ATV in the Box.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 205
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ATV in the Box.
When i haul my ATV (Just at 700lbs loaded) my Rear end sags about 4-5in, I was thinking about getting something that stiffens up the rear Leaf Springs.
Ive heard that Add-a-Leaf's will stiffen up the Sus but i dont need the lift and then i looked at Summit and they have some Hellawig (sp?) Helper springs that work for 550 or for 990 lbs, Will these work?
The Rear Springs are pretty Old 190,000mi but i think the tranny might go out some day soon so i dont want to put too much money into this.
Its a '91 f-150 4x4 w/351 Lariat
Thanks
Ive heard that Add-a-Leaf's will stiffen up the Sus but i dont need the lift and then i looked at Summit and they have some Hellawig (sp?) Helper springs that work for 550 or for 990 lbs, Will these work?
The Rear Springs are pretty Old 190,000mi but i think the tranny might go out some day soon so i dont want to put too much money into this.
Its a '91 f-150 4x4 w/351 Lariat
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
ATV in the Box.
You can get air bags, add-a-leafs are good for about 1.5" of lift. I dont think you can make a spring stiffer w/o lifting the truck a little, because it's the same (truck unloaded) weight on the stiffer spring so it's going to hold it up better. You can get airbags for about 200 bucks w/o an onboard compressor. You can fill them up with a regular compessor.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.
Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
ATV in the Box.
I've used Monroe air shocks to level the load in a 1/2 ton truck.
I had previously tried a Rancho spring lift but wasn't happy with that. It wasn't adjustable to match the load and it looked way stupid empty with the rear end lifted so high. Plus, it rode very rough empty.
IMHO, the air shocks gave it a better ride both loaded and empty, and they did a better job of leveling the load. Empty, I would keep about 10-20 psi just to keep some pressure in them. When I carried a slide in camper or hauled sand or block, I would pressure them up to 70 psi. Max pressure was 120 psi allowable.
I installed nitrogen filled shocks on the front. Together it was a good handleing combination.
I had previously tried a Rancho spring lift but wasn't happy with that. It wasn't adjustable to match the load and it looked way stupid empty with the rear end lifted so high. Plus, it rode very rough empty.
IMHO, the air shocks gave it a better ride both loaded and empty, and they did a better job of leveling the load. Empty, I would keep about 10-20 psi just to keep some pressure in them. When I carried a slide in camper or hauled sand or block, I would pressure them up to 70 psi. Max pressure was 120 psi allowable.
I installed nitrogen filled shocks on the front. Together it was a good handleing combination.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
ATV in the Box.
Is that a good idea to do, i'd get more opinions on that. As far as I know, the shock mounts are not made to carry a load, so that could break them. Air bags are by far the best option. No stiff ride, it will ride better and you can adjust the height when loaded.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .
Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
ATV in the Box.
Well, I called the local junk yard and they have some f250's out there... Will the rear leafs of a 250 fit a 150?? If i could find a Wrecked '97-'02 f150 will they fit mine?
I would go with Air but thats too much money, Since i think the tranny may be going out i dont want to spend anything more than i have to..
Thanks
I would go with Air but thats too much money, Since i think the tranny may be going out i dont want to spend anything more than i have to..
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
ATV in the Box.
Give these guys a try: http://www.autop.com
They link salvage yards all over. I bought a used a/c comp from one of their partners a couple months ago and saved a few hundred $'s.
Good Luck. Don
They link salvage yards all over. I bought a used a/c comp from one of their partners a couple months ago and saved a few hundred $'s.
Good Luck. Don
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 61
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From: Castle Rock
ATV in the Box.
Go with the air abgs you won't be sorry. I had the Firestone air bags on my Ranger with two ATV's in the back pulling a popup camper it worked very well and retained the stock ride. I also put Firestone air bags on my F250 loaded with three ATV's, we sold the popup and went with a 27' bunkhouse. The Firestones are now on my new F350 PSD and it still rides great.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,955
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From: Mesa
ATV in the Box.
Hi 350R!
I was thinking of building a rack to haul 2 quads like you do. A big one for me and some sort of smaller one for my son. How do you get the quads on the top? Big ramp and a winch? Thanks!
I was thinking of building a rack to haul 2 quads like you do. A big one for me and some sort of smaller one for my son. How do you get the quads on the top? Big ramp and a winch? Thanks!
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock
ATV in the Box.
It's not to hard the whole thing is modular so that I could take it off in the winter and still get the truck in the garage. That was the old truck my 02 PSD is now a CC and doesn't fit any more.
I use two sets of bie fold ramps to set the ATV's on. The front set is bolted solid, while the back set is allowed to pivot down to the bed. I used a cable system that could be run with an electric winch although I use a boat type hand crank winch it work very well. Since the rapms are only 6Ft I made some fold up extensions that tuck up under neith to lenghten the back set of ramps to take some of the angle out of them. I then use a set 2x10 boards to get to the tail gate. The 2x10 is secured with a cable connected so that they don't spin out from under you. You could use your tie downs to keep the 2x10 secured just don't ever let then spin out from under the ATV, not even a third set of ramps. I don't ride them up the ramps I walk them up under power. I also have a set of stops that I added that fold down at the front now to avoid making an ATV hood orniment should something go wrong while loading.
I use two sets of bie fold ramps to set the ATV's on. The front set is bolted solid, while the back set is allowed to pivot down to the bed. I used a cable system that could be run with an electric winch although I use a boat type hand crank winch it work very well. Since the rapms are only 6Ft I made some fold up extensions that tuck up under neith to lenghten the back set of ramps to take some of the angle out of them. I then use a set 2x10 boards to get to the tail gate. The 2x10 is secured with a cable connected so that they don't spin out from under you. You could use your tie downs to keep the 2x10 secured just don't ever let then spin out from under the ATV, not even a third set of ramps. I don't ride them up the ramps I walk them up under power. I also have a set of stops that I added that fold down at the front now to avoid making an ATV hood orniment should something go wrong while loading.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
From: Southwestern Michigan
ATV in the Box.
Take your truck to a local spring shop and have a leaf added to the spring pack,I had just one leaf added to my 98 F150 to carry my loads better.The ride is a little stiffer,but not bone jarring.
You could also get the springs and "U" bolts from them and do it yourself
The cost was around $220 and they did all the work.
78 F150 4x4
429 CID
Dana 44 spooled Front,
9"Locked rear,
5:13 Gears
17/40/15 Gumbo monster mudders
18/39.5/15 Swamper Boggers
BIG,BAD,and UGLY.
You could also get the springs and "U" bolts from them and do it yourself
The cost was around $220 and they did all the work.
78 F150 4x4
429 CID
Dana 44 spooled Front,
9"Locked rear,
5:13 Gears
17/40/15 Gumbo monster mudders
18/39.5/15 Swamper Boggers
BIG,BAD,and UGLY.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
ATV in the Box.
My truck has overloader shocks. When you load it up in the back, that is the only time they get used. It is actually an extra set of leaf springs strategically placed above the stockers. They come with land pads that bolt to the frame. I have also seen a new thing come out on tv, and now it is in stores. It is an add-on device that connects to your leaf, and then I think the axle... It is a long rod, quite possibly a shock absorber-type thing. They tested an F150 loaded with stock springs, then added the kit. They went through a slalom course with both setups, and the kit made the truck handle like it was empty. (they say that leaving the kit on when truck is empty actually improved cornering!)
Anyone try this gizmo? Canadian Tire in Canada has it...
Mark
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
Anyone try this gizmo? Canadian Tire in Canada has it...
Mark
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: McDonough US
ATV in the Box.
I just posted a similar question about airbags/shocks/ something to the HD group. I'll repost my goals here since it mainly involves my towing ability...
My goals:
1. Dampen bounce while towing, I know the Bilistiens say they do this.
2. Improve stability while bouncing, as when I cross a bridge seam at an angle while towing 14000 lbs. Again, the damping shocks sound like they'd do the trick.
3. Raise the rear of the truck about 1.5" while unloaded. I don't want lot's of height, but about 1 more inch of lift would set my trailer perfect with my existing 20,000# rated hitch.
4. Not a bone jarring ride when not towing.
I've used airshocks, did a good job of leveling and raising, I can improve the ride when unloaded, but they did no damping and I wondered about the strength of the shock mounts as well.
I've added leaf springs before... don't want to do that, the ride is bad all the time.
It sounds like airbags on the back and maybe new shocks on the front...
Can anyone suggest a good shock and/or airbag product that will do the job?
Robert
My goals:
1. Dampen bounce while towing, I know the Bilistiens say they do this.
2. Improve stability while bouncing, as when I cross a bridge seam at an angle while towing 14000 lbs. Again, the damping shocks sound like they'd do the trick.
3. Raise the rear of the truck about 1.5" while unloaded. I don't want lot's of height, but about 1 more inch of lift would set my trailer perfect with my existing 20,000# rated hitch.
4. Not a bone jarring ride when not towing.
I've used airshocks, did a good job of leveling and raising, I can improve the ride when unloaded, but they did no damping and I wondered about the strength of the shock mounts as well.
I've added leaf springs before... don't want to do that, the ride is bad all the time.
It sounds like airbags on the back and maybe new shocks on the front...
Can anyone suggest a good shock and/or airbag product that will do the job?
Robert
