2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Removing overloads

[SlyBones]

Gonna try removing my overload springs. Anything to it? Other that just removing the u-bolts and taking them off.



How about leaving the spacers between the overloads and the main springs?



The u-bolts have enough thread to tighten back down with all that removed? Looks like it should have enough with just the springs removed. Maybe close if I take the springs and spacers.



How about the u-bolts sticking down too far.



Anything else?

 

[bighammer]

Why remove them?

 

[SS]

Make sure you reinstall the small plate with the notches in it on top of the spring pack . It's not there for show - it distributes the load from the u-bolts. I don't think I would leave the spacer without the overload leaf. Of course the more thread below the axle the more likely it will get damaged.



Dealer or any spring shop can get shorter u-bolts if required. And torque them to spec.

 

[KWentling]

I took the spacer out and had shorter U bolts made. The reason for doing this in my case was to get rid of the banging of the overloads hitting the stops on rough roads and it helped the ride a bunch. I put Timbren load helpers on it to make up for the loss of weight carrying cpacity. One of the best things I've done to my truck.

 

[jsimpson]

My brother took them off his new Duramax hoping for a softer ride. It didn't help.

 

[Stroke This 24V]

Take the stops off

Why not take the stops off the frame and see if it is going to make a difference before going throught the expense of new U-Bolts and nuts

 

[Chipstien]

I am curious as to why you would remove the overloads also. Won't help the ride any. It would lower the back end slightly though.

 

[SlyBones]

I have posted this is a different thread. The problem is the about 1/2 or so clearance between the stops and the springs. Slaps a lot and makes lots of banging noise. This seems to vary a lot on 2500's and it would seem there are many others that this absolutely drive nuts. From the research I did so far



-- I should not loose any ride height as the truck is not riding on the overloads empty. How does it lower the truck when its not touching the overloads as it is. Seems like I should be able to remove the u-bolts, slip out the springs and reassemble. The rear end isnt gonna move.



-- I agree this will not change the ride. Thats not why they are being removed.



-- This should stop the banging noise. Stroke This 24V is correct. I am trying this to make sure it solves the problem. If not they may go back on.



-- If so I am installing airbags to replace the overloads when I tow the trailer. My tongue weight and load is just not that great for overloads and airbags, etc.



-- Already have Rancho RS9000's.



-- For those that responded to my suspension options thread thanks. I choose this route because the sag not too bad, even though I seem to have little clearance. The truck still rides basically level, with the rear being slightly taller and all that. -- If the rear was too low and I had to use the airbags for gaining height, then I would have gone with redoing the springs. Springs to worn out and too much air in the bags while empty makes for crappy ride, so I was told. -- Since the rear is riding higher and I dont need to run any more air than the 5-10 psi mimimum, this option should work. The banging will stop, ride height should not change, ride will not change, but the banging will stop. I can also turn that little knob on the side of the Rancho's to change the ride if I need. Then when I tow the trailer I will use the air bags to support the added weight. Since I dont have a camper but a Travel Trailer I think I will be ok.

 

[KWentling]

I can assure you that it doesn't lower the truck any in an unloaded condition. I swear it helped the ride on mine, I think because on a bump big enough for the overloads to contact the stops (the banging) it also transmits that shock to the ride. Caution: If you remove the stops, beware that someone here posted before of doing that and had their overloads make contact with the bottom of the bed.



Kim

 

[Lordsman]

Horrible ride

Love my truck('99), HATE the ride. Just bounces all over the place, Especially on a bumpy highway. My kids will go uhhhhhhhh till it smoothes out. Then they'll say "hey dad why does it do that?" I have the overloads and it's not contacting the bumper stops. I put on Rancho 9000's still not too good. I had airlift bags on, took them off, still rough. This is when the bed is emptyof course.



I need the overloads(and the airbags) when hauling the slide-in. Help!

 

[Blakers]

Do you have any rust between your helper leaves? My dad's Ford developed so much rust between the leaves that it bowed them to almost riding on the stops all the time. The rust gets in there and expands, and if you don't use the helpers much they don't move to get the rust out.



I had to take them off and apart to hammer the rust off each leaf. I greased them good when I put them back in. Made a big difference.



Good luck.



Blake