We have a new Grass truck that we just put into service and the rear sits too low. I warned them that the weight in the back was too much for the factory suspention. What is the best way to help get the leaf springs to look like a U again instead of a n.
The set up is as follows.
2003 F350 SC LWB 5.4 4x4
250 gal of water and around 700-1000 lb of pump, tools, tank, etc
All in the bed.

 

I used a tuff country 2" rear add-a-leaf and it worked wonders. It adds about 800lbs of capacity. Leveled the truck right out. Now it never sits on the overload springs. Thats with a full load of red oak in it. Before it was awful. Very easy to install and very reasonable. I also installed Rancho 9000's as well.

 

How about an air-bag system? That would be nice cause you could control how much air pressure and everything so it would help out just as much as you want it too.

 

I like the idea, but I would be concerned about the airlines. We have guys that don't pay attention to where they are driving and get it stuck so bad that they have to climb out if the windows. I am also finding dents and bent metal all the time from slow moving tree stumps and small trees. They just don't get out of the way fast enough.

 

you could run the airlines in the frame rails.. you could make it work...

 

Thanks, I will look into them.

 

Tarscraper
How was the ride unloaded with the add a leafs?

 

The ride is a little stiffer unloaded. Nothing unreasonable. They cost me $50.00 for the pair. $22.00 to ship. It took about 2 hrs to install only because of my inexperience.

 

One other option to look at would be Hellwig helper springs. Capacities from 1500 - 3500lbs. Another easy install with a reasonable price (<$200.00). I have heard good things about them. It was more than I needed for my truck but might be right up your alley.

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...r_springs.html

 

I had helper springs on my 94 F250 gasser, loved them. Of course they won't fit my 04 F350 PSD w/ 9900# GVWR package. Why do some trucks have contact springs and some not? I'm torn between contact springs (which I don't have) and helper springs. Thoughts? I have an Ez-Dumper in the bed and am forever loaded with stone, sand, mulch etc.

 

The benefit of the 'contact springs', or overload springs, as they are usually called, is that they don't come into play untill the truck is loaded heavily, so you get a descent ride when the truck is empty and the extra spring stiffness when the truck is loaded. Since you say you are always loaded, I would think the helper spring or add-a-leaf would be the way to go. Another way to go would be to take the loaded truck to a shop specializing in making springs, like National Spring in El Cajon, CA (SanDiego), and have them make a set of springs for your truck's loaded weight.

 

Here is what i did.Last week i broke a leaf in the rear.One of the ones in the middle of the pack.Local spring shop wanted 800$ for new leave packs both sides .Labor not included.Ford wants 300$ both sides but will new ones only last me another 50k?Rancho sells a set for 200$.These springs are 3in over stock hight.I orderd the ranchos(p#rs44154).Should be here Friday.I will let you guys know how they are.

 

air bags with maybe an add-a leaf would be my recomendation for inexpensive and adjustable ride height. And like Superstroker said it is easy to tuck the lines where they won't be harmed.

 

I would take it to a truck suspension shop - there are many around. I have used one here in Cincinnati for my F250 alignment and they are looking at air ride suspension (not add-on air bags) for me. They can look at what you have and what you need to do, they can also suggest something that will last and not create problems down the road. They may very well use one of the previous suggestions or have something entirely different. Since you are using the truck in emergencies you don't have time for it to break down and you will not be gentle with it when the time comes. You also are not going to be hauling the wife and kiddies on vacation or taking long trips so the ride is secondary to making it do the very specialized job you need it to do.

250 gal water figures to 2,000 lbs give or take (a bit over 8 lbs per gallon), figure 800 lbs of pump and equipment and a couple to four equipped firefighters - you are adding near, or over, 4,000 lbs to the basic truck you started with.

I could suggest two very good shops in Cincinnati, Ohio, but that would be a bit of a commute from Texas. If you would call a big truck repair shop nearby and ask for a referral they can guide you, or just look in the phone book.

My bona-fides: 30 years in trucking, 14 of that supervising and managing truck repair shops for large trucking companies and fleet manager for one.

Dave / Believer45

 

Thanks for the posts. I took into a local shop yesterday and dropped it off. They are going to make a set ofr springs for it. Again Thanks