more pay load, adding leaf springs??
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Denver
more pay load, adding leaf springs??
want to be able to carry more in my 97 f150, can i add leaf springs, how much are they?? sags pretty low with 1/2 ton of stuff, don't want to break anything. thanks!!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Southern USA
welcome aboard!! you can get helper springs just about anywhere, j.c. whitney has nice selection. but don't do the coil over shocks because the top is plastic unless you've replaced the factory ones. i like the coils that go under the frame and set atop the axle hsg. and also you can add helper leaf springs -that a lot of work esp. if you haven't done this or rather not mess with the u-bolts holding the axle to the spring & perch. i wouldn't over load it anyway. your gonna have a stiffer ride in the rear with any helper springs-you will notice the diff. the frames are NOT like older models. i'm really suprised?? at how they have cut costs by using thinner steel,(frame) & my '01 only has 3 leaves. you might consider getting a trailer if you do a lot of hauling heavy stuff. paul....'01 sport XLT, 17" kingsranch wheels, BFG long trails....
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Part of the problem with heavier loads in a vehicle is the brakes, cooling system, transmission, bearings, suspension, and axles have to carry that load. While you can add springs these other factors come into play which will either ruin your truck or make it unsafe to be on the road.
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
The safety factor is the main concern. The second is what the GVWR on the door sticker is. No matter what you do, the max axle load and overall max weight is your limiting factor. The secondary components were not generally tested by Ford under the heavier loads that adding a leaf accomplishes. A few hundred pounds + or - won't affect much, but if you take your 1/2 ton and load it to 3/4 ton or above, you could have serious ($$$) problems.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Southern USA
i would seriously consider getting a trailer. these late models are not built like the good old days. you do not want to bend your frame, which i have heard of, or damaging axle, tranny , etc. I measured the frame thickness where i bolted on my reciever hitch recently and it was only 1/8"!! (with machinist calipers) i was suprised, but yet not, knowing how lost cost everything is built these days. but as previous posters mentioned, watch the payload limits and consider saftey concerns. ...or.....get a 3/4 ton! my 2c ...paul
