Pickup truck suspension question

[BCGuy]

I have the 4X2. The tires are LT 265 70R16 M+S. That is with the 2.5l. I would guess that you have the 4.0. I did not put a cap on it because I am using it to haul scrap from my property. I did get a bedliner. I would guess my average load right now to be a few hundred lbs. No sagging noticeable.

[Everyroadleadshome]

If it's sagging with just a fiberglass cap, it makes me think something else isn't right. Maybe your current leaf springs are shot or were defective from the start seeing as it's a newer vehicle? Looks like you have between an 880 and 1500lb payload according to google.

My truck has a 1600 payload capacity and with the 1200lb camper on the back it barely dropped a full inch.

[Queen]

It's a 2016 with 17,500 miles. It came stock with shitty passenger tires. Not sure why they did that to a 4x4 except to appeal to the "I want a truck but it needs to ride like a car" people.

[Motrukdriver]

YT video on installing leaf helper springs.  Pretty easy job.

[American Nomad Patriot]

I have air bags. I mounted the valve stems up high (inside the fuel doors) on my F350. If you have access to )or sufficient power stored to operate a heavy duty 12 volt compressor that will pump them up. (My bags go to 80lbs for my heavy load) this will be your best option. No need to lift or bend over once installed. Can mount compressor to a good spot that is easy to get to and accessible when needed. JMO.

[sternwake]

I enjoy the adjustability of the airbags, not only for different loading, but levelling when parking, as I can pump up the curb side bag to 100PSI and let all the air out the other and almost level out 6 inches of lean.

I put the shrader valves inside, and my MV-50 air compressor is right next to the fill/deflate valves. One can plumb the schrader valves whereever they choose. Plumb each bag separately.

Pre 2006, i used to use the 35$ Pep boys leaf spring helpers, but they were the type which connected to the back side of the leafspring on the bottom. They had a thick plastic portion designed to ride and slide on original leafs. This pad eventually wears out, I was getting about 15 to 18K per set before it was metal on metal and quite obvious.

They helped my tired leaf springs, but the firestone airbags are legitimate, and I am glad i went for them over the real helper springs from helwig or others, or a new leaf spring pack, though my opinion is that if these are designed for a specific load, they are better than airbags.

Right now there is 25PSi driver's side 15PSI passenger side, as I have more weight on driversside even without me sitting there.

LT tires need to be inflated more than P/XtraLoad tires to carry the same load. P/XL tires for my van are rated upto 41PSI and 32PSI was plenty for them. I use LT tires rated for upto 50PSI and run them about 41PSI, but if I am loaded down, as high as 45PSI. Easy to tell difference in ride equality from 41 to 45PSI, and 32PSI is what I used when driving on long washboarded roads with LTs, and they look LOW at that pressure and ride soft as a cadiliac.

If one uses P rated tires at least make sure they are XL rated. These will actually be rated to carry higher weights than LT tires, but P/XL tires must be derated by about 10% in a taller vehicle like a truck or Van whereas the LT tires rating is already derated assuming such a vehicle.

Vehicles with saggy rears should have their headlights adjusted down. Not only to keep from getting flashed by irritated drivers on the other side, but so one can actually see the road.

[Motrukdriver]

Looks like I'm gonna need the air bag inside the coil spring for my Jeep. Was checking out suspension helpers for it and that is about it other than some heavy duty shocks that are designed for towing. I'll probably add the after market stabilizer bar since I'll have everything apart.

[sternwake]

Timbren makes products, essentially taller bump stops which can help ride heights on vehicles with tired or overloaded springs. Often they only come into play when heavily loaded or on a hard bump, but it depends on the specific application.



https://www.google.com/search?q=Timbren+...e&ie=UTF-8

[Queen]

Appreciate all the helpful replies, I will sound like I have a clue when I talk to the suspension guy.

[Scott7022]

The Timbren products are effect and work well in usually mounted applications. I will double what Sternwake said about airbags for multipurpose use. Firestone make a good product and replaces the factory bump stops leaving your suspesion stock. The bags have buit in bumpstops. So when you need the extra lift you get it and when you need to level out the rig you got it and when you need to change a tire or add air to the spare or slow leaking tire you can. The squatting truck isn't just a bad look and embarrasing drag noise. It is a HEAT SCORE. In English this means that you look HEAVY and will attract the attention of the uniform types. This is best avoided. If a fiberglass cap made you squat then something is up unless it is an old and very heavy cap. Many airlift systems come with wireless inflators that clip to the sunvisor in the cab. When the vehicle is running the draw for the compressor is not really that significant. The compressor is providing air to the memorized pressure, you previously set and the engine alternator is cold and making the most power. The air system can fill tires and is adaptible if you change in the future. realativly easy install as it leaves your core susspension alone.