. My f350 is sitting on its overload springs and I was about to start looking for replacements, any information on what you already know about spring ratings would be helpful. But, to answer your question, adding leafs will stiffen the ride considerably, especially empty. They put in a smaller spring set because you have a short bed. Unless you are planning on towing a fifth wheel or filling that bed to the brim with rock, I would probably stick with the size of leafs it already has. The more leafs it has, the more stiff it will be. Especially empty. Trust me, I know, I haul loads of all sizes all the time in my bed and I tow because I use my trucks for a living. If you are looking for less stiff of a ride, I would buy a f150!

 

Exactly. It will ride "rougher" with added leaves, especially unloaded.