Any advice on using helper springs on a F250 1988 xlt lariat 2wd would be appreciated. Many thanks.

 

what kind of advice are you looking for? I have the rubber overloads that replace the stock travel stop bumpers, and they work pretty nice, then have a single leaf overload factory as well. My father has a triple leaf overload aftermarket setup that is very similar to my factory setup, and that works out pretty good as well.

 

i like the ride-rite air bags because they let you adjust them as needed

 

I am running 7 leaf main springs and 5 leaf overloads on my 86.
It will handle 4.5 tons on my 9 foot dump comfortably.
But it does ride like a truck when it is empty.

Any good spring shop can set you up.
An overload kit will have all the parts except the longer U bolts.
The holes are already in the frame for the overload perches.
Getting the nuts inside the rear frame for the rear perch is kinda interesting because of the rear fuel tank, but it can be done without removing the tank.

 

9,000 lbs Dave, now thats a work truck! I have the air bags, Im happy with them, all depends what your hauling.

 

Look in my gallery, you will see a small part of what I usually haul.

My fellow FTE members have given me the distinction of owning the most abused truck on the planet. I have been trying to kill it for 20 years, I think it is going to out last me though. Not to worry though, my son has his eye on it.

PS, that is a badge I wear with honor coming from theses guys.

There is actually a picture of 9200 pounds of rock in the bed, gross was 17,060 without me in the truck. I am another 200 pounds.
Somewhere I have a picture of it with more weight than that on it.

The mud guys like the picture my avatar came from, mud clear up to the west coast mirror on the right hand side. Had to stop and shovel some out of the way so I did not tear the mirror off.

I don't recommend you try that with yours, but with the right mods and a little thought you would be blown away with what a Ford diesel truck can do and how long it can do it. I push the envelope every day with mine.

I have twisted a few U joints out.
I broke the Dana 44 front axle housing.
Broke a couple of the 44 axles shafts also.
I also split a transfer case in half once.

If you are going to play, ya got to be ready to pay ( your drive line guy ) some money.
The best tranny and axle guy in WV lives 1 mile from my house and he keeps two of everything in my drive line on the shelf with my name on it.