The other day I noticed that my truck only has 3 leaf springs on the rear axle while most other people i know, that have the same truck(4x4 offroad, 97 99 02) have 4 leaf springs. Just curious to see if any other 4x4s have this setup or if the gut who had it before me removed a spring and if I got air bags for the back would this be a problem. I carry a 700 lb atv and loaded toolbox in the bed so im looking for a little stiffer rear.

 

I have a 2006 SCREW FWD that has a set of three rear springs, been a lot of changes since 97 so not sure what yours should have. On the air springs I would recommend Firestone Ride Rite. I have a set on mine and haul a water tank on it that when loaded is about 3200 lbs. I know that is overloading but it handles it well. Lost a little ride with the ride rites but that is to be expected and you can alter it by the amount of air you run. Not near as bad as the air shocks we used to run around with in the 60's. Ride rite's are kind of a pain to put on, 2-3 hours but make it extremely easy to tune your rear suspension dependent on how you may have your truck loaded.

 

Do you have the firestone ride rite or the firestone sport rite

 

I have a 97 4x4 ext cab 8 foot box 4.6 with 5 speed. it has only 3 leafs, I know the 99's went with better spring set up, and I think they went with 4, and the GVW went up a bit as well.

I hope that helps

 

Ride Rite. I am very happy with them. Nice thing about them is they are adjustable dependent on load. If I load my truck more than I should I just add air until it's level. The ride rites are good for a combined load of 5000 and I believe the sports 3000. I haven't had to put in more then 50 psi to level my truck so I probably could have got away with the sports but sometime I figure overkill isn't neccessarly bad. Good Luck!

 

Did you order them online or from a local shop?

 

Local as I needed them right then. Could have saved 25 - 30 bucs if I'd ordered on line.