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F350 top overload spring modification

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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 01:23 PM
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F350 top overload spring modification

I've seen pictures of this done so I decided to try it myself. I usually carry about 1000# of tools on the truck and during the winter I have a 2300# concrete block I keep in it for traction while plowing. I got tired if the rear end sag so I decided to see if I could use the top overload spring to take up some of the sag. The mod isn't done yet but this is the mockup. I also have a few steel plates to use to engage the overload sooner











 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 03:32 PM
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For the 2" blocks done. I went for a drive and I can say although the truck rides a little rougher it handles much better. Overall I am very happy with this mod. I can't wait to get some weight in the truck to see how it acts

 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 03:34 PM
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there's also a leaf under the stack that is an overload leaf (you can see it at the 2 oclock o clock position in your photo)...you can put a 1" u channel in there...I used the u channel they sell at home depot used for electircal load bracing since it has holes that line up with shackle clamps.
 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 04:47 PM
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On my 04 F350 I replaced that ridiculously soft overload spring with a overload spring from a dually F350. Not only is the dually overload thicker but it stays 3" the full length not cut narrower at the ends like the stock 250/350 overload. After I installed mine I never sagged that far yet to engage it because I installed a custom bent add a a leaf and a the bottom overload was changed in favor of a thicker one from a dually also.....

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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 04:58 PM
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I never looked at a dually overload spring but on my 08 the spring stays 3" the full length. I usually have to have a 1000# in the bed to engage the overload spring and my winter weight will drop me 3". Ill be curious to see how the drop will be effected now that an additional spring engages earlier
 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 05:15 PM
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On my dad's 2000 F350 and my 2004 F350 the spring is only slightly thick at the very center and then tapers down to 1/8" at the ends BUT it also tapers in from the side at the ends also..... When I did my rear spring "upgrade" I stood on my stock overload ( I only weigh 180) one foot on each end and just bounce and I made the springs ends hit my garage floor, I then did the same with the dually overload and it never budged! I'll have to take a few pictures tomorrow of the stock overload and the dually ones just to show yas how different they actually are

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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 05:44 PM
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This spring stays consistent width and thickness and does take a good amount of weight from what I've seem in the truck squatting. I've thought about looming for a heavier overload or just adding a second one but I haven't had the need yet. Ill try and load my cement block back in to take some measurements. There is a sheet of ice leading to where my hoist is so I'm not sure if I can get to it or not any time soon
 
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Old Mar 5, 2014 | 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by speakerfritz
there's also a leaf under the stack that is an overload leaf (you can see it at the 2 oclock o clock position in your photo)...you can put a 1" u channel in there...I used the u channel they sell at home depot used for electircal load bracing since it has holes that line up with shackle clamps.

Do you have any pictures of this? I think I get what your saying I just want to be sure
 
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Old Mar 5, 2014 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by nojoke327
Do you have any pictures of this? I think I get what your saying I just want to be sure
I can take a pic tonight....pm me your email...not able to post pictures on this forum and I don't use picaso and related websites
 
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Old Mar 5, 2014 | 04:50 PM
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Have a look at this link on how to post images.
They can be hosted on FTE so you don't need
to use an outside service.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...he-forums.html


Sean
 
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 10:11 AM
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this is what a dually overload looks like




and one of how thick it is



and this is the bottom overload speaker was talking about, i removed the stock SRW one and adde4d a dually bottom overload which is thicker also. So now when/if my springs sag from weight the bottom overload will hold them up better than before

 
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 11:03 AM
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Thanks for the picts. The 08 springs are definitely different
 
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 05:39 PM
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Not that you're looking to spend money but I was asked to be a tester for this product.

StableLoad - Lowest Cost, Most Effective Suspension Upgrade Available

They engage that lower overload sooner. I think they are a good product. The only downside is metal on metal contact causing squeaking. At least for me. But that thick lower overload can probably take more weight before deflecting. I thought the upper overloads were more for stabilization when having a truck bed camper??
 
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by MDSuperDuty
Not that you're looking to spend money but I was asked to be a tester for this product.

StableLoad - Lowest Cost, Most Effective Suspension Upgrade Available

They engage that lower overload sooner. I think they are a good product. The only downside is metal on metal contact causing squeaking. At least for me. But that thick lower overload can probably take more weight before deflecting. I thought the upper overloads were more for stabilization when having a truck bed camper??
I looked into their application guide and was unable to find a part # that would fit a 14 F350 GAS Extcab SRW 8' bed.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 07:40 PM
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From: monroe ct
Originally Posted by MDSuperDuty
Not that you're looking to spend money but I was asked to be a tester for this product.

StableLoad - Lowest Cost, Most Effective Suspension Upgrade Available

They engage that lower overload sooner. I think they are a good product. The only downside is metal on metal contact causing squeaking. At least for me. But that thick lower overload can probably take more weight before deflecting. I thought the upper overloads were more for stabilization when having a truck bed camper??
I have looked at their products and they are actually where I got my idea from originally. Then I looked around and saw people had made what I did so I figured I'd I've it a shot. I like that their bottom kit can be disengaged. I may invest in their bottom kit this year to take more of the weight I have in the winter or for when I'm towing or hauling heavy stuff. Thanks for the feedback though I appreciate it
 
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