I have a 2003 f-150 short bed v8 w/ the towing package. I regularly have my 600lb quad in the bed or I am pulling a trailer w/ the quad and another the same weight. The backend bows down with either loads and was wondering if there was anything I could do with out adding a leaf to keep it from squating so much.
Not sure if there are some stiffer shocks that would help or what.

Yes I know it is going to squat under load just seeing if there is anything that can help out when i am towing.

Thanks guys

 

your best bet is the add a leaf it is like 50$ and will solve your problem perfect

 

you should look at airbags.

they are made just for this situation.

It basically replaces the extra leaf, but can be deflated when not needed. The problem with adding suspension is that you lift the back end, which gives you the same problem, only in reverse.

 

I agree, airbags are the best way to go.

 

On my old '00 F-350 I had installed some Timbren rubber helper springs. They are not in use when unloaded and when you put a load in the bed or on the hitch they really do a nice job of keeping the rear of the truck stable and won't let it squat down. You can check them out at http://www.timbren.com/ and the cheapest place I have found to order them from is http://www.truckspring.com/ They are a lot easier to install than airbags or add-a-leafs and they don't require an air pump like the airbags. Also, Monroe makes a similar unit called "Monroe Muscles"

On edit: The part number for the '03 F-150 rear axle is FR1525HD. You should not need them for the front axle unless you do some snow plowing. You can view a PDF version of the installation instructions here --> http://www.timbren.com/install/FR1525HD.pdf

 

Springs suspend the vehicle and set the ride height. Shocks only dampen the springs and do not affect ride height. Only way to help your situation is extra leaf springs or air bags.

 

Shocks do nothing to keep from sagging. I vote for Bags.

dpostman

 

My solution to the squatting problem was to install Roadmaster Active Suspension adjustable spring helpers. They cost a bit more, but you can tweak them abit to fit your needs.

They stiffen each leaf spring set independantly, and adds progressive stiffness as the leafs are engaged. They will greatly reduce body roll while maintaining independant articulation ... something a sway bar can't do. The handling under load and while towing is awsome.

I was able to level the rear, left to right, and set the rear to be 3/4" higher than the front.

 

Some folks here also have the Hellwig Helper Springs and like the way they work.

You can shop around for a better price. I'm sure that Summit Jeg's, JCWhitney and all the others have them.

Just my $.02

 

If this is an occasional towing I wouldn't waste money on airbags. The reason is most good systems will run you about $200 and you need to air them up manually. If you want the in cab controls with the compressor thats another $200. A $400 system for only occasional use is a waste of money. I was going to do them on my F150 and then on my F250, but I don't usually tow very much to justify the extra cost. I'd instead go for a set of Hellwigs or the Timbrens. I will probably go the timbren route since I don't have to adjust the springs each time I unload.

 

I choose the Hellwigs myself..... I really like what they did to the overall handling of the truck and they do allow a nice payload of over #1000 without hitting the bump stops any more! It only drops about 2" with a good #1000 load in the bed now...

 

Thanks everybody for the input. I think the Helwig or the roadmaster spring helpers are what I am looking for.

 

AJ03:

The Timbren springs will do exactly what the Hellwig and Roadmaster ones will do (with the exception of the adjustment feature). They are easier to install and don't require any maintenance. I forgot to mention this earlier... they replace the stock bump stops.

My extra $.02 since I tend to be generous at times.

 

600 LB QUAD!!

Man, that's a heavy bike. I have an '04 Yamaha YFZ450, weighing in at around 350lbs. Recently on a trip to Pismo Beach, I had my quad, as well as an 02 Honda 400EX, and an 03 Suzuki LTZ400 in a trailer, and the whole bed full of camping gear, and noticed not one bit of "rear end sag" as you are talking about. The truck was perfectly level. I'm not sure how much weight that was, but I would place my vote for air bags as well, this way it's adjustable. Good luck.

 

The quad is a 2001 suzukie quadmaster 500cc 4x4 and my brothers is a 2002 Vinson 500cc 4x4. They both weigh in around 603 or 604lbs. They were in a 16ft trailer along everything needed for a weekend at the ranch. We also had about 350lbs of deer corn in the bed. So I guess weight is over 1500lbs plus the weight of the trailer. The sagging is not bad and is just enought to make the rear slighty lower than the front but think by beefing up the rear it will handle better w/ and w/o loads. Also there will be a 3rd quad added soon for my younger brother meaning more weight.