overload springs
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New User
Joined: Aug 2006
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overload springs
Hi, everyone this is my first post here. I have a 1976 f150 explorer. I use it for hauling firewood and just about everything else. It can handle a good load already but I was wondering if overload springs are worthwhile or not. And if so what kind should i get? Thanks.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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Hello, welcome to FTE!
The problems with big loads are not weight carrying or getting the load moving. It is getting the load stopped and controlling it. From my experience the bolt on overload springs are worthless.
The problems with big loads are not weight carrying or getting the load moving. It is getting the load stopped and controlling it. From my experience the bolt on overload springs are worthless.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 688
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From: Elk Point; Alberta
Check out my gallery. I put a RoadMaster Active Suspension system on my truck so I could haul my slide-in camper. I've found to system to work alot nicer than overload springs. As mentioned already though you have to remember not to over load beyond your ability to stop properly. I upgraded my brake system as well.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 688
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From: Elk Point; Alberta
Check out www.activesuspension.com for more info. I paid around $250 Cdn if I remember right. I'm no mechanic but was able to install it myself in a couple hours in my driveway with hand tools although an impact for seized nuts would have been nice. When I considered the savings related to installing it myself it made the system just as cost effective as any other option. I would highly recommend it.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,327
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From: Kingsport, TN
Some trucks came with overloads. They were a 2d set of springs that came down on "stops" when the weight was added and didn't effect the empty-weight ride. A Heavy Duty F-250 would ride rough empty but smooth out w/ a load. Another option is to get a new set of springs made locally OR find a set in your local bone yard.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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Personally, I would put in the firestone or airlift airbags. They are good for another 5,000 pounds of load hauling capacity - do note: your truck isn't but they are. They are fairly easy to install, and when you aren't using them, you get your stock ride back when you let out the air. Check out the firestone website. I think that you'll be impressed. I have a feeling that the active system suspension is something very similar, but possibly automatic. I have the firestone's on my dually and I love them. They were about $200.00 and worth every penny.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 688
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From: Elk Point; Alberta
the active suspension is automatic but works with sping commpression not air bags or air pressure. unlike air bags you won't need a expensive onboard compressor or some other air source. active suspension is install and forget. it increases load capacity and both loaded or unloaded handling without compremising unloaded ride quality. that's why I chose system over air bags but having ranted I figure each system has pros and cons and a person should spend their money however it pleases them.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Maple Ridge B.C. Canada
hey WESTERN STAR, i understand your from ELK POINT,ALBERTA. my wife has relatives there.grandparents,and her aunt peggy.peggy works at the co-op. -390 explorer,welcome to FTE. i agree with the suspension up grades, but only if your not planning on up grading the brake system to match.dont exceed the factory payload rating. if you need to haul too much weight,maybe consider a f250 to be on the safe side.-billy
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
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From: outside of Nashville,Tn.
Welcome aboard 390 Explorer,I too have a '76 F150 (360,2 bbl).I traded for my truck and the previous owner had put helper springs and air shocks on the truck to support his slide in camper. He said it worked well but I didn't find out if it stopped well. I do occasionally pull my 42 hp farm tractor on a 16ft tandem axle trailer and it does well. It doesn't squat hardly at all. It pulls well but you know it's back there.The stopping is fair to good but I drive slow anyway. Good luck with your truck.
Originally Posted by 390 Explorer
Hi, everyone this is my first post here. I have a 1976 f150 explorer. I use it for hauling firewood and just about everything else. It can handle a good load already but I was wondering if overload springs are worthwhile or not. And if so what kind should i get? Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
I was highly interested in the active suspension system unit I found that they don't make (at least Road Master doesn't) one heavy duty enough for my 2000 f350 dually application. I guess I have to keep the tried and true firestone airbag suspension that came from semi trucks technology.