A friend of mine got me into his new thrift store business idea and now i am using the truck more and loading the bed with things we buy at auctions. I have a 1997 F-250 Light Duty, and I have 2 questions.

One, is there a difference between the spring pack on the trucks with load-leveling suspension and non load-leveling suspension? The previous owner of my truck just chopped out all the parts that were associated with the load-leveling system so i have no real way of fixing it.

Second, What does everyone think about the Timbren rear kit for my set up? I know this forum is sponsored by Roadmaster but with their kits and most other kits (hellwig, firestone, airlift) I am on a budget and i do not tow enough to justify $250+ for a kit.

Now if i can have enough support for other options then i might consider saving and getting something else but right now i am trying to keep under $200. Maybe later on when we can afford to buy a large trailer i might consider it but for now we just tow a small 6x8 single axle trailer.

The problem i am having is when i start loading the bed and hook up the trailer i am getting some bad sagging and i can feel the truck having issues with the load. The engine and trans are up for the task but the rear springs seem to be needing a little help.

 

It's hard to keep from going over your $200 limit no matter what you do.
I would look into air shocks as a bolt on help until you come to some other decision.
Get your load on, then air them up to level out.
Good luck.

 

I have found both the Timbren and Air Lift/Air Cell for around $160 with free shipping so i know that is an option.

I did find a Firestone bag kit but i do now know if it would be worth it. I have heard if you do not keep an eye on the bags every time you drive unloaded you could hurt the bags. My dad uses the truck when i am not using it and i know he will not be checking the bags before he takes off so i am looking for a set it and forget it type of deal.

 

Ok just got off the phone with a sales rep from SDtrucksprings and we decided that the Firestone air bag set up would be better in the long run. The only issue we found is the difference between a "y" code spring and a "4" code spring.

Can anyone tell me the difference. The door tag decoder has my springs as "Y — 5580 spring, load-leveling suspension (F-250)" while the normal F-250 as a 1-4 spring which shows up as "4 — 5560 spring (F-250)". So does that mean i have a stronger spring because of the load leveling or is it the same spring just at a higher rating because of the air bags.

 

I have had Timbren springs in two of my trucks and loved them. There when you need them, gone when you don't, with no thought or work on your part. Maintenance free. Well worth it IMHO.

 

Ok i figured it out. For anyone with an F-250 LD, F-150 7700, or anyone looking for some more pay load out of their F-150; the X and Y code spring like mine are a 3/1 leaf meaning it has 3 leaves and 1 overload leaf. The 4 code springs are 4/1 spring packs. The X spring is rated at 1415 lbs per pack where the 4 code spring is rated at 2200 lbs per spring. I am going to be ordering a set of 4 code springs and some shackles and see if i get rid of the sagging i am experiencing while carrying heavy loads.

Now mind you, i know most people will say if you carry a heavy load the springs will sag but because i do not have the load leveling the truck sags more than it is designed for. I could just add an air bag kit but for me that is just a band-aid fix to a more serious problem.