2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Removing Overload springs

[Dkevdog]

I am installing Airlift Bags in my truck, in conjunction with the overload springs. The Airlift manual advises that it is acceptable either with or with out the springs. It also says that IF the ride becomes unbearably harsh, then the springs should be removed. Maybe I don't get it, but I don't see how the overload springs can do much of anything because they are never allowed to hit the frame contacts with the bags installed. So how can removing them effect the ride?



Kev

 

[Doc Tinker]

I agree that the overloads would be rendered useless with the airbags installed. I'd remove the overloads to save weight.



Doc

 

[Blakers]

Were the overload springs an option? Mine does not have them, even though it is 8800 GVW.



Thanks,



Blake

 

[SlyBones]

I have checked into this and posted here several times recently about the same thing. Most if not all agree that overloads are not effecting the ride, because they never hit the frame contacts, as you have stated. -- The other interesting one is whether I would loose ride height by removing the overloads. Came to the same conclusion. Now with the trailer attached I expect a little more sag w/o overloads. But then thats what the airbags are for. - Removing overloads to get rid of the slap and banging.



My AirLifts should be coming in Mon-Tues. and I will be removing them and installing air bags next weekend.

 

[tarussell]

I have been reading all the threads on the overload springs posted lately and a lot of people are saying there overloads slap the spring stops and make noise. My truck has thick rubber sleeves that go around the spring stops. Perhaps those who are experiencing the slap noise have lost the factory rubber sleeves or maybe D/C just started putting them on the trucks. My trucks overload springs are several inches away from the stops and never hit when the bed is empty. They do make contact when I am towing but I have never heard any noise so I guess the rubber sleeves are doing there job.

I hope this will help anyone having the slap noise.

 

[Wiredawg]

Keep the overloads!

I recommend keeping the overloads. I kept mine as a safe measure in case I ever lost an airbag or airline. The ride is fine.



My two cents,



Wiredawg

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Blakers

Were the overload springs an option? Mine does not have them, even though it is 8800 GVW.



Thanks,



Blake

Blake it is part of what they call the "camper special" option. overload springs and rear sway bar.

 

[Dkevdog]

I think I'm gonna leave them for now- Thanks for the replies. I doubt I would save that much weight by removing them Doc.



Slybones- when you get your kit, there will be spacers in there if you need them to maintain your stock hieght if you plan to remove the overload springs. And one other word of caution:



On the drivers side- BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN DRILLING OR YOU MIGHT END UP GOING THROUGH THE BRAKE LINE!!!



No, I didn't but I got DAMN close- just brazed it a little. Seriously though- take a good look back there first. It laso helps to have two people or be a catortionist (sp)!!



The slap noise many speak of I have also heard- but only when there's about 700 - 1000lbs in the bed. I do have the rubber sleeves on the frame contacts. The noise is when the springs contact the contact points intermittantly. I have a WORSE noise when the make full contact. SQUEAKY as heck! Airbags solved that whole mess completely



Kev

 

[WDaniels]

You guys who don't hear your overload springs slap the rubber stops must have some nice roads!!! The only time I don't hear mine when I hit the bumps, which I might add all seem to be about 9" deep and the exact same size diameter as the rear wheels, is when I'm fully loaded.

As far as removing the overloads with the air bags is IMHO not due to them working against the stops but the maybe the little extra height that removing them will give you. The less room you have with air in the bags will make the ride harsher. The more room you have will make the bags springer for a smoother ride.

Then again, maybe not.

WD

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by Pit Bull





Blake it is part of what they call the "camper special" option. overload springs and rear sway bar.

Thanks Pit Bull...



I wasn't sure. Mine has the towing package and the snowplow package, but apparently that doesn't qualify it for overload springs. Oh well.



Blake