Our Rear Leaf Springs Suck?

[Glocker]

This is a great thread giving real world examples as to why adding a front end level for purely aesthetic reasons may not a good idea. It may be good to add additional clearance for off roading, but you've compromised the ability of the vehicle to carry a load.
I installed helper springs on a '95 Dodge 2500 Cummins turbo diesel to assist with hauling my fifth wheel. Over time they started to deform the stock springs. I ended up removing them and buying a bigger truck.

Well, not fully. The truck still maintains its load capacity. Nothing changed in the rear. Yes, the front end is higher, but the load capacity hasn't changed. Aesthetically, it doesn't look as good. A little, very little weight is taken off the steer wheels.

The crux of the problem is the relatively light-weighted-ness of the rear suspension. It can do the job of carrying load. It can go off road. But it can't really withstand carrying a load off road.

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[TommyAtomic]

Someone mentioned adding a helper spring. Are you thinking of an airbag-helper spring or a leaf-helper spring?

 

[Glocker]

Someone mentioned adding a helper spring. Are you thinking of an airbag-helper spring or a leaf-helper spring?

I've got the leaf helpers waiting to go on my truck!

 

[HenryMac]

The one broken spring I saw was completely stock. But, it sounds like the driver was trying hard launches with his Ranger...

The spring was stock.. but what about the rest of the truck? The shock in the photo isn't stock, is it?

 

[Trigganometry]

What makes these so spendy? That's virtually double the OME price.

I had these springs in my last truck. At first I winced at the cost. After riding them for years I had no doubts anymore why they cost what they did. I also got a 750lb boost in carry weight!

 

[Glocker]

The spring was stock.. but what about the rest of the truck? The shock in the photo isn't stock, is it?

No, you're right and good eye. But the rear Eibach shocks are a direct replacement for stock. They neither add or take away from the height of the truck.

 

[krisrayner]

I do find it interesting to see that Ford has changed the leaf spring arrangement on the Tremor model to more classic multi-leaf design

 

[HenryMac]

No, you're right and good eye. But the rear Eibach shocks are a direct replacement for stock. They neither add or take away from the height of the truck.

But based on the valving the shock uses, it can change the loads the springs see.

I do find it interesting to see that Ford has changed the leaf spring arrangement on the Tremor model to more classic multi-leaf design

In the late 60's, early 70's, GM was putting mono-leaf and multi-leaf springs on the same model cars, based on which powertrain was purchased.

 

[NvrFinished]

I do find it interesting to see that Ford has changed the leaf spring arrangement on the Tremor model to more classic multi-leaf design

I believe it raised the rear .8" from what I read.

 

[egilbe]

I do find it interesting to see that Ford has changed the leaf spring arrangement on the Tremor model to more classic multi-leaf design

I was going to mention that. I'm still looking at the OME rear springs. Maybe after I ppick up my camper this Summer. We'll see.

 

[TommyAtomic]

The Tremor leaf springs would be an upgrade I’d definitely be interested in.

I believe it raised the rear .8" from what I read.

 

[Barefootmoney1969]

I second that. Would love to put a factory leaf spring upgrade on.

 

[Barefootmoney1969]

I do have a set of Ford Performance Fox 2.0 rear shocks with very low miles for sale.

 

[Trigganometry]

Came across this today. Looks like it could be an alternative to doing leaf springs

https://www.carparts.com/details/Fo...bsft_lx=6&bsft_tv=74&cpcoupon=BL4VUDTM76TWAHB

 

[Waxthis]

Has anyone installed basic helper springs and did it effect the unloaded ride? After I installed my Ford/Fox 2.0 level kit the front is about 3/4 of an inch higher, It's not a huge differnce, but after tossing in two 80 pound sand bags for winter driving the rear sagged about 3/4 of an inch. This made me wonder how much higher the front will get when I put 2-300 punds back there this summer for various camping trips. Anyhow, I figured helper springs may be a solution to keep the truck as level as possible, however most of the time I'm unloaded and dont want the day to day ride to be effected.

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