Boosting rear weight load with ??
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Boosting rear weight load with ??
’97 F150 V6 Stick 2wheel drive
I often carry seemingly heavy loads during the week. Towards the end of a work week the truck often looks like both a low rider and an airplane ready to take off. I need to know a cost efficient method of carrying the heavy weight in the back so I don’t break the springs or ??
Note: I also pull a small trailer behind the truck.
Someone recommended to me to install inflatable air bags in the back, and to inflate them towards the end of the week when the load begins to get heavy, and to de-inflate them after the truck was empty. This seems like an easy solution and I would not mind doing this.
Does any one else have any other suggestions? Has anybody else done this? How difficult is something like this to install and how much should I look to budget for it? Are there any products that can be recommended.
Note: I am on a slight budget.
Thanks for any input.
Pierce.
I often carry seemingly heavy loads during the week. Towards the end of a work week the truck often looks like both a low rider and an airplane ready to take off. I need to know a cost efficient method of carrying the heavy weight in the back so I don’t break the springs or ??
Note: I also pull a small trailer behind the truck.
Someone recommended to me to install inflatable air bags in the back, and to inflate them towards the end of the week when the load begins to get heavy, and to de-inflate them after the truck was empty. This seems like an easy solution and I would not mind doing this.
Does any one else have any other suggestions? Has anybody else done this? How difficult is something like this to install and how much should I look to budget for it? Are there any products that can be recommended.
Note: I am on a slight budget.
Thanks for any input.
Pierce.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
timbrens-easy to install, no air, etc...i just bought a pair used of ebay but cant report how well they work because my truck is still down...this was for a beater truck that i dont want to dump mony on so the only thing i could justify in getting was timbrens...no extra leaves, air bags, etc
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by someday
timbrens-easy to install, no air, etc...i just bought a pair used of ebay but cant report how well they work because my truck is still down...this was for a beater truck that i dont want to dump mony on so the only thing i could justify in getting was timbrens...no extra leaves, air bags, etc
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 886
From: Montana
aside from the axle durability, hellwig makes a few different helper spring packages that would help the leaf springs from compressing so much. they make progressive kits, as well as light duty "half spring" kits that might give you just enough extra spring rigidity. As far as airbags, don't skimp. You definately don't want a cheapy to blow out on you while driving with a heavy load. Goodyear makes some of the best. A heavy duty kit with onboard compressor and pressure guages installed should cost around $500.Try jcwhitney.com. Also, don't forget about your brakes too. They may not be quite big enough to stop a big load.Food for thought.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood, WA
Do you put the load at the end of the bed? If so, move it forward as much as possible to distribute the weight more evenly.
In any case, there several different types of helper and overload springs you can install -- they would be my first choice. Airbags if I'd do this regularly.
In any case, there several different types of helper and overload springs you can install -- they would be my first choice. Airbags if I'd do this regularly.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Motorcityiron
1966 - 1977 Early Broncos
25
Jun 16, 2017 07:06 PM
annaleigh
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
1
Apr 12, 2016 07:11 PM
Thomas White
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Jul 11, 2015 01:25 PM
Grinder Man
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
14
Oct 10, 2014 09:35 AM
