Leaf pack questions

[SonoranDesertranger]

I did the wildtrak leafsprings and they're fantastic. Cost about 300 bucks all together.

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[ControlNode]

You're mostly right.
There are things you can do to "maximize your load capacity", but you can also increase your load capacity. Often, the frame and axles aren't maxed out, and PROPER suspension modifications can increase the capacity.

But typically gains aren't huge.

This subject is really looked at hard in Australia, where the government pays more attention to the enforcement of load rating for noncommercial vehicles. Suspension mods are kind of certified over there based on the level of capacity increase. The off road crowd over there tends to load their trucks to crazy levels with gear and canopy systems and they have to bring their capacity up with those extra goodies.

ETA:
I should add, you can actually increase you capacity rating, but it's no longer a FACTORY rating. : )

Problem is that here we don't have that level of "re-certification" after mods. And, without additional documentation from Ford on the limits defined at varies components of the system it's hard to determine when a given part of the system is no longer the limiting factor.

Let's assume the springs are the limit in OE configuration, not unlikely since we've seen several that have broken. Now, if you replace them with springs rated for 800lbs more than the OE springs you may not be able to use all of that increase if Ford used wheel bearings rated at only 150lbs more than the OE springs because the selected bearings already exceeded the limit of another component. We may have the same axle housings as ROW Rangers (I don't know), but that doesn't mean the components in the axles are the same, I know they got axle ratios we didn't. Also, the source I used still showed the rear brakes as drum, not the disc we got. As I recall the ROW Ranger is tow rated to about 7,700lbs, so still not much more than our NA 7,500lbs. But, the payload is a bit more. My XLT is only rated to about ~1,440lbs payload, but their XLT super crew is ~2,490lbs. As far as axle limits (F/R): my US Ranger is 3130/3370lbs, while the ROW is 3260/4080lbs.

I 100% believe Ford made changes to the Ranger for NA making it less capable to limit its intrusion on the "oh mighty F-150's" territory. Like I've said before, if I ever need more truck than the Ranger, I'm not even looking at the F-150, straight to Super Duty.


FT Ranger info source

 

[Big Blue]

You're mostly right.
There are things you can do to "maximize your load capacity", but you can also increase your load capacity. Often, the frame and axles aren't maxed out, and PROPER suspension modifications can increase the capacity.

But typically gains aren't huge.

This subject is really looked at hard in Australia, where the government pays more attention to the enforcement of load rating for noncommercial vehicles. Suspension mods are kind of certified over there based on the level of capacity increase. The off road crowd over there tends to load their trucks to crazy levels with gear and canopy systems and they have to bring their capacity up with those extra goodies.

ETA:
I should add, you can actually increase you capacity rating, but it's no longer a FACTORY rating. : )

OK, since here in the US there are no additional certifications for suspension mods, if somthing happens the factory rating applies. So you will be liable for any damage to your vehicle and heaven forbid anyone elses. Your risk to take, I guess.

 

[Dereku]

They used to allow certain shops back in the day to print new door stickers and recertifications. Believe that went away in the mid 80s. It was a SAS on old fords and it would allow essentially F350 ratings. Same shops that did the crazy F series conversions and 4 door broncos back then.

 

[OFC Ranger]

I'm running the Autospring add-a-leaf. It is a stiffer ride on speed bumps but handles a loaded truck nicely. Towing my boat with it rocked too.

How close to The Villages do you live? My parents live there and I am thinking about making a road trip down there.

 

[Grandaccess]

Appreciate it. 1000lbs will include the stuff in the back, gas and gear. Not including me and my girlfriend (300lbs total), so I'm under my 1650 limit by 350lbs.

Just want to avoid any squat. Thanks!

I have been driving around this last week with 800 to 1000 lbs its been to cold and I have been to lazy to toss it out LOL
I have a 3.5 Rough Country lift and I havent gotten my truck to squat yet in over a year and I have had 3/4 ton in the Bed coming back from a Cell tower in Way Upstate NY I had 14 Telco batteries at 110 each, plus 2 people and a 100 Lbs dog, way TF over rating and got 17 mpg doing it, I dont worry about stopping cause at 285/75 I got a lot of tire on the ground too always pumped to 41 psi, I swear to god I didnt even know it was back there!
the K9 went on a diet this winter I bet he dont weigh 90 now you can see ribs ....

 

[Grandaccess]

OK, only have a few comments. First one with 1000 lbs in the bed of your truck you have basically used up your entire payload capacity. The Ranger is really only a half-ton truck. Remember the payload numbers on your door sticker includes you and your passengers and any other modifications you have done that add weight. I hope you are not planning to tow anything, as tongue weight and weight of the hitch are also included as payload.

to answer a few of your questions: 4 and 5, No shocks do not lift the truck. extended shocks are only to account for the extra length required on a lifted vehicle.

Finally nothing you do to the suspension will increase payload rating. You must stay below the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck.

I look at those numbers as a minor suggestion LOL knowing ford its probably half of the safe zone
14 batteries at 110 lbs 12 up against the Front wall and 2 strapped to the tailgate, Plus two people and a big ass Dog, LOL I had to stop fast on the interstate because of an accident in front of me and I know the dogs ass puckered hahaha you would think he would be use to me by now....

 

[COblue]

Getting OME leafs was a huge upgrade for towing. Before it seemed to smack the bump stops pretty firmly over bumps. Now rides smooth.

The cheaper option is Add a Leafs, here's a kit for under $100 with mounting hardware

There's other options like the nifty spring setup or RoW ranger springs some others posted that should work similar or better.

 

[Big Blue]

I look at those numbers as a minor suggestion LOL knowing ford its probably half of the safe zone
14 batteries at 110 lbs 12 up against the Front wall and 2 strapped to the tailgate, Plus two people and a big ass Dog, LOL I had to stop fast on the interstate because of an accident in front of me and I know the dogs ass puckered hahaha you would think he would be use to me by now....

As I have said in the past your choice, your money, your A$$.

 

[Grandaccess]

As I have said in the past your choice, your money, your A$$.

I am guessing it will let me down somewhere between 150k and 250k, I am going to change the oil and plugs sometime this summer ...

 

[COblue]

As I have said in the past your choice, your money, your A$$.

Any other advice regarding which springs to get

I am guessing it will let me down somewhere between 150k and 250k, I am going to change the oil and plugs sometime this summer ...

You mean it won't spontaneously combust if you're 50lbs over the GVWR?

 

[Grandaccess]

Any other advice regarding which springs to get

You mean it won't spontaneously combust if you're 50lbs over the GVWR?

LOL didnt even smoke ...

 

[Maxacceleration]

I think the OP is just trying to achieve a level ride without (or less) squatting.
I second the OME heavy load springs (1 1/2” lift).
OME springs
If it still squats try the BDS 1” lift shackles, which would give you 2 1/2” lift unloaded.
What I did in my Nissan Frontier was to use firestone air bags.
Air bags will support the weight. Maybe lose a little articulation… but what do you expect.
Rubber biscuit?

 

[Glocker]

How close to The Villages do you live? My parents live there and I am thinking about making a road trip down there.

Looks like 3hrs 45 min.

 

[fORdEGON]

Old man emu full leaf pack in the HD rating for 800lb load. Truck will be level with the lift in the front when bed is loaded. Paired with some good shocks they ride incredible

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