Truck springs

[Seascape]

Thinking of putting 1 ton springs on this 98 chevy 1/2 ton. Is this possible? Any suggestions?
mike

[hardboiled]

I had heavier springs put on just the front of a Dodge W(4x)150 in order to hold the plow without so much sag. I couldn't locate air bags for the application, so I went with the springs. I had a local Spring/Hitch/Plow Dealer do mine. It gave the front a little stiffer bounce when empty, not objectionable though. I think they were 3/4 ton springs, not 1 ton. Is yours 4 wheel drive. Keep in mind your load capacity as far as axles, bearings, brakes, etc. wont change. Just how it will sit with that weight on it. After my switch it seems I get by with less counterweight in the rear for plowing. I also kept the same Rancho 5000 shocks. My guess is you may need new shocks if you go up to 1 ton springs.

[jrservices]

More springs is nice sometimes, does eliminate the sag from a load.As long as you don't go over gvw, and as hardboiled said, keep in mind the axles and bearings are rated for so much. Should help it sit better with a load on it for sure. Good luck.

[Popper]

Seascape,
I'll tell you about my spring upgrade, maybe it will give you a good idea for your own upgrade.

I bought a set of rear end leaf helpers for my f-150....
They were easy to install and only cost about Thirty-five bucks so they are easy to get on your truck.

I noticed a nice increase in load handling and think that they are a terrific value, a steal.

They offer enough extra load capacity to the point that, I think if I would want to handle more, I would need to get a bigger truck.

I bet you are having problems with your leaves if you're boxing them with a vacuum w/o any rear end suspension upgrade. I put my truck to the max with my leaf box and definetely want a bigger truck soon.

[Seascape]

Leaves wernt so much a problem. We were averaging about 1600 lbs per load. it took that ok but sagged quite a bit. But it hauled it ok. It struggle mores w/ 16' trailers. A trailer w/ 2 ztrns and a 48 maxes this truck. Doesnt pull well at all. Thought maybe if i stiffen the ass end up it would transfer weight and pull better. We put air shocks on it last spring but they were of very little help.
mike

[TRANSMAN]

3/4 TON

Like you mention Mike 1/2 ton really has its limits. I have worked on and test driven all three many, many times so thats why i`ll give my oppinion .Full 1 ton to me is just to bone jarring unless the truck has a 1000 pound compressor or other heavy load mounted permanently in the truck. All van and pickups iv`e bought have been and will continue to be 3/4 ton because they seem to ride like a 1/2 but still carry anything i can stuff or haul as tongue weight in them as well as the full 1 ton.3/4 seems to me to be the perfect compromise. ESPECIALLY if you decide to purchase a new truck. Test drive both versions before makeing your decision. Maybe you can think of a friend with a empty 1 ton and take a ride to see how you like the 1 tons . I guess a lot depends on if its a dual purpose and the wife and kids ride it to fetch groceries. That would lead me towards 3/4 unless you want a divorce. If its work only with trailer always hooked up 1 ton may be the way to go.SINCERELY,KD