I want to make my truck into a quasi-towing package truck. (You can read about my truck in my signature). It's pretty much baseline in the suspension category. Now, I've heard that the Add-A-Leaf kits are good, but I want to know what you guys think. And, are they easy to do? Or would I need to take my truck into the shop?

Any other mods to the suspension that I would need to do? I don't need heavy duty by any means, but I would like to rest assured that pulling this little flatbed trailer will not hurt anything.

Thanks ahead of time for your input/advise.

 

Also,I don't want to void the warranty, so please let me know if it would. And, If anybody has any personal experience with an add-a-leaf kits, please tell me how everything turned out.

THX

 

Personally, I think a set of the Firestone airbags would be the best setup because they are adjustable for the weight you are towing/hauling.

 

yeah, but isn't that a bit pricey??? It's not like I'll ever be haulin' a lot, since I only have a V-6

 

OK. I'm a little confused. If you are not towing/hauling anything heavy why do you feel the need to upgrade the suspension?

 

I cant see how you would be able to pull anything with a V6 that would overload your stock suspension.

 

I'd say go with airbags, overload springs, or add a leafs. It shouldn't void your warranty, unless your dealer is a douchebaggio.

 

ok add-a-leafs will just raise the back end not help your towing capacity. helper spring are a good choice if you dont mind a little rougher ride. i would suggest for the airbags because of their adjustabilty. this way you dont sacrific ride quality when not towing

 

" OK. I'm a little confused. If you are not towing/hauling anything heavy why do you feel the need to upgrade the suspension?"... Wandell

'Cause for me to haul an extremely light trailer, my dad wants me to have upgraded suspension. I dunno why. I'm with you, though.
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Thanks for your replies, all.

 

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I agree. I just don't see any need for suspension upgrades for any towing that the V6 would reasonably be capable of.

 

Dad's eh? go figure. I really don't see the need to upgrade, if you already have the receiver and plug you're all set. My dad's 94 with a 302 pulled my 64 Galaxie home, the trailer itself was heavy as hell, plus the bed and car was filled with extra parts. We did 110 km/h the whole way home and kept overdrive on, and still no probs. He also has a class 4 receiver I think if that matters much, plus I believe tranny and oil coolers, that's it. That truck even has less hp's but a tick more torque if I remember right.

 

I remember reading a few places that an AAL will give you an extra 500 lbs of towing. I can't remember if it was tongue weight or total weight though.

 

I had air bags on the rear of a Superduty. Loved them. Never carried more than the truck was rated for, just wanted to keep the rear from sagging when the trailer was on. I was tired of getting flashed because people thought my high beams were on. They were about $300 bucks with out the compressor. Just air them up when trailer is on. If your dad thinks you need it make him pay for them.

 

Well, it's for my lawn mowing "service". I have to pay for anything that messes up and all maintenance, etc. now because there is supposedly extra wear and tear on the vehicle and mower. So putting a hitch on will be out of my pocket. Putting in a bedliner...my pocket. Pulling a trailer...my pocket. Same for suspension...

I guess, though, he's right about the fact that since I'm getting paid to do what I do, I should at least compensate for "Damages and Wear & Tear"...

Thanks for your replies, though

 

Im assuming this is a pretty small trailer. How big is it? The equipment you are going to be hauling will not weigh that much.

I dont think you need to worry about beefing up the suspension...you wont be taxing the suspension enough to cause any problems.