I just installed a set of Firestone airbags on my 06 Ram Mega Cab to remedy the rear sag when I pull my 28' bumper pull camper, approximately 7000lbs, (I have a leveling kit in the front), and I got to thinking. Could I remove the overload springs from the rear spring packs to make it ride a little better when I'm unloaded. I could compensate for their removal by adding more air to the bags when I'm loaded, right? And, when I'm empty, it would not be so stiff in he rear. Does anyone have any input on this? Any more pro/cons? I am still just thinking about doing this, but I do not want to do anything to lose towing capacity or damage my truck. Thanks.
I'm not sure about this... but I don't believe removing the overload spring will improve the ride at all when the truck is empty. As far as I understand, the overload spring will only be in use if the regular springs are pressed down against it (like under a heavy load). Under normal empty driving circumstances, I don't think it even makes a difference. Somebody correct me if I am incorrect haha
You are dead on correct. When unloaded the helper springs do nothing they only stiffen the ride up once the load is large enough to make the helper springs come in to play.
That's kinda what I was thinking, and is one reason that I haven't done it yet. Thanks for the input. I can live with the ride, since it will tow everything I have with no problems, and that's why I got it. waytogo
You do have a couple of options to soften the ride, but you might have to spend some $. The cheapest route would be to get some nice bilstein shocks which might help take the harshness out of some of the bumps. Or if you wanted to spend more you could get a KORE Recon suspension system which replaces the overload spring with a progressive leaf pack which would actually smooth out the ride a bit and still retain the factory load carrying capacity.
Or just put 1000lbs of whatever in the bed and be done with it.waytogo BTW Ben your truck needs clearence lightsimp:
I completely agree; I think me and Brandon were planning on putting them on next time we come up, I will let you know so you can lend a hand. waytogo
Do you not use a WD hitch when towing? My travel trailer weighs about 7000#, but my truck is level with the trailer hooked up thanks to the WD hitch.
I got the sign from Signspecialist.com. That one is 15" wide, and is on the back window of my topper. I would make it bigger if I were to do it again, and it would be red, like the actual Peterbilt logo. I picked the gold color because the truck and topper are tan/gold. I think red would be cooler.
