First post need Rear Spring advice
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Joined: Jun 2003
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First post need Rear Spring advice
I have a 2000 Explorer V8 AWD and have just got a different trailer. It is a little heavier than the trailer I was borrowing. I'm towing a 97 Mustang about 3000 lbs + 1500 trailer lbs.
What kind of help can I get for the rear springs? I've seen posts on air springs and other spring helpers. What are you guys using? I like the air spring idea since I can remove the air when I'm not towing.
What kind of help can I get for the rear springs? I've seen posts on air springs and other spring helpers. What are you guys using? I like the air spring idea since I can remove the air when I'm not towing.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
First post need Rear Spring advice
Don't know the tow rating on your truck but suspect it is marginal for the load you have. Check your manual and or the door sticker.
Adding airbags etc will not technically raise your tow rating. The tow rating is based upon a lot of things, tires, wheels, springs, axle bearings, differential, tranny, engine, frame, cooling, brakes etc. Airbags only bandaid the spring issue. Maybe you will be OK, maybe not, I bet Ford won't guarantee it unless your are within rating.
Assuming that you are within rating, you could try air bags or you might go with a equalizing or weight distributing hitch. That will have better results as far as spring loading on your truck. You can also add sway bars to a equalizer which could be handy with your load.
I have not tried them but I hear AirBag brand is pretty good if you do want to go with that method anyway.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Adding airbags etc will not technically raise your tow rating. The tow rating is based upon a lot of things, tires, wheels, springs, axle bearings, differential, tranny, engine, frame, cooling, brakes etc. Airbags only bandaid the spring issue. Maybe you will be OK, maybe not, I bet Ford won't guarantee it unless your are within rating.
Assuming that you are within rating, you could try air bags or you might go with a equalizing or weight distributing hitch. That will have better results as far as spring loading on your truck. You can also add sway bars to a equalizer which could be handy with your load.
I have not tried them but I hear AirBag brand is pretty good if you do want to go with that method anyway.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 380
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From: Illinois
First post need Rear Spring advice
I installed a set of Helwig adjustable helpers on my '99 and went from about a 3" sag with the trailer attached to less than an inch. No more bouncing on those rough roads eaither!
They worked great and are a piece of cake to install and to adjust. I actually left them on all the time and just loosened them for everyday driveing.
If I was still using the Explorer to tow, I could throw them back on in about 5min... wife wants them out of the laundry room anyway. Best $100 I spend in a long time!
They worked great and are a piece of cake to install and to adjust. I actually left them on all the time and just loosened them for everyday driveing.
If I was still using the Explorer to tow, I could throw them back on in about 5min... wife wants them out of the laundry room anyway. Best $100 I spend in a long time!
