i have a 97 4x4 f150. i tow with it quite abit. the truck squats about 3 to 4 inchs. i was woundering if overload springs would help that much? also a good brand. what about air shocks would they be a good solution? i would like to do the airbags but moneys a little tight. so looken for an effective yet not too expensive route. thanks josh

 

I don't understand why a 3-4" squat is a bad thing? Based on my experience, that's a good indicator of about a 500-lb tongue weight. Overloads, helpers, or bags won't reduce the weight transfer that lightens the steering, they'll simply reduce the amount of squat with the load and increase the chances of overloading the rear axle.

What is the reason you would want to do this? The truck is designed to squat some when loaded. All trucks do.

-Joe

 

When a 97 F150 squats 4", it's only about an inch or so from the bump stop!

Sounds like josh has the same wussy leaf springs I have.....

I added these Hellwig Overload springs. Cost $150 + tax. I got them locally, so no shipping charge. This was over 4 years ago, so not sure what they cost now.



Now, when I load up #1000 in the bed, the truck only drops about 2". Before, it WAS on the stops! When I drop my #550 tongue weight on, it only drops about an 1". After I set the HD bars, it's back up to it's normal ride height again, and the front end actually drops about 1/4", so I'm getting good WD!

You don't really want to go with air shocks, as you would then be putting the load on the shock mountings and they were never designed to carry a load. They are just there to hold the shocks. All shocks do is dampen the bumps.

Bags are nice, but IMO, too many failure points, plus, you have to pump 'em up, let 'em down. Bags are great if that's the route you want to take. They just didn't fit into my lifestyle....

I like the firmer ride the overloads provides for all around driving. I've set them once, when I first installed them and have not had to mess with them since.

Another bonus for me is they resolved the BAD wheel hop the truck had. Also resolved the notourous "clunk" from the rear end when you stop and then start again....

Mitch

 

thanks mitch sounds like we had all the same problems.ill look into the hellwigs today. thanks for the help

 

I agree with Mitch, Hellwig progressives are the way to go.

My 98 scab had the same issues when I would hook up my boat, the truck didn't feel right or drive right. Put the Hellwigs on and problems were solved. Empty the truck had the same ride and handling without lifting the rear.

Good luck