My dually truck has the 5+1 spring pack with the +1 being an overload, rawr is 8250. I have the Hellwig 3500# spring pack sitting here, to use it the tech told me I have to remove the overload spring and brackets. Removing the front bracket looks to be a pita as it is riveted, the rear bracket is bolted so no probem. Also removing the overload spring takes away from the carrying capacity of course so whatever it is rated for has to be subracted from the 3500# added by the installed springs. I also have the Hellwig overload springs sitting here, rated at 2200# which can be added on top of the existing overload, easy peasy. Tech said these springs will of course engage the overloads sooner. So question is who has experience with this combo adding additional spring capacity and how did it turn out. My camper is going to be in the 4500# range I imagine, with addition of trailer possible. Maybe another brand has a better solution? I am guessing if the 3500# spring pack is installed the reason the overload brackets have to be removed as they can engage the spring pack relieving the tension on the brackets at the ends of the springs with possible dire consequences. Though the brackets appear to be quite a ways away from the present springs and with the 3500# springs tightened down they might and might not engage the brackets. Would like to have all the spring I can install. And don't really want to remove the present OEM spring pack as that looks to be a chore, but it is possible.

Have you check if you need suspension reinforcement in the first place?When I was getting my new dually, everybody here was telling me that will need to do extensive modification. Maybe newer trucks have stronger springs and aluminium bed adds to cargo capacity, but my dually handles camper, that once scaled 6500 lb just fine.I add hockey pucks to upper overloads just as a precaution.

Entails a bunch of work and expense for a twenty year old truck IMO.

Depends how much you’re hauling, picturing what you’re talking about though. Leaving the OE overload and adding to it is better for stability and stress on your springs and perches though. 4 points of contact to carry load vs 2 = roughly 1/2 the stress on the main springs (w the overload taking another 2k theoretically)I’ve used plenty of bolt on leafs that shore up the main spring pack. Used and abused and never broke a spring, but given the choice I’d add to the overloads if I had the opportunity. That and a sway bar should make er nimble as a billy goat.

And if you want it to load the suspension even quicker can add lower stableloads or wedges.

Yup. Chances are your dually can handle 4500 just fine. Heck I still have my old ‘86 GMC dually and it handles a camper that heavy just fine, 100% stock.

Rear springs and overloads for '99--07 F350 | Good Sam Community

mountainkowboy
Explorer
Dec 03, 2018
Red carries a 4,500lb S&S on her back with no mods other than upper stableloads and bilsteins. She carries it well and it drops her 2" with the TC on her back and still has a rake.
burningman
Explorer II
Dec 03, 2018
Bedlam wrote:
The Hellwig overloads are tired to the main spring pack and the frame mounted brackets may interfere with their use.

Oh do you mean the kind that clamp on at the outer edges with big square U-bolts around the leaf springs?
GeoBoy
Explorer
Dec 03, 2018
Marcela wrote:
i think that is what I'm going to do. The present spring pack is rated for 3600#, 5+1. I couldn't figure out why it is rated for 8250, think Ford doesn't take into account the axle/wheels which is probably 1000k lbs.

There is a 6+1 that is rated for 4400#. The people who make them for hdtruck springs are about 40' from my place, called general spring in kansas city. Think I'll ride over tomorrow and take a look at their operation, says they have a large inventory so maybe they have them already made up. Then use the oem overload and maybe stack the hellwig overloads on top if needed.

The axle and wheels are not carried by the truck, they are carrying the truck. Their weight does not factor into the spring pack.
Bedlam
Moderator
Dec 03, 2018
burningman wrote:
Bedlam wrote:
The Hellwig overloads are tired to the main spring pack and the frame mounted brackets may interfere with their use.

Oh do you mean the kind that clamp on at the outer edges with big square U-bolts around the leaf springs?

Yes. I should have just attached an image, but was on my phone earlier:
ticki2
Explorer
Dec 03, 2018
Hard to believe you need anything with a one ton duallyfor that weight with the exception of bump stops to engage overloads sooner, or an extra leaf in the overload spring.Have you tried it yet with nothing added ?
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Dec 03, 2018
I guess members read too many topics about others spending thousands of dollars for suspension and wheels modification in order to carry their heavy camper that makes them jumping into conclusion with checking what they have.
Just like "red" in picture above, my dually carries very heavy camper with no modification. The squat is minimal and actually it still leans forward. When I want the camper on truck level, I need to put 2-3" under front wheels.
Marcela
Explorer
Dec 03, 2018
Went over to the warehouse today. The springs are actually made either in NJ or Mex I was told.

The springs on my truck are actually 4+1, not 5+1 as I believed, the overload is not considered into the equation. So the springs on the truck are actually 3300# rated as per the SD spring or GS spring website. I picked up the 6+1 spring pack rated at 4400#, vs. the OEM 4+1 rated at 3300#. About an inch difference in thickness. I'm sure I'll be much happier with the higher rated springs.

I was also advised to change the springs with the tires bolted on and raise the frame vs. my thinking of leaving the tires off with the axle on stands and raising the frame. Told me much easier to handle the axle on tires chocked then on jack stands.
Bedlam
Moderator
Dec 03, 2018
Thanks for the insight. I was torn between a heavier spring pack or adjustable modifications on my previous truck and chose the latter only because of unloaded comfort. I know I could have spent less time and money just replacing the spring pack if the truck was always loaded. Please continue with the feedback as you progress.
jaycocreek
Explorer II
Dec 03, 2018
Interesting on the spring packs..Seems to ad about 500# per leaf/spring..Mine are 5+1 rated at 7741/3870..

Good to know..
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 03, 2018
Guessing those springs will be very stout and accomplish what you are surmising you’re going to need to do, but what made you think the old springs are “tired”?

Just talking here, but I’ve either been responsible for or been around 1000s of pickup trucks , a lot of which get beat like a rented mule almost daily, and haven’t seen any trucks that got tired in recent years.