I'm getting ready to move and would like to pile stuff in the bed of my 01 lightning. However a couple hundred pounds makes the back drop. (truck also has a cap: 200 lbs or so) Would some stiff springs be the answer or is there more to the recomended payload rating than that?

 

Payload is based on more than springs, axels, tires etc.

You can have an additional spring added to each side for about $200, and the back will not sag, but you will still be overloading the axels and tires (Look for the load rating written on the tires, add the four together and subtract the truck weight.

Normal paylaod for the Ford f-150 is right about 1,500 lbs max. (Springs will drop with that much) This capacity is still higher than chevy or Dodge.

For F-150 HD (8200 GVWR) of course has a much larger payload with heavier springs, axels and tires.

Hope that this helps.

David

 

Adding stiffer springs will keep make the rear end from sagging, but that does NOT increase the payload capacity.