As an auto tech, I've had the airbag talk more times then I can count with out taking my boots off.
@IndependentMasshole2 ай бұрын
I don’t understand
@kyleyates54212 ай бұрын
Yea I don’t understand how people don’t separate suspension from anything they’re doing. I’ve seen more Cummins Titans with airbags drilled into the frame and then they usually come around to get the “rear diff inspected cus noise”
@pizzamangametime97732 ай бұрын
@@kyleyates5421 the problem is with at least some trucks is they can be rated for so much but the leafs are really soft so you end up getting some sag with a load which can be unstable especially when towing then people install airbags and just completly overload everything.
@richardmann40062 ай бұрын
I added airbags to my truck bc it makes the ride smoother when you pull….there are people that do that. Airbags aren’t always added to “increase payload”.
@matthewgaul81972 ай бұрын
I added helper bags on my 16 ram 1500 just because as a 1/2 ton a 5x10 trailer would squat it because new trucks are essentially cars. But my 90 k1500 chevy barely squats with a loaded car trailer. Just trying to level the the playing fields for both of my half tons
@carlwilliams15702 ай бұрын
Nothing worse than a road tractor converted into a dump truck! Weaker frame,lighter front axle, usually wrong rear suspension and wrong gear ratio!
@brendoncrum90822 ай бұрын
Idk murder is pretty bad
@7.3PSDA22 ай бұрын
Not mine. i commented above but its a 96 379 dual frame truck.
@WillyBShooting2 ай бұрын
@@brendoncrum9082is it murder when their creation breaks under load and kills a family in an accident?
@brendoncrum90822 ай бұрын
@@WillyBShootingi dont know about an accident it’s more of a opsy doo
@wolf21792 ай бұрын
@@WillyBShooting if you can prove it was negligence in their part then its manslaughter. For it to be murder there has to have been intent to do so.
@coltlewis58712 ай бұрын
Hot rodders know this fact. Ya modify one thing, ya end up modifying it all by the time you’re done. Difference is, most guys driving trucks are doing it for a paycheck, no F’s given about the equipment. Hot Rodders tend to love their rides and notice when things aren’t right.
@stlchucko2 ай бұрын
I dunno… A lot of hot rodders will try to get away with as much as they can, and upgrade when the next weak link breaks.
@coltlewis58712 ай бұрын
@@stlchucko 🤣🤣. You do have a point 🤔. I know for me personally whether it’s my drag cars ( I own 3 forced induction Mustangs ) or my trucks ( own several diesels, Powerstrokes and Cummins ) anytime I ever did anything to them I was modifying everything else related. Add power, oh, there goes a transmission 🤣🤣. One thing is for sure though, not everyone should be allowed to own tools 🤣
@Jake-bt3fc2 ай бұрын
Hot rodding is all about driving death traps that barely work, lol. If you took it to a shop and had a bunch of pros build it properly then it's barely a hot rod anymore.
@mercoid2 ай бұрын
Yeah…, but the question remains…, if they’re doing it for a paycheck, why are they dumping money and time into a modification which yields ZERO BENEFIT?
@zedmelon2 ай бұрын
@@mercoid ...because they mistakenly _think_ they're adding benefit--in this case, load capacity.
@MexicanusPrime-gc6zg2 ай бұрын
Used to work at a Ford dealership. Customer bought a new F250 XLT crewcab, Removed the bed and put on a utility body. Then they complained the rear end would sag.
@codyparker6792 ай бұрын
My f250 has a work bed on it that should be on a dually. Yeah it's a bad idea but its getting bigger axles and leafs
@jerryeastman1702 ай бұрын
They should have just got a ford ranger!
@JH-ii3jc2 ай бұрын
@@codyparker679 Just make sure you’re not exceeding the gvw of a F350. If you are you will destroy the frame. Ford has used the same frame on 250 & 350 for a number of years ( I think they are still doing this) the only difference for years was lighter springs on the 250 (depending on suspension package ). The 450 and 550 have significantly heavier frames, spring packs and axles. Just be aware that the 250 you have still will have issues if you exceed gross axle weight or gross vehicle weight.
@gunztommiegunz2 ай бұрын
@@JH-ii3jcfacts, my pops has a F-250
@JH-ii3jc2 ай бұрын
@@gunztommiegunz I’ve lost count of the ford pickups I’ve had over the years. My first vehicle was a 53 F100 and I still have 6 F series ranging from 150 to 850
@brentschuler27952 ай бұрын
So true, weight capacity is determined by brakes, axles, frame, cooling system among others all springs do would be to keep the weight stable/level but no matter how many times you explain that people think IF I CAN CONNECT IT AND MOVE IT ITS OKAY. Like watching a ford ranger pulling a 30’ house boat
@robertbenavidez71642 ай бұрын
So you to tell me putting 16 ply, instead of 14 ply? tires won't allow me to hold more weight? 🤔 😂😂😂
@timrobertson2992 ай бұрын
@@robertbenavidez7164 no, it will however hold more weight without the tire blowing which will do you no good with a broken axle or a power plant that wont budge it
@zombieblaster57542 ай бұрын
but its a ford fukin ranger!!!!
@bmxscape2 ай бұрын
@@robertbenavidez7164 u ever heard "the chain is only as strong as the weakest link"? if you upgrade one link in a chain to be super tough, do you really think the chain can lift more now?
@ronfullerton31622 ай бұрын
@@bmxscapeGood explanation!
@LethalMercury2 ай бұрын
Second thing that limits you, YOUR BRAKES!
@slowbutsure5042 ай бұрын
I've watched enough Vice Grip Garage to know, those are optional Lol
@Jonathan-hx6oy2 ай бұрын
You're right there!! Dinky little 7.5-8" drums. There's a reason that garbage trucks making hundreds of stops a day get 10.5-11" drums and still need brake job every 6 or 7 weeks.
@victorriceroni84552 ай бұрын
Brakes? We don't need no stinking brakes! All they do is make you arrive late to the scene of the crash.
@galenquinlan40322 ай бұрын
Save all your air for the horn!
@DirectCurrent4u2 ай бұрын
@@galenquinlan4032 💯
@Divided-we-fall2 ай бұрын
I have a customer exactly like this. Last time I seen them, they had overloaded the truck by probably 15k pounds, blew every wheel stud off and destroyed the rims on the driver side rear.
@benjurqunov2 ай бұрын
Would that customer be accepting homosexual special rights ? They'd better not be illegal mexicans !
@gavinatkins26712 ай бұрын
From former experience as a trailer parts guy: and that stiffer spring is more likely to make your axle the weak link. Do you wanna pay for a new leaf every time something breaks or a new axle? Choice is yours. And if you bring your big boy britches I can spec you out stuff that won’t break. Although sometimes that involves a trip to the trailer salesman. 😂
@DillyDog942 ай бұрын
I did it right when I bought my home made dump. It came with a 12,000lb steer. Went to a truck salvage yard and got the whole front end 20,000lb axle, 3 pack springs, dual steering boxes. Changed it all myself. Now I have my self a good dump truck.
@pizzamangametime97732 ай бұрын
yeah cause even though legally(at least from what I have found) you are maxed at 12k on a steer but that rating is halved when you decide to take it to any sort of construction yard. I have a c50 that I am putting in bigger and better axles but with the oringinal 4500lb front spring. I plan on adding airbags some day since it is a 9k front axle to give me some more stiffness but offroad I will limit myself to the original weight ratings and keep my speed down to avoid breaking things.
@pigman40842 ай бұрын
How much weight did you gain when you switched the front axle?
@pizzamangametime97732 ай бұрын
@@pigman4084 I don't know how much heavier the truck is now compared to before but I went from a 5k front axle to a 9k front axle and a 15k rear to a 19k rear and I have more modern hydraulic disc brakes compared to the ancient and impossible to find parts for drums
@bondobilly93692 ай бұрын
@pizzamangametime9773 nope, you can take a semi in, have dot check everything and sign off on upping axle limits legally. Pickups 2500/3500 (not sure about the 4500-7500 class) you can't, weight limits is based on vin
@pizzamangametime97732 ай бұрын
@@bondobilly9369 no I am saying dot max on a steer is 12k lbs except for like michigan or something they limit at I think 100k or 110k total weight truck and trailer
@seancrumby32412 ай бұрын
When I worked on semi trucks that was my biggest thing, customer modifications ..
@user-vf7vs8rz2t2 ай бұрын
A friend of mine put airbags on his F350 thinking he was going to get more caring capacity and he bought a RV trailer that was way above his towing capacity following behind him that trip up to the campsite was the best trip ever I lost count how many times he had to stop along the way. If you’re gonna wanna carry a lot of weight make sure the vehicle you have is rated for it. Everything else just makes the ride go better.
@kevinnorris61572 ай бұрын
Damn u talkin about a camper or is a rv trailer something heavier than that? And was it a dually?
@Joe-hz1nw23 күн бұрын
What kind of travel trailer can a modern F350 not tow? Has to be a monstrosity
@firewoodsteel2 ай бұрын
My dad and I used to convert 5th wheels to dump bodies. We would go as far as putting in a double chassis and drilling out holes for tougher suspensión. This was a solution in Dominican as the labor was cheaper and dump trucks were very expensive.
@thegreenerthemeaner2 ай бұрын
What he is stating is exactly true in this instance and in most. You have to find the weakest part and stay within that capability or start the modification there. One will beget another, front axle, then frame, spring mountings, etc., etc. It won't really end well or cheap. Buy it built right for the job.
@7.3PSDA22 ай бұрын
i have a 1996 peterbilt 379 dual frame that i put a box on and made it a dump truck. its got a 20 ton front axle. and the heavy d190 rear ends. that 14L 60series run good.
@roxtar108702 ай бұрын
I'll remember this the next time I want to build myself a dump truck.
@coupons4202 ай бұрын
TOU CANT DO THAT HE JUST SAID THAT BUB
@chuck29982 ай бұрын
Shiii, all you need is a hydraulic ram, a floor and 4 walls. I think our last dumptruck used to haul salt, now it has a wood box and hauls shingles, tar paper and pisser bottles
@keegentilley5782 ай бұрын
@@coupons420Have seen those Pakistani guys tho
@fraidykat2 ай бұрын
@@coupons420He said it - If you add a dump box, you have to replace the front axle. And maybe beef up the mounts...
@vincebowling17782 ай бұрын
I tried explaining this to a customer years ago when I was wrenching on trucks. He laughed and told me I was full of BS. 😂
@mikevan52192 ай бұрын
Wow your actually the first I've ever seen actually say that. And you can't argue the facts. I worked at a Ford dealership nothing big like you guys. And I've seen sum modified stuff I don't say it but I'm counting the lugs and looking at the axles.
@deusexaetheraАй бұрын
Reminds me of a Michelin ad I saw in a car magazine back in the early 2000s: "We at Michelin would like to remind you that your tires are the only part of your car that actually touches the ground." Point taken. Gotta make sure _everything_ between the load and the ground is specced to handle the intended usage.
@upnorth54652 ай бұрын
Man alive, THANK YOU! Cant count how many times ive had to have the air bag discussion with completely ignorant people. No it does not help your truck carry more weight. It does the opposite by putting even more weight on your axle at the cost of makeing your truck look like its not squatting. 🤦
@josephwatkins72182 ай бұрын
Yep you're right all it does is keep you from squatting as much
@davestewart16562 ай бұрын
As an employee of Hendrickson, thank you for this PSA. It's rather hot and I'd rather not make more springs than I have to. Order the right one the first time. I promise you will be happy.
@user-zi2em4xv9s2 ай бұрын
I drove a tri drive INT once with a Pusher air tag. The front end would slide around the corners. It was also a steer tag. Found out someone had the regulator set at 90 pounds. It lifted the steer axle off the ground.
@rstokes80442 ай бұрын
My good friend is a retired old school diesel mechanic. He always that the art build a real truck is a dying art. No one every specs out a truck for the job. It can be done...
@kadmow2 ай бұрын
Guessing a lot spec it out for as little as they want to pay... (same goes for pickup trucks, buying a 1500 to do the job of a 2500 - it's going to end badly - to do a day's work, go straight to a 3500 - for the "just in case") - call the bank manager after...
@redmesa29752 ай бұрын
We had some under spec’d plow trucks when I worked for the county. 12K steer axles, we scaled at 14K. Single power steering had overheating problems, because it was over worked. New trucks were spec’d with 14K axles & dual power steering. Expensive lesson !
@jaaron992 ай бұрын
Instructions unclear add more leaf springs for more hauling capacity
@joshk.62462 ай бұрын
Also looks cool. Spray them chrome and horsepower intensifies.
@steve.o332 ай бұрын
@@joshk.6246add them giant truck nuts, and youll gain 150 fpt.
@ramsesvega84782 ай бұрын
Made me giggle like I'm restarted
@henryposadas33092 ай бұрын
😂
@henryposadas33092 ай бұрын
😂
@sheldonfunk8615Ай бұрын
100 % agree the airbags don't increase weight capacity. However I had a nice little 1988 Jeep that the rear springs were completely sacked out on. There were no broken Springs or worn out bushings. I installed a set of airbags and added just enough air to bring it back to original stock height. It was a night and day Improvement in ride and handling. Same thing with my f350. Bought two years old in 2007, the front suspension Stoppers barely had 2 in of up travel available. Added a set of airbags inside the front coils. What an amazing difference. No more bottoming out on tar strips on the road
@LionsTigersBears2 ай бұрын
Big companies try to save money by doing it the cheap way and end up killing someone....we have that going on all the time in public transportation sector.
@codywright2301Ай бұрын
Love the videos brother, keep them coming!!!!👍🏽👍🏽
@Tyler-nh6oy2 ай бұрын
This might apply to medium-heavy trucks but tons of light trucks come with heavier axles than they require. I have a 1/2 ton pickup with a 3/4 ton rear, adding a leaf would bring the suspension capacity closer to the axle capacity.
@zehfox27192 ай бұрын
I will 100% believe anything this man says to me about vehicles or mechanical devices. I have never seen someone who looks more “I know trucks” than this man. He looks like an expert in his field and clearly has the knowledge to back those looks up.
@jasoncard620Ай бұрын
Working on Fire trucks they develop a lean in the rear to whichever side has more weight, we have to add a leaf or a taller riser block, but add a leaf professionally, have new springs built
@lorddragoncanoealexander517216 күн бұрын
Dude I really enjoy your channel all the kool stuff y’all do and the knowledge is just kool and just how ya seam to be ! Big HooRaw and thanks !
@robsorgdrager84772 ай бұрын
I'm so happy to see someone else who understands this.
@googleusergpАй бұрын
It all comes down to GAWR and GVWR. The weakest link in the chain is what’s on the door jamb decal. So even if you increase the suspension capacity, the axle may not be able to handle it or the tires may be beyond their rated capacity. As you stated it has to be directly from the factory. Unless somehow it’s recertified by the factory and rebuilt according to newer standards, it’s never going to be rated higher than it originally was.
@markiskool2 ай бұрын
I had a 1976 AMC Pacer, the bubble car, and a rural paper route. I carried 600 Sunday newspapers. I added an extra leaf in the back and carried them just fine. Car looked like it was jacked up when empty, though. 😊
@account4info19 күн бұрын
You could leave the key in the ignition and the signed title up on the dash for all to see, but never have to worry about it being stolen
@whosaidthat52362 ай бұрын
Yup I bought load leveling airbags for my truck not to haul more but to help my leaf springs last a little longer, because dang they ain’t cheap anymore.
@BeanoNoir2 ай бұрын
Starts with the ground. Tires>Axle>Frame section>Brakes>Drivetrain>Engine. You can make a little 150hp 4 banger tow a lot of weight with enough gears, but it won't do it with weak tires, axles or drivetrain, and it won't do it fast.
@PennWolfsSailingAdventures2 ай бұрын
It's not just the dump trucks, some of the big fleets are using undersized axles for the 18s, 30-32k drives and 10-11k steers.
@naenre21Ай бұрын
The farming cooperatives around here usually buy used dump trucks to haul fertilizer for a few more years and they're always skirting the limit of wieght capacity...so they can squeeze out another trip.
@jimnelsen20642 ай бұрын
"people gonna halfass stuff" truer words have never been spoken aloud.
@fdfd47392 ай бұрын
The first expensive lesson I learned when I was still working on my car is that upgrading one part is not enough. Higher flow intake? Need a bigger throttle body. Making more much power than that? You're gonna want better exhaust, bigger cam, better heads... and now your tranny is bound to blow unless you also do something. There ain't no cheating the game unless it's not a keeper lol.
@kylehennion99812 ай бұрын
also note that just because your rear axle is rated at 14,500 it doesn’t mean you can put 14,500 on it. It’s 14,500 - the vehicle weight on the axle. Even if there’s 8000lbs remaining you still may not load to that because often times your GVWR is less than your combined FAWR and RAWR. Also load behind the axle has a higher impact on the rear axle and actually offloads the front axle sometimes making a dangerous situation for steering. Also, sometimes the way those crap chassis cabs are specd it is possible that the suspension is weaker than the axle capability so you can increase the capability with leafs but again only if leafs were the limiting factor to start with (this is a very rare case)
@mr.mckinnon56802 ай бұрын
The internet has completely twisted the entire Automotive industry. Those who don't know, have become more influential, than those of us who do. The only thing that we know for sure, about these individuals. Is that they're either drunk, or stupid. In some cases.... Both.
@Mint_drake2 ай бұрын
Judging by this man's face, hairstyle, accent, and the way he wears his clothing, I trust him completely to give mechanical advice. Seriously, this is what a really good mechanic looks like.
@Ham682292 ай бұрын
And this is why I subscribed to you a long time ago. You tell it like it is. Great information. Cheers :)
@DavidGeppertRecycling25 күн бұрын
PA Max legal weight for straight trucks is 73280, our trucks are built for 86,000 lbs because it's better to be overbuilt than under built
@maddhatter3564Ай бұрын
only exception is 3/4 ton to 1 ton as they are the same axles, just heavier springs. Old Colorado trick, get a truck thats registered as a 3/4 but works like a 1 ton.
@ericneering63572 ай бұрын
Yeah, it might just only help with deflection, but the axles are tougher than the leaf springs will allow so in one cent you’re absolutely right, but if you got a truck that sag, even with the regular payload airbags are extra will make it better
@skurtov2 ай бұрын
If you need a truck to haul heavy loads. You need it specced correctly from the factory period. Frame. Suspension. Brake. Engine. They all work in tandem. Changing one thing isn't a magic bullet
@thearcwelder892 ай бұрын
Yea some of the most messed up chassis I’ve seen are always at the scales being tagged out because of people trying to save money by overloading instead of investing in a proper rig .
@knottybynaturetreeca2 ай бұрын
Yes man! Seemingly you have to build your truck and components, especially axle, transmission etc, yourself, either when purchasing or after the fact by yourself.
@madjackgamingandfitness4982 ай бұрын
Appreciate that tid bit. I knew a diesel mech that did that to their old chevy and stated he did that saying it helps with carrying capacity. He wasn’t certified so it’s a grain of salt deal with a lot mechanics you meet.
@richardchevyz712 ай бұрын
I hear you, I always add 2500 series Leaf Springs to 1500 Chevy trucks not to carry more weight but so it doesn't sag when I carry the maximal weight the truck is Rated 4
@MichaelBlack-ud4bgАй бұрын
So it should be clear here for non commercial applications that "deflection" is what people who "know" are after. Poor deflection on the top spring creates sag and sag creates more bounce and stress on the shackles, U-Bolts and leaf spring perch from the front, back and side to side shifting and bouncing during transit. By keeping the weight higher The deflection actually recenters the weight to the point of contact that should be directed to the center of the axle. Not forward or rear of the axle. Plus you should point out WHICH leaves to add. The dump trucks you're talking about usually add the bottom leaf and they are about 2 ft. long and they are flat, not curved. Deflection doesn't really occur on a flat plate, it happens on the arch of the spring.b
@jamesryplewski28602 ай бұрын
I completely agree that airbags don’t add carrying capacity. They’re just nice because they reduce squat, and don’t make you look like a dumbass when towing at the max tow rating of the vehicle. Especially in the 3/4 ton trucks that will squat a lot, even when the load is not even close to max ratings.
@SmoothBrain232 ай бұрын
MPC or NPC 😂😂😂😂 love you brother, you're doing great work out there, keep on keepin' on 💪🏼
@madxp96682 ай бұрын
I saw many trucks just max out the spring slot, all the leafs are flat straight no travel all Tyres working extra hard to absorb impact 😅
@hphw132 ай бұрын
I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado, 1500 HD and it is rated around 10,000lbs towing capacity but we put air bags on it because it was riding on the bump stops but the axle is still rated for 10,000 pounds, so you can run a risk of breaking the axle
@brianschryver83142 ай бұрын
We got lucky and grabbed some ex oilfield haulers with double frames and heavy suspension from factory for a reasonable $. One now has a minute spreading box, and the other a gravel box off an old dump truck. The trucks themselves are overkill for what they’re being used for, both are running 12.7L 60 series Detroits ad they never really notice they’re loaded.
@vinniesantamaria54427 күн бұрын
Adding springs allows for the handling when GVM upgrade axle carries the weight all vehicles have a 20% structural capacity in the plus/minus in the specs
@samaelsandalphon56002 ай бұрын
I've explained this a frustrating amount of times to every sawed off dude with an emotional support truck.
@account4info19 күн бұрын
Emotional damage!
@CaballoSalvajeTrese2 ай бұрын
I would really appreciate a whole video dedicated to this subject. I really wanna learn more about it
@sfm9098Ай бұрын
And don't forget the frame and braking system.The frame has to take the weight and not break apart like some of these new trucks I've been seeing and brake rotors and or drums have to be able to stop the weight.
@Shade_tree_garage01Ай бұрын
For regular pickups this doesn’t crossover, example the 14 bolt Chevy diff could be ordered in the 1/2, 3/4 (not the floater) and 1 ton non dually trucks and the leaf pack determined whether or not what the weight rating was for the vehicle. The frames between a long wheel base 1 ton, long wheel base 3/4 ton and long wheel based half ton are identical minus Shock mounting points.
@Commando5942 ай бұрын
Dump trucks usually have heavier spec front axles, simple 16's have 20k front axles and some others may use 16k or 18k...
@davidgreen437Ай бұрын
Air bags are to level ride height not to tow more. Allows you to handle better at max tow, not to increase load
@patrickordway63032 ай бұрын
Blow out axle seals and bearings, overloaded a chev 1500 with hay and had to replace parts, thought putting on extra leaf would help but just like you said it depends on the axle it's self
@Meowschitz2 ай бұрын
Haha I’ve got a few wishbone axles laying in the yard because we put way too much much on them. Just never got around to straightening them. I learned Thai the hard way.
@thelolzyone65822 ай бұрын
As someone who works with Scandinavian trucks on a regular basis, the idea of a 14.000 lbs (6.5 ton) front axle is mind boggling. Basically all of the dump trucks that come in have either 20.000 lbs (9 ton) or 22.000 lbs (10 ton) axles. Average gross vehicle weight on 3-axle trucks are 28 ton (56.000 lbs). You'd have to go back 40 years to find trucks with this low loading capacity.
@JosephArata2 ай бұрын
One instance where I've seen the correct axle in the truck but less spring, is cab-over dumpster fork trucks in the garbage industry. They have a 20k front axle, but only 4 or 5 leaf springs on the front, and the cab and body basically has the springs flattened out, when loaded. We replaced the springs with 11 leaf springs and the chassis didn't bottom out on the axle stops anymore.
@jorgitosupreme41352 ай бұрын
This is true. And why I swapped my stock axle for a dually in my old cummins, and then added airbags
@endlessmountainoutdoors2 ай бұрын
There is also the whole stopping issue. Towing is the easy part, it the need to stop that can be problematic.
@billbirch37482 ай бұрын
GVWR is the lightest rating be it axle, tires, air springs, leaf pack. Cargo Carrying Capacity might be 2yd in a 10yd box. Don't forget to adjust tire pressure for the load
@peanutbutterandjammy2 ай бұрын
The first thing I upgrade on all of my trucks is brakes. And always buy one weight class bigger than what you think you need.
@MiguelMartinez-hm1hg2 ай бұрын
Stability and towing capacity are two different things , not matter how many times I can explain people adding leaf springs oh air bags won't give you more towing capacity 🙄 then complain about other components getting worn out faster than normal like brakes , wheel bearings , and suspension components 😅
@Iowa599Ай бұрын
Removing a leaf will improve looks, as I noticed on my XJ.
@user-xl7rt1tc6o2 ай бұрын
I added springs to 1964 F100. Drum brakes made stopping difficult. Outer rear axle bearing wore out. Offset steering drag link made manuvering difficult. I drove that truck for 15 more years wishing tembren suspenions were available then.
@wizzle09792 ай бұрын
If you need airbags, you need a bigger truck. Whatever the towing capacity is, divide by half. That’s that your truck can tow.
@gregoryfairchild24602 ай бұрын
I had a c20 chevy and added a few to each side. It dramatically reduced tge squat and steering float. I've hauled sand above the bedsides. It had a GM14 bolt axle, 8 lug, E tires
@SCARLETBIRDSАй бұрын
honestly the only thing that might benefit from an extra spring is the older f150 or broncos, the leaf springs in the back were very under spec for the axle given so they couldn't handle more than a small trailer or camper, however if you do this also add the missing tow package so it has electric brakes and add a sway stabilizer kit, then you could pull a ton uphill no problem, just don't exceed this
@obsideosomnia2 ай бұрын
To safely carry significantly more, you need stronger frame, axle, wheels, bearings, brakes, tires (with more air pressure), drive shaft, transmission, and maybe a more powerful engine. At that point get an entire vehicle designed for the weight you need to haul.
@charleswelch2492 ай бұрын
You are 💯 correct as always.
@aaadamt9642 ай бұрын
My neighbor growing up added semi air bags under his 3/4 ton chevy and put extra bracing in the bed. It had some ridiculous low geared 4 speed. That man loved cutting firewood. I dont know how nothing ever broke on that truck. He would have wood stacked way above the cab on that thing with a trailer of wood behind it. That old small block would be screaming at 45mph. After 20 years or so it started sagging in the middle.
@pizzamangametime97732 ай бұрын
ah the good old rock crusher trans(sm465) a 4spd with ratios wider than your mother and strong enough they used it in dump trucks and military trucks up until the mid 90s from 1968 and before that they had a even lower gear sm420 from the 40s
@aaadamt9642 ай бұрын
@pizzamangametime9773 yes! Haha that thing was like an old 9n tractor. No power but geared to pull anything.
@pizzamangametime97732 ай бұрын
@@aaadamt964 I have a dump truck and a 1990 k1500 and both of them have that transmission and I can let the clutch out at idle with no problem Don't even have to touch the gas
@aaadamt9642 ай бұрын
@pizzamangametime9773 that's how his truck was. I had a 77 dodge 3/4 ton ordered for a bed camper. It was geared low with a 4 speed but would go about 80. I'd be surprised if that old chevy would've hit 65.
@pizzamangametime97732 ай бұрын
@@aaadamt964 it's a stupid wide ratio 1st is 6.55 and 4th is 1:1
@H3lzsn1p3r2 ай бұрын
To a point you are right, BUT most HD pickup trucks come extremely derated like my truck the OEM says 6k rear axle cap but the axle is actually rated from AAM at 11k cap so bags do work in that equation
@Nobody_important_at_all2 ай бұрын
The channel truck king tried using your derated logic. Go look them up with what happened on their 5th wheel. See how that worked out for them. No, bags do not equal capability. The bolts mounting everything together do not equal 11k capable, nor do the brakes, nor do the drive shaft or the U joints or your frame welds nor your wheel studs. You're 6K rear axle cap PERIOD end of story air bags do not in any work in any equation on your truck.
@nickyj3571Ай бұрын
My job has a bunch of old 80s Mack tractors that they cut and added a reefer box to. Those 5 speed 8 ball shifters haul ass. You can climb a hill loaded in 5th gear and the Jake will blow out your ear drums
@Kevin-ti3rz2 ай бұрын
Back in the 70s the manufacturer would speck out the load lower than what it could safely carry. They reasoned a percentage of owners would over load by a few hundred pounds. Just on occasion ✓
@j.robertvillarreal59262 ай бұрын
I had a Chevy 5500 come in with a huge tool box and a boom on it. The box set by itself overloaded the truck. 😂😂😂😂😂 Plus the boom and bucket. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 The truck went from the dealership to the boom fitting company, almost 1 week later to my shop. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 They even over-filled the boxes. 😂😂😂😂😂
@rodolfoescobedo73962 ай бұрын
Thanks for the advice brother 👊🏼
@johncramer992 ай бұрын
I added them to my 1/2ton pickup only to help prevent that hard bottoming out when carrying way too much in it.
@Trad-Am2 ай бұрын
Air bags are to level the load, and not unload as much weight off the front, making it less stable, not carry more weight.
@makinwaves81472 ай бұрын
Airbags are to keet the truck level under load. Like he said, they do not add carrying capacity.
@PonkyKong2 ай бұрын
Airbags on a pickup truck is to keep it level. Which is to help with emergency braking. Thats about it.
@4NaturesStory2 ай бұрын
I like this guy. He’s correct.
@deathmetalmachine2 ай бұрын
he is right the Axel's the main part of the vehicle that's taking most of the weight it's nice to add a leaf spring but you also got to upgrade your axles when you're sitting there upgrading or leaf springs
@SnipeEasyC20152 ай бұрын
That and squat. The disaster relief trucks usually use a bigger stack. Just to keep the truck from squatting in the front end. Needless to say it's common for them to wear out pins and bushings.
@shadetreediesels2 ай бұрын
Axle, tires and brakes are the big limiting factors. Airbags alone on a pickup wont add capacity but they are really good at leveling you out which is safer than riding squatted(yes capacity will squat a pickup) and they make the backend more stable. People see the 5000 lbs capacity of the bag and think their gvwr just went up so they buy that bigger rv and pop a bag going 80 down the highway 😂😂😂
@greyelkwilliams2 ай бұрын
Yeah you have to upgrade everything. Axel, hubs, springs, shocks. All of it. Same with a pickup.
@nicholasmendoza61592 ай бұрын
EVERY truck I have ever been in has way too much sag near capacity limits. Most vehicles need stiffer springs or air bags to carry their rated capacity comfortably. It doesn't matter the brand, make, or model.
@misters28372 ай бұрын
That is because the AXLES are so frigging CHEAPLY made now...in the 70s when Trucks were BUILT to be overloaded and they had Axles that were actually rated for more than the Chassis...Putting more leaves in did something.
@rob-vz4wt2 ай бұрын
Tire rating is a limiting factor on light a medium duty trucks that people also dont pay attention to.