With the drop in pricing on the Roush lowering kits, I feel it is probably a good time to go ahead and get one. My only concern lies with the load capacity that the truck will have with the replacement rear leaf springs. I realize that it will be a stiffer ride, but will I only be able to put 400 lbs in the bed rather than 800?

I don't want to install this kit, then go to Lowes and realize I can't haul a few bags of gravel because of the drop. Does anyone have real world experience with this kit?

 

Well roush says half the payload of the original suspension. I can't imagine they would say otherwise unless it was true. I have the kit on my truck and have had more than the 400 lbs at least i think so, but really tehre is going to be a sacrifice somewhere, if you are that concerned about using your truck as a hauler get airshocks for the rear then you can just 'air um up' when you need to haul something.

I love my kit though, and i got an old pickup i can use to haul ****, or at least just borrow one.

Brandon

 

Don't forget that "Payload" includes you and your "stuff" in the cab as well.... If you installed after market stereo equipment with heavier speakers or amps that is included in total payload.. As is a hard cover, bed rug, etc etc...

If I were to get the roush susp. I would have to be careful getting groceries... Between me, the cover, the stereo stuff its close to 400 already...

BUT very few people really weigh every lb they put in a 1/2 ton pickup .... They just load it down till the wheels rub the fender wells then take a little out...

Do a search on Sixpipes and roush - he has posted is impressions of the ride and changes on his 99 quite a few times...

Also keep in mind you will scrape the **** out of the front bumper cover on anything higher than a speedbump...

Doug

 

Just don't haul anything big.

With the Hotchkis suspension I have a reduced payload, mostly because after a few hundred pounds the bump stops sit on the rear axle.

But if it turns out you have to load the truck up that way, just make sure your not far from your destination and go slow. I had to do it on a few occasions and no problems so far. Just use some common sense and it should be fine, or more then 1 trip.

 

Are airbags an option for a performance vehicle? In other words, when not in use, do they substantially interfere with handling?

 

Capt) is on the mark...when I put all my race gear in the truck, I just bottom out more over bumps.

You can get helper springs/load assist to increase load. Then, when you plan on towing load, you set them, otherwise they don't do anything. Theres a few places that make them.

Daniel

 

I have no experience in airbags. I actually did look into them as an option. From my understanding (of them) they don't look like they would interfere with handling when not in use.

The one thing I'd caution though is, if since airbags do help raise payload capacaty, make sure the tires aren't overloaded. I have no clue what our tire payloads are, being high performance I'd guess they wouldn't be that high.

 

I have a Hotchkis that is different than what's sold now and never had a problem bottoming out going to the track. I don't know how it compares to the Roush though. Here's the load I've carried to and from the track: Four track tires, heavy tool chest, heavy floor jack, full small ice chest, double chairs, extra fluids, spare brake parts, food. All this and the snug lid on top.

 

well what is the load capacity of the Hotchkis kit? I was thinking of the roush, but if the hotchkis has a higher capacity, I might do that with some QA1s instead. What is included in the Roush? My last hotchkis kit seemed to improve my 60fts, so I'd use them again if the QA1s will control their bouncy ride.

later,
chris

 

When I weighed in at Bristol last year I was a full 5200 lbs. I have never had any problems with the Roush kit and would do it again. I have towed with it also. It works well and looks good. I especially like taking the corners fast.

 

Although the load capacity is a function of the spring rates, it is also dependent on the suspension travel. In other words, assuming the same spring rates, the more you reduce the suspension travel, the quicker you will bottom out.

The Hotchkis system currently being sold doesn't drop the rear as much as the Roush.

 

What he said.

My truck was 5120lbs without stuff in the bed, when I throw in 4 tires on stock rims, my tool kit, and my floor jack I'm adding another couple hundred lbs...thats when I lose the suspension travel.

You can't see it much from the side of the truck (I don't look reverse raked), but you know it when you hit the big bumps.

Daniel