Helper leaf spring question
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: PA
Helper leaf spring question
When I first started gathering parts for this truck, I purchased a Husky LP7 helper leaf kit without first doing much research. The more I read about these, the more I'm not sure it's the right fit for my application. Reviews on Amazon seem to be geared more toward classic cars and compact trucks with sagging worn-out springs. My truck appears to sit at the correct ride height when unloaded, but a very light load (2-3 people) in the bed makes it squat down. Also, if I jump up and down in the bed, the rear end bounces.
I also read a post on this forum that said these things may cause my factory leafs to break.
What I'm looking for is a way to make the rear suspension really stiff, without adding a whole lot of extra lift. I want to be able to carry a load of gravel, rocks, etc. in the bed without having the rear end drag on the ground. I do not care at all about how harsh the ride might become.
I still have the opportunity to send back the helper leaf kit, so is that what I should do? What do I need to do to get a stiff rear suspension for load handling while avoiding too much lift?
Thanks for the advice.
I also read a post on this forum that said these things may cause my factory leafs to break.
What I'm looking for is a way to make the rear suspension really stiff, without adding a whole lot of extra lift. I want to be able to carry a load of gravel, rocks, etc. in the bed without having the rear end drag on the ground. I do not care at all about how harsh the ride might become.
I still have the opportunity to send back the helper leaf kit, so is that what I should do? What do I need to do to get a stiff rear suspension for load handling while avoiding too much lift?
Thanks for the advice.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,339
Likes: 293
From: Laramie, WY
New leaf pack, like that for an F-250, but then remove your factory 2" lift block in the rear when you install the new leaves. Remember though, you have a half ton truck, a load of gravel is very, very heavy. You'll likely damage the axle or blow out a tire if you load her down like a tonner. Or worse, get into an accident and hurt someone while overloaded. My truck was sagging under light loads too though, so I know what you're saying. I bought new leaves from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard that are factory 1700lb rate but a little extra arch (2" lift over old springs). If I were you, I'd buy new leaf packs with 1700lb (ish) rate and factory arch. Fresh springs are nice. Or, buy a set of air bags.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 124
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From: PA
Thanks for the reply. Definitely do not plan to massively overload when driving on public streets. A family member of mine frequently loads an S-10 down with 1.25 tons, and his own '78 F-250 most recently weighed in with a 2.2 ton load. I will never even think about going over a ton, even with a reinforced suspension.
So this one here? Those appear to be what is currently on the truck (4-pack 1700lb). Would that be sufficient?
Rear Springs (Pair)-Broncograveyard.com
How about $100 more for the F-250 (6-pack 2977lb)? The description says "extreme duty" F-150 application.
Rear Springs, Stock (Pair)-Broncograveyard.com
Or would the 6-pack raise it too high?
When I was growing up, we had a '91 F-150 with air bags that was used for "heavy" hauling and snow plowing. That might be a worthwhile investment someday.
So this one here? Those appear to be what is currently on the truck (4-pack 1700lb). Would that be sufficient?
Rear Springs (Pair)-Broncograveyard.com
How about $100 more for the F-250 (6-pack 2977lb)? The description says "extreme duty" F-150 application.
Rear Springs, Stock (Pair)-Broncograveyard.com
Or would the 6-pack raise it too high?
When I was growing up, we had a '91 F-150 with air bags that was used for "heavy" hauling and snow plowing. That might be a worthwhile investment someday.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 558
From: Central Wisconsin
If your half ton truck isn't enough, you need a bigger truck. Taking away the soft suspension will not only make your truck ride like hell, but it will not make the rest of your truck tougher. You will almost certainly wreck the axle, blow tires, lose rims, or bend the frame overloading it more than it is rated for.
Air-Lift makes a product to go between the springs and the frame to keep the truck from squatting too much, but that will not save the rest of your truck if you overload it.
Buy a truck rated for the job. The wrong tool for the job will fail quickly.
Air-Lift makes a product to go between the springs and the frame to keep the truck from squatting too much, but that will not save the rest of your truck if you overload it.
Buy a truck rated for the job. The wrong tool for the job will fail quickly.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 124
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From: PA
Don't get me wrong - I do understand that this is "only" an F-150 and not indestructible. I posted those examples above because that's what I *don't* plan to do. I just want it to be level and stable when I do use it to haul.
I also own a 5x10 single axle trailer that I intend to tow, and I need to be able to pull my 2350lb Kia around on a dolly. I don't have a hitch yet to pull it, but simply placing the trailer tongue on the rear bumper settles the rear suspension a bit.
That F-250 I mentioned has a pack of (13x) leafs on each side. With 2.2 tons on, it doesn't settle a bit. Legal - No. Unsafe - Totally. But scale that back a bit and that's the same effect I want.
I also own a 5x10 single axle trailer that I intend to tow, and I need to be able to pull my 2350lb Kia around on a dolly. I don't have a hitch yet to pull it, but simply placing the trailer tongue on the rear bumper settles the rear suspension a bit.
That F-250 I mentioned has a pack of (13x) leafs on each side. With 2.2 tons on, it doesn't settle a bit. Legal - No. Unsafe - Totally. But scale that back a bit and that's the same effect I want.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 19
From: Central Wisconsin
The best two options are Air-Lift air bags or Timbren rubber overloads.
Suspension Enhancement System Lookup - Timbren Industries
Suspension Enhancement System Lookup - Timbren Industries
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: PA
Perfect. That's why I came to ask the experts. So I have already returned the Husky LP7 and I think what I'm going to is this:
- New F-150 1700lb stock springs from Bronco Graveyard
- Save up for the Timbren overloads. I like the idea of air bags but I don't have the time or patience to wire and plumb and mount a compressor.
For the front, I plan to go with the CC824 heavy duty front springs, a steering stabilizer, and either Gabriel/Monroe coilover shocks or the Bilsteins everyone likes. The truck already has the quad shock option and a sway bar up front, so that should help handling too.
If that combo doesn't suit my needs, then it will be time to consider moving to a heavier truck. Sound like a good plan overall?
- New F-150 1700lb stock springs from Bronco Graveyard
- Save up for the Timbren overloads. I like the idea of air bags but I don't have the time or patience to wire and plumb and mount a compressor.
For the front, I plan to go with the CC824 heavy duty front springs, a steering stabilizer, and either Gabriel/Monroe coilover shocks or the Bilsteins everyone likes. The truck already has the quad shock option and a sway bar up front, so that should help handling too.
If that combo doesn't suit my needs, then it will be time to consider moving to a heavier truck. Sound like a good plan overall?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 558
From: Central Wisconsin
The set of airbags that were in my truck had 2 schrader valves to fill them and deflate them out back by the license plate. You don't need a compressor onboard. I still think you're beefing up a truck that isn't built for the job you're asking it to do and it will lead to costly repairs elsewhere.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: PA
I will take that under advisement - and while I do see some of your point - all of the tasks I plan to do with this truck, we have been doing with a 6cyl automatic S-10 for the past few years. I've even been using my little car with a trailer to move lighter things like drywall, tires, scrap metal, etc.
I think that even in its current, tired state with 203k miles it's just as capable as an S-10 and infinitely more capable than a Kia Rio. If I was using the truck more than once a month, perhaps it would be prudent to invest in an F-250... but around here F-250 and F350 cost 3-5 times the amount to purchase, and +- $200/year for PA registration Can't justify that. The truck isn't making me money commercially, just helping with hobbies and property upkeep.
In other news, Bronco Graveyard springs were on backorder with unknown ETA so I called up ATS (the vendor on here) and will be getting the 43-695HD (6+1) and set of U-bolts from them. That worked out better since they are in PA and so am I.
For now I'm going to hold off on the air bags or any sort of overload product. Maybe I won't even need them once the new springs are installed. I'm sure there will be a big difference with just doing the springs alone.
I think that even in its current, tired state with 203k miles it's just as capable as an S-10 and infinitely more capable than a Kia Rio. If I was using the truck more than once a month, perhaps it would be prudent to invest in an F-250... but around here F-250 and F350 cost 3-5 times the amount to purchase, and +- $200/year for PA registration Can't justify that. The truck isn't making me money commercially, just helping with hobbies and property upkeep.
In other news, Bronco Graveyard springs were on backorder with unknown ETA so I called up ATS (the vendor on here) and will be getting the 43-695HD (6+1) and set of U-bolts from them. That worked out better since they are in PA and so am I.
For now I'm going to hold off on the air bags or any sort of overload product. Maybe I won't even need them once the new springs are installed. I'm sure there will be a big difference with just doing the springs alone.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
Sounds like you've got a good plan to replace the springs and then see if anything else is needed. But if you do decide you need more I'll cast another vote for air springs. I had a set of Firestone Ride-Rites on my '95 F-150 and they made a huge difference in that truck's ability to safely handle loads near its max rating. And like GNR22, I didn't have any special plumbing system, just a pair of Schrader valves (I strongly suggest one valve per side, and not plumbing them together). You can pick up a cheap plug-into-the-cigarette-lighter air compressors to give you the ability to inflate them when you're at the lumber yard.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: PA
Cool! The truck we had when I was growing up had an on-board compressor so that's the only thing I had ever experienced.
I think the 6+1 rear leaf springs along with the 6-ply LT tires should make a huge improvement. Even placing the ladder rack on the bed made the factory springs settle, and it doesn't weigh more than a couple hundred lbs. After the suspension repairs are done, I'll have to take the empty truck over the scales to see how much payload I can legally carry.
GVWR 6250
I believe the curb weight is about 3900
So payload should be around 2350.
Subtract me @ 145lbs
Ends up a little over a ton (2000 lbs).
Do I understand that concept correctly?
I think the 6+1 rear leaf springs along with the 6-ply LT tires should make a huge improvement. Even placing the ladder rack on the bed made the factory springs settle, and it doesn't weigh more than a couple hundred lbs. After the suspension repairs are done, I'll have to take the empty truck over the scales to see how much payload I can legally carry.
GVWR 6250
I believe the curb weight is about 3900
So payload should be around 2350.
Subtract me @ 145lbs
Ends up a little over a ton (2000 lbs).
Do I understand that concept correctly?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
Cool! The truck we had when I was growing up had an on-board compressor so that's the only thing I had ever experienced.
I think the 6+1 rear leaf springs along with the 6-ply LT tires should make a huge improvement. Even placing the ladder rack on the bed made the factory springs settle, and it doesn't weigh more than a couple hundred lbs. After the suspension repairs are done, I'll have to take the empty truck over the scales to see how much payload I can legally carry.
GVWR 6250
I believe the curb weight is about 3900
So payload should be around 2350.
Subtract me @ 145lbs
Ends up a little over a ton (2000 lbs).
Do I understand that concept correctly?
I think the 6+1 rear leaf springs along with the 6-ply LT tires should make a huge improvement. Even placing the ladder rack on the bed made the factory springs settle, and it doesn't weigh more than a couple hundred lbs. After the suspension repairs are done, I'll have to take the empty truck over the scales to see how much payload I can legally carry.
GVWR 6250
I believe the curb weight is about 3900
So payload should be around 2350.
Subtract me @ 145lbs
Ends up a little over a ton (2000 lbs).
Do I understand that concept correctly?
