Hey guys,
I have a 99' 2500 with a GVWR 8800, 5.9 L 360 Gas engine. I want to put in a dump bed insert but am concerned that the weight of the insert, roughly 650 lbs, will eat up too much of the hauling weight. I can put about 2500 lbs back there under its rating, but don't always feel comfortable doing that. I am thinking of adding a leaf spring to increase its capacity a little. The easiest solution would be to get a 350 truck with a dump bed, I know, but I am looking to save money and keep the truck that I have been repairing for the past few years and know its condition. Any thoughts on adding the spring?
Thanks,
Kevin

 

The helper spring would help the ride and I've read many a posts of guys on here that have them. I think Dvaghan is one of them that really likes his. The thing that worries me though, is will the helper spring increase the GVWR? That is still a lot of weight on the axles.

 

add a leafs may help some might give you a lift in the back or upgrade in the suspension like better shocks

 

if you are hauling more than your vehicles GVWR and are involved in an accident, it all falls on you!

with that said if you are beefing up its hauling capacity, you might want to also upgrade its stopping capacity!

 

i hauled a 880 lb bike on a 280lb lift attached to my class 5 rear receiver for 2 years with a 98 1500 w/360, did rebuild the rear end which had 200k on it the way i did it was timberen rubbber boots and super springs. your 2500 should have a free floating rear end so no worries.....i also had no less than 1500 lbs of assorted crap and two fat passengers most of the time!

 

True. I would be mindful of the GVWR, but would like the extra lift in the back when I am loading up to around 2K plus. I need a fricken 1 ton.

 

If you think about it the springs won't increase your GVWR they will only add more weight to your total truck weight therefore reducing the weight that can ultimately be held.

 

Depends on what the limiting factor for weight capacity is. If the axle is the weak link, meaner springs will only give you an opportunity to break stuff.

 

True dat...Depends on the rear end, not just springs.

My 98 2500 has a Dana 60 in it...And the springs to match...Load a pallet of cement, 3000 lbs and it stil rides rough.

 

An add-a-leaf will do what you want it will give you some lift to, which the extra weight should eat, if your looking a for a different and most would say better solution airbags would be the way but can get pricey to get done.