2500HD leafs on a 1500

gmyeah · March 18, 2014

I have a 2008 z71 4x4 sierra. May upgrade in the near future, but regardless of if it's a '08 1500 or a newer 1500....is it possible to put 2500HD springs on a 1500? If so, are there any other upgrades that should be performed with that addition.

I'm sure you know what I mean.....it's like getting a huge motor and having crappy brakes. Just want to make sure I'm not missing something for the rear.

I currently have super springs (helper springs) in the back now....but I think I'll get quite a bit more capacity if I go with a 2500HD springs? Thoughts?

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 18, 2014

Yes you can change them. Just make sure not to exceed the trucks weight ratings.

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TooTall1 · March 18, 2014

The springs will work, but the weak link would be the axle and brakes.

gmtech4 · March 19, 2014

you should buy a 3/4 ton instead of trying to make one ,,,

imo

LTZ2014 · March 19, 2014

What is it your trying to do here? More height? Stiffen rear end for towing/hauling?

gmyeah · March 19, 2014

What is it your trying to do here? More height? Stiffen rear end for towing/hauling?

Primarily stiffening the rear for more hauling. Didn't think adding more leafs (or bigger ones) would help me with towing so much. Truck squats pretty easily with 1200 or so pounds in it. I don't really need the capability of a 3/4 ton payload capacity.....it's a nice jump......but I'd to get more payload out of it without killing my truck. I use it for everything.....I mean everything....but even a load of firewood is a bit much for it. I know there will be a bunch of folks that will brag about how much they can put in their 1/2 tons, but there is a reality factor too. stepping up to a 3/4 ton is significantly more $$$ too. I may do it, but a few modifications would be a bit cheaper. So can I get a heavier axle on a 1/2 ton.....if it's needed?

gmyeah · March 21, 2014

Any thoughts? I'm not finding too many related items specific to adding more capability to a half ton....

dirtfan21 · March 21, 2014

Not too much help here but I can tell you my father installed 2500 leafs on his '98 Z71 to help with towing his heavy boat. The boat was within the towing capacity but he didn't like how the truck felt when he towed, he liked the stiffer feel with the 3/4 ton leafs. He also loaded it up with a full bed of wood quite often as well. Truck has 235K on it now and is till kicking.

gmtech4 · March 22, 2014

500 lbs difference is all that is between a 1/2 and 3/4t,,,,get helper springs and drive it ,,,,dont think to deep into what ya want ,,,,imo

8.1HD/ALLISON · March 23, 2014

Helper springs. Add a leaf kits. Check out oversized jounce bumpers made by Timbren. Switch out with 2500 springs if you can find some. Any of these are options.

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gmyeah · March 25, 2014

500 lbs difference is all that is between a 1/2 and 3/4t,,,,get helper springs and drive it ,,,,dont think to deep into what ya want ,,,,imo

If it was only 500 lbs difference in a 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton payload...trust me, I wouldn't be thinking about this at all. I agree with you.

The difference between the 1/2 and 3/4 (at least back in 2008) is just shy of 2000 lbs.

Sierra 1500 1947 Sierra 2500 3892

gmtech4 · March 26, 2014

oh well by all means go nuts ,,,,pfffft !!!!lol

CKNSLS · March 26, 2014

You cannot legally increase the manufacturer's payload amount located on the yellow and white sticker inside your driver's door jam. If you haul overloaded-you will leave yourself open to lawsuits, both on a criminal standpoint and a civil standpoint if you have an at-fault accident. (Yea-I know nobody ever has an accident-right?).

If you have an at-fault accident and you harm or kill someone you will be sued civilly and your life will change forever.

Is it worth it? Dude...buy a bigger truck.

gmyeah · March 26, 2014

You cannot legally increase the manufacturer's payload amount located on the yellow and white sticker inside your driver's door jam. If you haul overloaded-you will leave yourself open to lawsuits, both on a criminal standpoint and a civil standpoint if you have an at-fault accident. (Yea-I know nobody ever has an accident-right?).

If you have an at-fault accident and you harm or kill someone you will be sued civilly and your life will change forever.

Is it worth it? Dude...buy a bigger truck.

Wow.....if people get a hold of this, it's going to put a lot of 'add a leaf', air bag, etc., etc., etc. companies right out of business. Basically modifying a truck is out of question. Gotta go by the yellow and white sticker. Can't get my head around the magnitude of this. Any modification will be just for looks.

CKNSLS · March 26, 2014

Wow.....if people get a hold of this, it's going to put a lot of 'add a leaf', air bag, etc., etc., etc. companies right out of business. Basically modifying a truck is out of question. Gotta go by the yellow and white sticker. Can't get my head around the magnitude of this. Any modification will be just for looks.

You misunderstood. You can modify your truck.....but you can't exceed payload.......legally-without ramifications should something happen. Another interesting conversation would be calling up your insurance agent and telling them your ignoring the manufacturer's recommendations as regards to the capacities of the truck on a regular basis, and seeing what they would say.