Overload springs- what are you running?

[Fuzzydog]

I've had this 2002 superduty dually for a few years now. It had what I believe to be factory overloads when I got it, and I added Firestone airbags. The airbags kept the truck level but the overloads never touched the frame mounted stops - there was just no way the susp would ever compress that much.
Doing the rear brakes the other day, I see that I have a broken main spring. Ok, do that at the same time, get replacement springs from the local spring shop. The replacement packs have Standens stamped on them - seem to be a reputable supplier. While I am in there, new shackles as well, and replace the Firestone airbags with airlift bags. I left the factory overload off as I feel it wasn't doing anything and was kind of in the way of mounting the airbags.
This did not work out as I expected. The new springs and bags do not hold my 10.5' camper at ride height, like the previous setup did and I can't understand why? The new spring pack has the same amount of leafs as the previous - could they be 'softer'?
What overload springs have worked for you?

 

[Ebs]

This page is a good resource if you're looking to compare different springs: Ford Truck, SUV, Pickup and Van Leaf Springs

If you still have your old springs I'd play with adding some leafs into the new packs.

PS - I need some cab and chassis superduty sprangs for my van.

 

[rattle_snake]

Sounds like new packs do not have same capacity.

I run both overloads and bags with a cab over camper. The overloads works well to do their specific job, increase spring rate only when needed. The bags raise spring rate at all times to hold weight up.

How much does 10.5' camper weight?

Perhaps a 7" diameter bag over a 5" would get you best of both. (unloaded ride and loaded). I have a 2014 250 that has lighter main packs, overload, 7" bag, 1.25 sway bar, adjustable Fox 2.0s. I put 10-20 psi in bags and overload don't touch unless I hit a large bump in road at high speed.

 

[Fuzzydog]

I think you guys are right - the new springs must not have the same capacity. I have to say though, that the truck rides noticeably softer now. That may also have to do with the new shackles as the old ones were very hard to move. Alright....guess I'll talk to the spring shop about adding a heavier leaf, and or putting the overloads back in. Man, I just want to go camping.....

 

[Fuzzydog]

Ps, I'm not sure, but I don't think I would have room for a 7" bag between the frame and the tires on the dually

 

[rattle_snake]

What pressure are you running bags at? Maybe move mounting brackets to get more lift from them. Pic would help.

 

[Fuzzydog]

I put 95 in the bags and have 6" between bag mounting plates when empty. The install instructions said between 5 and 7". I could put a spacer under the lower plate to bring it up another inch. Going to try that first as it would be easiest.

Not sure on the camper weight but pretty sure the truck is technically overloaded when it is full of water, propane, food and booze.

 

[ZSK]

Do you remember what the bags were set at before you swapped the springs out?

Putting the overloads back on and adding a spacer to the frame mount would get them engaged sooner and add stability at a lower bag pressure.

 

[Fuzzydog]

I have always had the bags at either 5 (unloaded) or 95 (with the camper on). This truck sits empty most of the year, then hauls the camper over the summer, then gets parked again. It may see some other use occasionally as a DD if the regular DD is down for a few days, but that is rare. When I got the new springs, I put them beside the old ones and they looked identical - same number of leafs, same arc, same static height.
Was looking things over last night and I now feel that the empty truck does sit lower in the rear with the new springs and 5 psi in the bags. Those new springs do not have the same capacity as the old ones. Going to talk to the spring shop about adding another leaf in the pack.

 

[rattle_snake]

Putting the overloads back on and adding a spacer to the frame mount would get them engaged sooner and add stability at a lower bag pressure.

Think about what a spacer will do when rear suspension is all the way compressed. It will bind and put way more force on the overload pads than they were ever designed for. They can break off, seen the pics on SD trucks of this with campers.