overload spring or air bags?

[Wardog]

I know I'm close to the payload limit on my new 2500 with my 10K 5ver (close to 2K lbs). The bumper drops abouit 2 and 1/4 inches when hooked up. A frame and axel place here says thats too much drop, and over time it will get significantly worse. I can get an overload spring put on which will help, or I could go with air bags. I'm told the spring won't affect the ride much at all (it's a Hellwig). Everything I'm hearing on this site indicates the overload spring and clearance lights are the only difference between a 3/4 ton and a one ton. Guess a one ton would have been a better choice, but as they say. . too soon we're old, too late we're smart!

So, any of you out there face this situation? What did you do?

Thanks.

 

[CLAYTON]

I don't know about the overload springs but I can tell you that airbags sure are nice. . When I tow the 5th wheel it's easy to put 40psi (more or less) in the bags and bring it back up to level. . then when you are done. . let the air come down to 5psi and you have your stock ride back. No complaints here plus the install was a piece of cake

 

[klenger]

The overloads on my 3500 work just fine. Simple too. With your truck being a 4x2, you may not be in as bad of shape as you think as the 2WD has about 550 lbs more useful load than a 4WD. Have you weighed your truck/trailer combo? If not, do that first. You may not need to do anything at all. The 3rd gens do seem to settle more with weight than the 2nd gens did. I prefer that as it allows more clearance between the truck and camper. Good luck.

 

[Prairie Dog]

You'll never be sorry you added air bags. Get the optional air compressor ($110) and you can adjust your height to exactly where you wan't it any time you wan't. I've even used mine to level my trailer when I was only parking overnight and didn't want to unhook.

 

[GFritsch]

Tried them both. I like the air bags. Like Praire Dog said the compressor (and tank) are a great add to your rig. The truck rides softer even when empty and with a quick add of air will handle any load.

 

[Crazy Horse]

I've had both also and if you do the springs right you will maintain the factory ride on the main stack of springs by adding a set of overload springs. Here's a photo. This photo is shown with a load on. When the load comes off the overload comes away from the frame tab and you will maintain the factory ride on the main stack of springs. The thing I didn't like with the airbags on one of my prior trucks is that with the minumum (5lbs) air pressure the travel of the springs were inhibited by the bags and a rough ride ensued. Here's some info:https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53769 .



Here's some more:https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32644&perpage=20&pagenumber=2 .



Good Luck.

 

[p-Bar]

Had the air bags on my 99 It had a bouncy feel to it not real firm. I am going to leaf spring overload on my 04. 5 , I tow a 28" 5th wheel.



Don

 

[Chief6201]

Go with Timbrens. Way less $$$ and they take care of the problem with no leaking air lines and a life time warrantee.

 

[Chrisw]

If a guy wanted the extra leaf spring, How much should a guy expect to pay. Are you getting them from a junk yard? I guess you have to get new u-bolts.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Chrisw

Just go to a spring shop. If thats all you want to do is add a leaf you could probably get the rear done for under $200.

 

[Chrisw]

Crazy Horse



thanks

 

[boonsur]

Another thought, my '03 seems to squat slightly more than my '99 did. I think they've given them more travel (longer leaf springs), and made them a little "softer" in the begining of the stroke, for ride comfort.



A friend of mine has a 1500 (Hemi), and it was really squishy. He ended-up with two helper springs, and is very happy with the results.