Leaf Springs

[Bull-Dogg]

if I add a leaf spring to my truck will it increase the load my truck can carry without having my back end drop so much from weight, or will it just raise my back end up a bit?

[BuckFeverZ]

Both.

[Bull-Dogg]

thanks

[chakis24]

[nbscanuck]

get air bags instead. leaf will change the ride quality ALL the time (stiffer) air bags can be inflated when you need them and don't change ride quality

[Bull-Dogg]

get air bags instead. leaf will change the ride quality ALL the time (stiffer) air bags can be inflated when you need them and don't change ride quality

 

i'll look into that, thanks

[Ranger]

I did a rear add a leaf, but I have a Z71 which has softer springs factory so it still squats a bit with a good amount of weight...Today I hauled about 16 sheets of durock, which is 4x8 and weighs a shit-ton. The rear end was sagging pretty good....But the ride's not too bad, as I changed my shocks as well so it sort of balanced out. With 2-300 lbs of weight in the back it rides better than a caddy, and with 3,000 lbs it rides like a BMW haha.

[nbscanuck]

That's the beauty of air bags, the ride doesn't change. Inflate them when you NEED them.

[Ranger]

Unless I towed really heavy on a more often basis I would look at air bags, but it's just not worth it for me as my springs do it enough, and when I pull a trailer it sits level 90% of the time, the rest of the time it's due to me putting the heavier crap up front or just plain getting loaded down.

[Paul58]

I have a set of Super Spring leafs on my truck, and they are designed not to change the ride quality of the truck when it's not under load. They are rated to 3,000 lbs, so they definately don't squat under load. Just thought I'd let you know there is an alternative to regular add-a-leafs and air bags that will had to your load capability and not alter the ride quality when not under load.

[Ranger]

Difference is the super spring is about 300 bucks, and my whole setup with springs and shocks was around 150...And seemed a lot easier to put on.

[nbscanuck]

Firestone airbags in the NBS trucks takes about 1 hour (depends on mechanical ability) on the driveway to install.

[Bull-Dogg]

How much are Airbags usually, just trying to compare the costs to see if its better finacially to put airbag or leaf springs

[Paul58]

Difference is the super spring is about 300 bucks, and my whole setup with springs and shocks was around 150...And seemed a lot easier to put on.

 

Does your set-up change the ride quality? The difference is this set-up won't. I was merely offering an alternative to the ride stiffening add-a-leaf or the more costly air bags. The Super Springs also involve less equipment that could wear and/or fail over time (rubber does deteriorate quicker than steel).