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Fair enough. This what I know:
Engine: 281 CID V8
4x4 supercrew cab
5 1/2' rear box
gear ratio is unknown...seems normal. I would "guess" about a 3.2.
Loads vary considerably.
The 281 is the 4.6L small V8.
Let's do the math.
Base weight of this layout: 4,813 lbs
Now let's add the other stuff that deducts from your truck capabilities:
26 gallon fuel tank
Gas weights roughly 6 lbs per gallon so 26 x 6 = 156 lbs
Let's calculate the weight of 2 passengers @ 150 lbs ea = 300 lbs
4,813 + 156 +300 = 5,269 lbs.
Do you have a receiver hitch installed? If so, add an additional 48 lbs.
5,269+48 = 5,317 lbs
Is there anything else in the truck that wasn't in the truck from the factory? Books, tools, toolbox, etc? If so, add those weights up. Let's use 40 lbs for an example.
5,317 + 40 = 5,357 lbs would be your actual loaded weight
Your truck's listed GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating - maximum weight in and or on the truck) is: 6,850 lbs. You should not go above this number.
To figure out your payload capacity, subtract GVWR from your actual weight. 6,850 - 5,357 = 1,493 lbs.
If you are loading more than 1,493 lbs into the bed of the truck you are overloaded. The suspension, tires, etc... are all designed to perform up to the GVWR. Once you go over the springs will droop and you will also begin to put a strain on other components... axles and bearings, transmission, engine, tires, driveshaft, etc.....
The reviews are positive from those who tow large trailers.
Shocks are not going to solve the problem of the truck sagging. Again.... that is a weight problem. If you have to haul heavy items frequently you're going to need to consider moving to a 3/4 ton truck or tow unsafely. Another consideration.... your brakes are designed around the GVWR. If you're overloading it, your brakes could lose stopping power from too much heat.
How much weight is the most you put back there, or what are you putting back there? That truck only has like a 2000lb rating.
You could do air SHOCKS, maybe. Easy to install, just need a compressor to pump them or, unless you go on board pump.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nlambert
Shocks are not going to solve the problem of the truck sagging. Again.... that is a weight problem. If you have to haul heavy items frequently you're going to need to consider moving to a 3/4 ton truck or tow unsafely. Another consideration.... your brakes are designed around the GVWR. If you're overloading it, your brakes could lose stopping power from too much heat.
Something to consider.
niambert is ultimately right, in the end shocks are not going to solve the problem, but upstatejohns idea of air shocks is a good one to give a little extra boost as needed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by joee5
My Dodge 1500 don't sag under loads. Must be a reason why, of you pay attention, you'll see more Dodge Rams on the road than FoundOnRoadDead's
right because dodge sells so many more trucks than the top selling truck in the world for the last 40 years.
It's sort of been said, but: a relatively new truck, or any truck in generally good condition, should not ever sag under load. If it sags, the original-spec suspension is worn or tired, or it's overloaded.
Putting things to boost the suspension on under excess loads is a bad idea. Airbags are great for stabilizing maximum loading, and allow a switch back to more comfortable driving, but coil-overs and air boosters and the like... bad idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by joee5
My Dodge 1500 don't sag under loads. Must be a reason why, of you pay attention, you'll see more Dodge Rams on the road than FoundOnRoadDead's
Quote:
Originally Posted by rbohm
right because dodge sells so many more trucks than the top selling truck in the world for the last 40 years.
My Dodge 1500 don't sag under loads. Must be a reason why, of you pay attention, you'll see more Dodge Rams on the road than FoundOnRoadDead's
Though I drive a Dodge, (I prefer to say I drive a Cummins) I don't agree with this statement nor does it have anything to do with the suspension issue. Your Dodge doesn't sag under loads because it isn't overloaded. Any vehicle will sag under a load if overloaded.
If we're being honest a 2010 Ram quad cab 1500 4x4 with the 5.7L Hemi only has a listed payload of between 1,300-1,400 lbs depending on the way it's equipped. And that's using the base weight, not the calculating the true weight minus gross vehicle weight rating. It's likely lower than that.
Ford F150 has 230,000 miles by the way. Only owned it for three years now. Do not know maintenance history other than they seemed to do alright based on engine not using much oil at all.
Ford F150 has 230,000 miles by the way. Only owned it for three years now. Do not know maintenance history other than they seemed to do alright based on engine not using much oil at all.
That doesn't mean anything in this event. No one here can give you any good advice before you do one of two things:
1.) weigh the truck with the load at a certified CAT scale and find out what the total weight is. If it is over the GVWR of the truck (sticker inside the door) you are overloaded and your suspension cannot carry the weight.
2.) weigh the load that you are hauling. If the load is more than the available payload capacity, you are overloaded.
You have to determine if the truck is overloaded first. THAT is more than likely the culprit. Not springs, or shocks, or wear. It's the load. There is nothing you can do to safely fix that except to haul less and make more trips or upgrade to a larger truck with more payload capacity. You cannot legally or safely increase payload of the truck. Trying to do so is dangerous to you and anyone who shares the road with you. You run the risk of brake failure, trans failure, bearing failure, axle failure, tire failure, spring failure, and even frame failure if you attempt to do otherwise.
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