factory overload spring question
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
factory overload spring question
I recent;y swapped springs on my f350 with the ones I had rearched recently on my 97 F250. Same number of leaves on all of them but new bushings and a rearch was done and I needed them.
Anyway, before when we loaded the slide in camper on the 350 it would squat all the way down on the overloads and bend them straight.
We just loaded the camper and I still am not even close to touching the overloads now. It's about 1 inch in the front and 3 inches in the back. Is this ok or is something wrong? My camper is 2600 pounds empty and its full now! Full of water, food, camping gear and other junk.
Anyway, before when we loaded the slide in camper on the 350 it would squat all the way down on the overloads and bend them straight.
We just loaded the camper and I still am not even close to touching the overloads now. It's about 1 inch in the front and 3 inches in the back. Is this ok or is something wrong? My camper is 2600 pounds empty and its full now! Full of water, food, camping gear and other junk.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
I hope so. At least I know that when I am dragging the big horse trailer also my truck will still be riding high and the headlights not aimed at the moon. The ride should be a lot better too. No more squeeking and popping from worn out bushings.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, WA
Please come back in a while and let us know how the re-arching worked out for you. Many say it's temporary and the springs will yield again. Good opportunity for some real data instead of hearsay.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
Likes: 130
From: Thomasville, GA
It really depends on the condition of the springs to begin with. If they are in good working order and the shop knows what they are doing they can last quite a while.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
Exactly right. I've had a lot of trucks rearched in my life by good shops and it's always lasted at least as long as the factory job did. I had a million miles on my last pickup and the springs were rearched at 250,000. It held it's height till I sold it. I drove the crap out of that poor old thing too all over North America.
The 350 seems to be driving great btw. I just had to take my son to town looking for someone that he was riding back to Arizona in. Drove about 50 miles with the loaded camper on and everything about it was 100% better than before. Sway is almost nothing too. I was worried about that but it seems that as soon as it starts to roll the overloads contact and right it back up. There is only so much those sway bars can do for a 3000 pound load in the bed.
The 350 seems to be driving great btw. I just had to take my son to town looking for someone that he was riding back to Arizona in. Drove about 50 miles with the loaded camper on and everything about it was 100% better than before. Sway is almost nothing too. I was worried about that but it seems that as soon as it starts to roll the overloads contact and right it back up. There is only so much those sway bars can do for a 3000 pound load in the bed.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
Likes: 130
From: Thomasville, GA
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,418
Likes: 197
From: AZ
I was thinking about the SD swap being talked about here. RR, do you think that what you did is just as good? Also, we are in the minority when it comes to carrying a full tank of water. Yes its heavy but it sure is nice to have if you break down or want to camp out in the middle of nowhere.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
I really do think the rearching was just as good as the super dutys. Actually maybe better since nothing had to be modified.
You are correct about the water for sure. I just hate driving out here in West Texas and needing a bathroom break when there is nothing around and no bushes to go behind. The full water tank really comes in handy.. It only weighs about 350 pounds so I just can't understand why most people drive with them empty. I'm glad you mentioned that thing too. I am about to leave camping for the weekend and forgot to get my grey water hose in the truck.
Oh for camping in the middle of nowhere like we do a lot get some solar panels. I have two on my roof and just one deep cycle battery but it will run everything but the ac forever. I love those things.
You are correct about the water for sure. I just hate driving out here in West Texas and needing a bathroom break when there is nothing around and no bushes to go behind. The full water tank really comes in handy.. It only weighs about 350 pounds so I just can't understand why most people drive with them empty. I'm glad you mentioned that thing too. I am about to leave camping for the weekend and forgot to get my grey water hose in the truck.
Oh for camping in the middle of nowhere like we do a lot get some solar panels. I have two on my roof and just one deep cycle battery but it will run everything but the ac forever. I love those things.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,418
Likes: 197
From: AZ
I have two generators but haven't gotten any solar panels yet. What kind and where did you get yours? With my big 5er I would need some good ones. I have looked at them for years on FleaBay but never could decide.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Torklift Sheryl
Vendor Specials, Discounts, Product Announcements & Group Buys
0
Mar 15, 2017 11:00 AM
NavyLDO
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 18, 2015 06:37 PM
