load leveling
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New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2
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load leveling
Sometimes I carry an 800-pound load in the bed of my 98 Ranger 2WD ExtraCab. This causes the rear end to sag 4" vs. empty. I am planning to get some help for the rear springs to keep the vehicle closer to level. My question is, what should I be aiming for? A 4" sag seems excessive, but what would be o.k.? Also, because the load is unequal side-to-side, I have about one-half inch difference right-to-left in the rear. Should I be concerned about this also or is that within tolerance?
I have checked GVWR and GAWR and have had the vehicle weighed, and the numbers are o.k. But I want to make sure the sag is corrected sufficiently so that handling and braking are acceptable, plus I don't want to be blinding folks with my headlights.
I have checked GVWR and GAWR and have had the vehicle weighed, and the numbers are o.k. But I want to make sure the sag is corrected sufficiently so that handling and braking are acceptable, plus I don't want to be blinding folks with my headlights.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 861
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From: SE PA
load leveling
I use my '83 to get heat for the house (coal), and get 1100 to 1200 lbs. at a shot. Use the bolt on style helpers, set at 1500 lb rating, this keeps the truck almost level with the weight, but still down in the rear, but gives a harsh ride when empty as well as setting the rear a little higher when empty. However it's not to often that I make the "run", so I just take the ten minutes or so to remove them or put them on. Mine are cheapies, but can be adjusted for 3 different load levels, this set-up may help with the side to side in that one side can be set at the 1500 lb. rating and the other at the 1000 lb. rating to level it out. Shouldn't be a problem side to side even so as long as you understand the difference in handling and over the long haul, the side that carries more weight will tend to sag or wear out the spring quicker than the other.
New User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 15
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load leveling
I have not seen them recently, but I had installed a set of air bag springs on my 89 Ranger STX. The kit came with a set of springs with the air bags inside. When I went to carry a load, I just inflated the bags.
Larry
94 Ranger
Larry
94 Ranger
