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

Marcela
Explorer
Dec 03, 2018
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.
Bedlam
Moderator
Dec 02, 2018
Why not replace the main spring pack with a heavier one from a place like HDTruck Springs.com? I ran upper and lower StableLoads and Firestone air bags on my Ford to carry a 4000 lb camper while towing an 8000 lb trailer. I went this route so I could adjust back to unloaded ride comfort from loaded ride capacity. My rear axle was typically loaded around 8000 lbs with that setup but under 3000 lbs when empty.
Marcela
Explorer
Dec 02, 2018
I don't want to look like I'm driving a lowrider.

PO had 3000# on the pin for a 5th wheel and said it sat pretty low. Looking at the oem springs they look pretty tired, I might end up replacing the whole pack.
burningman
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2018
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.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 02, 2018
And if you want it to load the suspension even quicker can add lower stableloads or wedges.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 02, 2018
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.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2018
Entails a bunch of work and expense for a twenty year old truck IMO.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2018
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.

Forum Discussion

Rear springs and overloads for '99--07 F350

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Overload Spring Sway Stops

Overloaded or wrong truck?

F350 with no overload springs

overload springs

2014, adding overload springs