I just bought an 04 f-250 w/ 5.4 about a month ago, I previously owned a 99 f-250. The same truck just a newer version( xlt, 5.4)

My older truck looked fine to me, this truck looks like it sags in the back. When I measure from the tire to wheel well it measures the same so I was assuming that there was a leveling kit in it, not sure.

I just came home from getting a ton of pellets, I know 3/4 ton truck 1 ton of pellets but everyone loads a ton of pellets in their 3/4 ton truck around here. Last year my other truck didn't sag much at all when they put the pellets in, this time in the '04 the back droped alot. I'm wondering how can I check if my springs are shot, or if there are any other problems. There is about 10" from axle to frame with nothing in the back.

Thanks in advance

 

Welcome to the site:

You mentioned a leveling kit, and mentioned measurements for the rear of the truck. Leveling kits level the truck by lifting the front, and does not affect the rear at all.
That being said, you also mentioned that your new ride appears to be low in the rear already, so the added drop in the rear when you load the bed migh just be because you are starting off lower already.
Which type os overload spring does yours have?
Where are you located? I have a brand new set of 04 F350 rear springs that came off of a CC 4x4 V-10 truck.
I am in So. Ca.

Check for broken springs, (not likely), but fatigued springs can be an issue.
Alternatives might be, installing a heavier overload spring, or different style.

 

i'm not sure if it has a leveling kit, I just assumed it does, how can I tell. My overload sping is on top of my other springs with a "spacer" to sepatate them. I did't know that there were different overload springs. I looked at the springs and don't see any broken. I think I may need to get them "re-arched". I'm just wondering if it is sagging already,not sure how I check.

 

Is this a 4wd truck?
Leveling kits add to, or replace the front spring to level the front with the rear of the truck. This really has nothing to do with the rear.
As far as the block on top of, or between the main spring and the overload, this does nothing with regards to lifting anything at all. These just add some space between this overload and the main pack to prevent the main pack from becoming too stiff, and have absolutely no ride comfort when the truck is not loaded.
See, this overload only makes contact when the vehicle is loaded, and the spring becomes flat. As it flattens out with added payload, it makes contact with the overload, and the overload then adds resistance, thus adding more capacity to the spring.
Once it returns to normal, the leafs seperate, and the truck can ride a little smoother.

You may have some fatigued springs, and could use a re-build. The best way to verify would be to compare to an identical truck.

 

yes it is 4wd. I mentioned the leveling kit because the truck looks level with no load in the bed. That could be due to fatigued springs or leveling kit.

in the tech folder it says that there are 6 springs in the pack, that does include the overload, correct?

I'm no machanic, just a carpenter. Thanks for the help.

 

I am not sure how much help I have actually been. There are a few different springs and configurations available, so depending on your springs this may or may not be true.
Do you have any pics of the front of your truck? This would help identify this problem.
You can very easilly determine whether or not you have a leveling kit or not, the front springs are a dead giveaway. You can see if this stock pack has been changed, or if leafs have been added. You can also see if the spring hangers or shackles have been changed.
As far as additional load capacity, the F350's use a taller block in the back, and if you replace your existing block with a pair from a 350 truck, you will gain some heigth, and your truck will squat less when it is loaded.
This is not because the springs have been made any stronger by this mod, it is because it starts out a little taller.
This is a common upgrade for 250 trucks.

 

3/4 ton nomenclature is out dated. Payload on F250s is more than one ton, 1.5tons on 08s in fact.

 

Confirming post immediately above, here is some info I found on the net, that sums it up very well:

2008 Ford F-250 Overview
Introduction
The F-250 is Ford's Super Duty full-sized single rear-wheel (SRW) truck. The F-250 manages to mix innovation, comfort, and style into a competitive vehicle that has impressive torque ratings, towing capacities, and payloads.

The F-250 is available as a 4x2 or a 4x4, has three different cab configurations, and has four trims available. The rugged and reliable XL, the well equipped XLT, the durable FX4 and the luxurious Lariat. Three engine choices include a 5.4 liter 300 horsepower Triton V8 with 365 lb.-ft. of torque. A 362 horsepower Triton V10 with 457 lb.-ft of torque or a 350 horsepower twin-turbo 6.4 liter V8 Powerstroke diesel with 650 lb.-ft. of torque. Each engine offers a six-speed manual transmission or an optional TorqShift five-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode. When properly equipped the F-250 can tow 12,500 lbs. or carry a payload of 3,170 lbs. The F-250 offers unique amenities such as a supplemental heater, folding tailgate step and a TowCommand trailer brake controller.

For 2008, the Ford F-250 is completely redesigned.

 

There are several spring rates available for the rear. Your new truck could have a lighter spring that your old truck did. Give us the two letter code under "SPR" on the door jamb sticker.

The "overload" spring you speak of on top doesn't really do much on these trucks. I've had my truck severely overloaded and these springs didn't come into play unless the truck was off camber (meaning one wheel up higher than the other). They are intended to help stabilize the truck when it is heavily loaded not help carry the weight. I call them camper springs since that is the package they most commonly come with.

The overload spring described above is the heavy thick leaf at the bottom of the spring pack.

The spring specs NEVER take into account the camper spring. You can have a particular rate spring from the factory with or without the camper spring. Typically the rear springs have 5 main leafs. The tech folder may be counting the camper spring.

If you have softer springs than your other truck, plus a leveling kit, it would be very easy for the rear to sag.

For the leveling kit, look for more than two front leafs, extra long shackles or some kind of spacer spring under the main spring.