I installed a few new leaf springs a while back and am now looking to add 1 or 2 more per side. I heard that overload springs were created to give a softer ride until loaded, then they work. Where as adding to the main pack adds stiffness at all times.

I can go either way, as I have new u-bolts and also have the frame mounts that i can install to use overloads.

Any opinions?

 

go with the overloads, no reason to beat yourself to death for fun.

 

Do the overloads , don't do add-a-leafs , mine has 2 leafs added to each pack, and dang , it rides like a high speed steam roller on a washboard road.....

 

I added 2 fullsizers that a local spring shop cut for me, they are much thicker than the standard leafs, and it was night and day. I plan to be pulling a heavy GN, and want to add just a wisker more. Maybe Ill do a few overloads, and give her a shot.

 

does anybody know what the factory amount of springs were per pack. I have overloads but still ride like a hardtail harley over a plowed field

 

A guy in town has a 93 with factory overloads, I'll check tomorrow. Talk about an odd truck. Its a CC D350 LE and He ordered it with the bench seat, power AND wide mount mirrors and the extruded aluminum full length running boards with the inset RAM logo on the side. Still working the same farm today as new.

 

I have 10 per side on my 93 D-350. no overloads, but 4180 Lbs of cargo capacity according to my FACTORY paperwork in the glovebox. Want a few maybe 4 springs perside? I'll give em to ya and pay the shipping!! I cant stand the ride, but it wasent exactly made for cruising either. Eventually air ride is going in, and 8 springs are coming out!

 

interesting my 91 w350 has 6 spings per side in the back, and one of them is what i believe you are calling overload... it's flat and short, won't even touch the others unless there is a huge load.

 

I just checked West Covina Dodge for springs for my truck,

PN
# 4228 424 **** 2500/ 2750 Lb. 6 Leaf @ $279.00 each
# 4228 438 **** 3250/ 3650 Lb. 7 Leaf @ $429.00 each
# 4228 434 **** 3400/ 3800 Lb. 10 Leaf @ $469.00 each

All of these were obsolete as of 1998

Jim

 

ok i was under the truck again just now and i have 7 total.... so is it like this?
6 = srw 250
7 = srw 350
10 = drw 350

 

I would bet the 6 leaf is for the gasser 250's. Unless someone here has a 6 leaf pack.

 

The overload spring is the 1 or 2 that are mounted on top to the spring pack that does not wrap around the spring shackles, but instead have like these "rub pads" that are frame mounted. some truck are equiped with them, most are not. a good example of this is a friend of mine has a 01 CTD 3500 FULLY LOADED, has 4 springs per side, and NO overloads. I dont have them, but Ive also got 10 perside, and I believe to have a camper package, unsure though.

Does anyone know the codes under the hood to determine this?

 

My 92' W350 dually has 7 in the main pack and 4 in the overload pack per side. My 93' D250 has 6 in the main pack and 1 overload per side. I'll give you some advice. My W350 weighs a little more than stock since it has a heavy flatbed on it, the overloads are only an inch or so from touching and every bump you hit they slap and make a loud noise. I will be removing them and installing a set of Timbren load boosters that I've had on a lot of my other trucks. They will still slap when I hit a bump but they are quiet. They are also a lot easier to install then overload springs or overload airbags. Take a look at them.

www.timbren.com

 

I have the hellwig "progressive" overloads springs. they tightened up the ride a little (prolly because I used them to lift the sag out of my old factory springs) but overally, didn't make it too much worse (how much worse could it really get? ) Anyway, I feel like it's a pretty good deal at $180 a pair.

 

Thanks for the link!