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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: denton, tx, usa
Posts: 176
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Sag question
My truck has leaf springs and when I haul a yard of gravel, it has too much sag. Would it be stupid to place wooden blocks between the axle and frame before loading the truck bed with gravel, etc., to limit the sag? I'm just looking for a cheap solution when I occasionally have to haul a heavy load. Thanks for any help.
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69 SB GMC LWB Fleetside 350, 09 Pontiac Vibe 2.4 liter |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Monroe, WI
Posts: 1,415
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Re: Sag question
Thats sounds like a not so good idea... and define cheap... whats your budget?
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Adam My 1967 C10 - Turbo 250 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485843 (608) 214-8706 |
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#3 |
Cluster King
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Junction City, OR
Posts: 5,263
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Re: Sag question
Cheapest solution that would be safe that I can think of would be air shocks.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: denton, tx, usa
Posts: 176
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Re: Sag question
Cheap for me would be making my own stuff or using parts from the wrecking yard. But if none of that would work, I could spend up to $200.
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69 SB GMC LWB Fleetside 350, 09 Pontiac Vibe 2.4 liter |
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#5 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,628
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Re: Sag question
I would not use wood blocks. Air shocks will help, or air bags. I prefer overload leaf springs like these Hellwigs, about $100:
![]() A cheaper alternative (about $30) is coil overloads that attach to the axle housing and contact the bottom of the frame under load. I have used these but now have the Hellwigs pictured above. ![]()
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#6 |
the boat guy
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: springfield mo
Posts: 2,339
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Re: Sag question
Wood blocks would just make you bottom out the suspension at a higher ride Height. The only advantage would be the front end caster would be closer to what it is with no load.
Overload springs or air shocks get my vote. Posted via Mobile Device
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67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project, |
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: denton, tx, usa
Posts: 176
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Re: Sag question
Quote:
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69 SB GMC LWB Fleetside 350, 09 Pontiac Vibe 2.4 liter |
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#8 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
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Re: Sag question
Look in the classifieds for a set of factory helper overloads.Once installed,they're out of the way and only work when the truck is loaded.Best of both worlds,yu get the benefits when you need,but don't have to remember to use them and they sholdn't affect the ride when not loaded.
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The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" |
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: Sag question
Quote:
Have you reviewed the owners handbook load charts? It has a GVW of 5000-lb and base V-8 curb weight is about 3750-lb. With a yard of gravel weighing about 2800-lb (105-lb/sq ft) you are somewhere above 1500-lb overloaded before you even get in the truck. If you have A/C and a step bumper you loose about another 200-lbs of capacity.
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: denton, tx, usa
Posts: 176
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Re: Sag question
Quote:
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69 SB GMC LWB Fleetside 350, 09 Pontiac Vibe 2.4 liter |
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#11 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,628
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Re: Sag question
Guess I'd better not admit to how much weight I have asked my truck to carry, nor to how many times...
![]() Not that I would advise others to do so, but the truck hasn't complained yet. Well, it may have grumbled a bit, but it handled all I could throw at it (or in it) and lived to do it again. Under that sexy sheetmetal, she's a purty tough old workhorse. ![]()
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#12 |
Cluster King
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Junction City, OR
Posts: 5,263
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Re: Sag question
You are not alone Stocker.
I have overloaded a few of my old Chevy's too. Why make two trips. I have had the rear bumper dragging pavement a few times and the old Chevy just did its job like a good Chevy should, not complaints. Sexy and tough in one package, you don't see that anymore. |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Kalispell Montana
Posts: 92
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Re: Sag question
Little more money than you were wanting to spend. But I put air lift kit on mine. Keep about 9-10lbs in them when not loaded. Get's rid of the saggy look. When I tow or haul I add just enough to level it out. The added benefit that I really like.....it don't have near the body roll I used to so get a much better ride even when not loaded.
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Chandler AZ
Posts: 1,149
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Re: Sag question
I had a bedload of wet dirt piled as high as the cab in the Longhorn. I had air shocks pumped to the max and have aux leaf springs. The tires hated it had to air the tires to almost 50psi to keep them up. If I was going more than a mile or 2 I'd have been in trouble. every bump made the front of the truck want to switch lanes. Lesson learned. The plywood sides came down for the next 2 loads.
It's not only because loads are heavy the rating is there. Handling and safety come into play.
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#15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: denton, tx, usa
Posts: 176
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Re: Sag question
Quote:
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69 SB GMC LWB Fleetside 350, 09 Pontiac Vibe 2.4 liter |
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#16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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Re: Sag question
It appears you are on the right track, but just wanted to remind you that when you modify a vehicle, keep in mind that it isn't only about your safety, it is about the safety of the others on the road. The suspension is designed to keep your tires on the road for maximum traction. When you make changes, make sure you are not hindering that process.
Also, a heavier load means longer stopping distances. Make sure your suspension AND brakes are up to the challenge. It may not be your life that depends on it; it may be the car in front of you, beside you, or even the guy walking across the street not paying attention.
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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
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#17 | |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,628
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Re: Sag question
Quote:
As others have said, none of these will increase your safe payload beyond the GVWR of your truck. What they will do is keep your truck more level when loaded.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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