I am considering removing the overload leafs in my 2005 Ram1500QC4x4 for a slight rear level and possibly an improved ride.
I may use drop shackles insted of or along with...not sure yet.

Does it ride better with the overloads out?
I know they don't really affect the spring rate but I assume the reduced unsprung weight and increased compliance with them out will give a bit better ride?

My Q. is can it be done with hand tools in the driveway?
I have air tools but no hoist or major HD tools
Are there locating pins in the centre of the overloads?
Can I just loosen the u bolts and slide the overload out and retighten or do you need to re/re the leaf packs?
With the overloads out will the regular leafs sit and align properly on the axle pad?
Will I need shorter Ubolts?

Looking for actual experience with having done this?

It's my daily driver so I don't want to have it apart in the driveway and run into a snag....I'll be walkin to work! LOL

Thanks

 

it can be done with regular hand tools but iuts a PITA.but,no you actually have to take the axle off and the spring apart to get the overload out.Instead of taking the overload out have you looked in to maybe adjustable shocks or something that would help you get a better ride?.

 

Sounds like he wants to more or less level the truck. After you level the truck, if you want the payload leveling option, then look at bags or air shocks.

I had mine installed, so I dont know what it will take as far as un-install goes, but it wil lride better without them on it. However, I dont think it will level it any. The helper spring does actually lift the rear, it just increases the spring rate.

 

Here are the problems that I think you will face.
1. Center bolt will be to long and may have to be replaced with a shorter one.
2. U-bolt's will then be to long and you will not be able to tighten them all the way.

When I did an AAL on my Toyota I had to put in a longer center bolt and longer u-bolt's. Rule of thumb is if you un-bolt u-bolt's you are supposed to replace them. As far as actually doing the work it is real easy. You just lift the frame of the truck, support the axles and start the dis-assembly. Good luck

 

i have a set of leaf springs ill swap you. they have been overloaded and when they were on the truck the *** end was 2' lower than my leveled front would work great for ya

 

Terez check your PM's

 

nice RH...

 

buy a set of drop shackles on ebay from djm install those you need a

21 mm socket with a t55 bit or vice grip 4 truck stands and jack


jack up the truck take off the rear wheels put jack stands on the frame drop the axle to wear its hanging in the air put the jack to just support the axle and slowly loosen the bolts take the bolts out and install the new shackles the same way you installed the old ones do not tighten the bolts untill you have tires back and sitting down on the ground

if you have any questions let me know you will get a 2 inch drop without overloads and its quicker and faster

also you being a 4x4 i would reccomend it

if you remove the overloads the rear end will feel wobbly

 

if you remove the overloads the rear end will feel wobbly[/quote]

That is what I was thinking to.

 

Thanks for the help fella's.

I'm gonna leave the overloads in and just go with Belltech drop shackles.
Should get me close to level with little hassle and keep the load/towing capacity intact.

Goin' to run 285/70/17 on 17x8 rims.
Should ride/look good and handle better.
I don't offroad, 4x4 for me is for towing the horse/boat/sled trailer and winter driving.