what's a better rear suspension

[89chevsj]

My parts guys have given me the choice between a 4:1 leafspring vs. 5:1 leafspring (4:1 = 4 leafs 1 overload 5:1 = 5 leafs 1 overload for those who didn't understand) I tow alot and I'm usually overweight as far as axle/towing compacity. what would be better to fight sagging. the truck will only be towing for another 6 months then its retired to my "toy" status. thanks.

[Boog]

Changing leaf springs will not increase your towing capacity. That's set by the engine, gear ratio and vehicle weight. Going with the 5-1 spring pack will help with the sag issue though. So would some helper bags and maybe easier to install too. Air em up when you haul and let em down when not. Keeps the ride nice.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by Boog

Changing leaf springs will not increase your towing capacity. That's set by the engine, gear ratio and vehicle weight. Going with the 5-1 spring pack will help with the sag issue though. So would some helper bags and maybe easier to install too. Air em up when you haul and let em down when not. Keeps the ride nice.

When I bought my '88 3/4 ton, it was used for a cab-over camper ( for just 3 times).... It had a helper - leaf spring on it. It was pretty easy to remove. ( then re-install if needed later)

[bpeters5814]

I'm guessing you don't want to spend too much money, but have you looked into air bags? Pretty easy to install and if you don't get the kit with the compressor, I think you can get them for $250-300.

Edit: Just went back and read your other thread, saw you want to go the cheaper route. RockAuto has some helper springs pretty cheap - Husky springs are $92.99 for leafs and hardware for both sides, 1000lb per kit capacity. Also a rubber spring helper kit, but that's around $200.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by bpeters5814

I'm guessing you don't want to spend too much money, but have you looked into air bags? Pretty easy to install and if you don't get the kit with the compressor, I think you can get them for $250-300.

Edit: Just went back and read your other thread, saw you want to go the cheaper route. RockAuto has some helper springs pretty cheap - Husky springs are $92.99 for leafs and hardware for both sides, 1000lb per kit capacity. Also a rubber spring helper kit, but that's around $200.

( That's why I mentioned a helper leaf)...... on a budget, but they work.

[bpeters5814]

Originally Posted by mountie

( That's why I mentioned a helper leaf)...... on a budget, but they work.

I didn't realize they were that cheap. I'm kind of thinking about getting a set for my pickup now. See what you started!

[mountie]

Originally Posted by bpeters5814

I didn't realize they were that cheap. I'm kind of thinking about getting a set for my pickup now. See what you started!

A pair of helpers leafs...... maybe determine if there's different tension rates. Mine needed to support a cab-over camper, so they were pretty stiff. I bought the truck without the camper (11,000 miles) and the leafs were very stiff (hard ride) and it lifted the back at least an inch.

[89chevsj]

sorry, not towing compacity but rear sag. i have plenty of power to pull but i keep bottoming out my rear shocks. im gonna go 4:1 and use a company truck to tow. but I'm considering a helper bag setup after i get some more urgent work done. going with helper bags later even though im not towing NOW but in 3-4 years I'm hoping to drive the truck out of AK when i make my big move to the lower 48.
edit my other thread isn't correct anymore. not gonna even bother with "lifting" it. it would just cause to many problems. I'm so on the fence with this truck, now that i have time to work on it i have way to much imagination.