Yet another payload question
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I'm punting...
I do think I am a bit over GVWR for my truck. Maybe by 500 pounds, maybe 700. I don't think I am over either axle rating, as if that matters (I know it doesn't).
I really would like to find documentation as to how contacting the pads (bump stops) for the helper (overload) springs relates to total load on the chassis, suspension, and drive train. I have not found this information.
It seems to me that this information should be somewhat "constant" independent of vehicle options and aftermarket equipment. For instance, my truck has a sprayed in bed liner. I know this adds weight and takes away form payload. The point is that the rear springs do not care... They can not tell the difference between "payload" and the liner; it is just weight to them.
My truck is a 7.3 and a 4X4, and I do see both options reduce payload (as does the CC and the LB, no surprise). I also have aftermarket front (with winch) and rear bumpers which also count as load. So I do have a heavy rig. Really do need to plan on going to a CAT scale at some point.
So absent better information, I am going to continue with my loads, and not load more than I have so far in future trips. I'm surprised to not find information such as "when the helper spring compresses X inches on both stops, that is the rated load for the rear axle, independent of any options or aftermarket equipment." Even with a caveat for GVWR.
I'll have to go with "as long as both helper spring pads have not hit both front and rear stops" I'll be OK as long as I drive gently and slowly.
And I'll post back here with my next load, flat pictures before and after loading, and measure front and rear drops. Not calling it done, just trying to be careful and learn.
I do think I am a bit over GVWR for my truck. Maybe by 500 pounds, maybe 700. I don't think I am over either axle rating, as if that matters (I know it doesn't).
I really would like to find documentation as to how contacting the pads (bump stops) for the helper (overload) springs relates to total load on the chassis, suspension, and drive train. I have not found this information.
It seems to me that this information should be somewhat "constant" independent of vehicle options and aftermarket equipment. For instance, my truck has a sprayed in bed liner. I know this adds weight and takes away form payload. The point is that the rear springs do not care... They can not tell the difference between "payload" and the liner; it is just weight to them.
My truck is a 7.3 and a 4X4, and I do see both options reduce payload (as does the CC and the LB, no surprise). I also have aftermarket front (with winch) and rear bumpers which also count as load. So I do have a heavy rig. Really do need to plan on going to a CAT scale at some point.
So absent better information, I am going to continue with my loads, and not load more than I have so far in future trips. I'm surprised to not find information such as "when the helper spring compresses X inches on both stops, that is the rated load for the rear axle, independent of any options or aftermarket equipment." Even with a caveat for GVWR.
I'll have to go with "as long as both helper spring pads have not hit both front and rear stops" I'll be OK as long as I drive gently and slowly.
And I'll post back here with my next load, flat pictures before and after loading, and measure front and rear drops. Not calling it done, just trying to be careful and learn.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
Forgot to get more pics and measurements, but have decided to back off a few hundred pounds.
While only one but not both helper pads not touching, I did notice that the main spring pack is arched down with the same load.
Decided I'm not going to load past a flat (no arch in the main spring pack) point.
Thoughts?
While only one but not both helper pads not touching, I did notice that the main spring pack is arched down with the same load.
Decided I'm not going to load past a flat (no arch in the main spring pack) point.
Thoughts?
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