I have a 2500 now and load it down alot and would like to go with a stock 3500 spring. Can anyone give me some insight as to how to get there the easiest and not adding a helwig helper or bolt on type of springs? Is it easier to get a junk yard 3500 leaf spring and change the whole unit or try to just add the top leaf. Any other differences I am not thinking about?

 

my understanding of the rear overload on a 3500, is that in order to add it to a 2500 you have to do some welding. I have not seen the setup in person so i can not say that for sure, that is just what i have been told on many occasions, thats why im just going with fireston air bags

 

from what i understand the only difference between the 2500 and 3500 springs is the fact that 3500 has the helper springs

so if that is the case they why do u not want a helper spring

 

My 97 1 ton dually has 5 springs and 2 overloads. The 98 3/4 ton only has 4 springs.

 

I would just add Timbrens or airbags depending on what suits your needs better.

 

you would have to weld the overload spring brackets to the frame. it's much more than a bolt on mod. i,ve thought about doing it myself.........

 

If it was me I would just go with the Firestone airbags.

MikeyB

 

Dont even bother with the extra leaf or new springs. Just get a set of airbags and the automatic leveler unit. When you purchase them together it has a lifetime warrentee on the bags. I tow a 5er with a pin weight of about 2k and have no problem it rides like glass without any of the problems that come with convential spirngs like bounce. The bags dampen the bounce and level your truck in every situation. This not only make the load safe but you dont look like a low rider going down the road either. Besides if you keep your orignal rear end the capaicty will still be the same the only thing you gain is a headach every time you run empty. I can give you some tips on istall if you want to do it yourself.

 

Airbags...

 

how much does a decent airbag setup run $$$ ?

 

Less than $250.


The problem with this is the 2500 frame lacks the strike pad for the upper overload. You would have to fabricate something and weld it to the frame. The better option is air bags, timbrens, or something similar.

 

i have the air lift bags on mine, my little ol' 3/4 ton will put my buddys 07 c&c to shame, but it rides alot worse!! (only when aired up)

 

the bags are about $225 and the auto level unit comes with a compressor and all the relays that are needed for about $300. That also comes with the garentee. i wouldnt do it any other way. i have a 70 gal tank in the back and as it drains fuel the level system adjusts automaticaly. Always keeping the truck and trailer the best height. The same goes with cargo in the back this unit is accurate enough to adjust the pressure for a item that i put on the tail gate that is about 20 lbs and up. The trick is the unit doesent adjust unless the weight has changed for about 25 seconds then it readjusts.

 

My vote would be for Timbrens. Same idea as an overload spring, but a lot cleaner, lighter and faster to install.

 

but if you get the airbags, then you can get the cool little sticker that says "Ridin' On Air"