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My new 2022 Lariat is scheduled to be delivered next week. For those who ordered the Heavy front suspension package on their trucks how much higher did your truck sit and how much worse is the ride quality if any? (Wife's question) I ordered this option because I pull a 16,000 pound Fifth Wheel and thought it might be a good idea. Thanks
I have the snow plow prep on my 2019 and I think it added almost an 1"to the front. Ride quality is still good when compared to the 2013 that didn't have the upgraded springs.
I ordered the heavy front package on mine and had it on my 12 that we traded. The ride is fine and wife has no complaints. I think it sits a bit higher than those without.
Most of the weight of the 5th wheel will be on the rear axle so ordering a heavy front suspension to cope with this doesn't seem like a viable reason. My truck has the snow plow prep and it rides better than my 2012 did with much lighter front springs. No reason not to order it, cheap option, probably raises the front 1/2 inch.
I added the snow plow/camper package to my 250 (6.7L) so I ended up with the 5990 front springs. I have read that it lifts the front about an inch over the base height, but haven’t really compared it. I like the way it sits, and my WDH allows me to keep a level ride with my camper hooked up, although my campers kinda small with only a 6000 lb GVWR. But, loaded or unloaded, both me and my wife are fine with the ride. Sure, it’s not a plush ride like in a car, but it doesn’t beat us to death either. It’s a truck, and IMO rides better than what I thought it would.
Actually, my 2020 SP package is the best riding Super Duty I've ever owned.
I think a lot of it has to do with engine choice. Although there are a number of spring combos, the heavy weight of a diesel will definitely make a difference. My neighbors 17' SP 6.2L crew Lariat rides a lot different than mine.
Most of the weight of the 5th wheel will be on the rear axle so ordering a heavy front suspension to cope with this doesn't seem like a viable reason. My truck has the snow plow prep and it rides better than my 2012 did with much lighter front springs. No reason not to order it, cheap option, probably raises the front 1/2 inch.
It adds enough weight to the front axle that its prudent to up the springs to HD.
It adds enough weight to the front axle that its prudent to up the springs to HD.
Conventional trailer is different.
OK, thanks for the opinion but my scale tickets do not support that contention. A few hundred pounds at the most on springs rated for 2 1/2-3 tons? Snow plow prep, or heavy springs make sense when you add a real load to the front. With my plow on and 800lbs counter weight over the rear axle I am 5300 lbs on the front axle with 5600 lb springs. With a 12k lb gooseneck hooked up I am 4200 lbs. You do not need heavy front springs for a trailer...
I have 5600# SP springs on a 6.2 SCSB with FX4 shocks. Front is raised one inch. Ride quality on regular paved roads and annually maintained dirt and stone roads is fantastic. However, on unmaintained dirt roads and jeep trails with more rocks etc, that is where you feel the stiff springs rough ride and have to go slower.
OK, thanks for the opinion but my scale tickets do not support that contention. A few hundred pounds at the most on springs rated for 2 1/2-3 tons? Snow plow prep, or heavy springs make sense when you add a real load to the front. With my plow on and 800lbs counter weight over the rear axle I am 5300 lbs on the front axle with 5600 lb springs. With a 12k lb gooseneck hooked up I am 4200 lbs. You do not need heavy front springs for a trailer...
And you have a gas motor, low option, super cab.
I am pretty sure the OP is in a crew cab diesel lariat 4x4 to pull his 16k trailer. Pretty typical but is welcome to chime in more detail.
And since I have had that same truck and would gooseneck at 15k regularly I would suggest the heavy service front springs. Will give a margin of safety and not bottom out.
You are right. I ordered the Lariat Crew cab and the Diesel with the short bed. My current 2017 truck which I'm trading in for $62,000 is the same except I ordered the Heavy service front suspension package.
OK, thanks for the opinion but my scale tickets do not support that contention. A few hundred pounds at the most on springs rated for 2 1/2-3 tons? Snow plow prep, or heavy springs make sense when you add a real load to the front. With my plow on and 800lbs counter weight over the rear axle I am 5300 lbs on the front axle with 5600 lb springs. With a 12k lb gooseneck hooked up I am 4200 lbs. You do not need heavy front springs for a trailer...
I've had the same experience at the scale. My 13K 5th wheel adds exactly zero weight to my front axle, all on the rear. My travel trailer lifted 300lbs off of the front axle even with the weight distribution hitch dialed in.
