My truck is on a tough dog lift, with the L springs (0-600 lbs). I have a 24 aux tank that I know adds some weight, but I recently got my Budbuilt sliders and aluminum skids and now I am a bit worried I will have a weight problem when the truck is loaded with gas. I’m not a suspension expert, but what do you all think? Should I go ahead and swap springs? I have plans to add a bumper too so it might not be a bad idea.
Will I have a weight problem? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Wisluggo
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TheGrrrrr
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I think you will know pretty quickly if you need/want heavier springs. Its definitely something you can feel. I'm no expert but I would load up, find a decent speed bump and hit it at a variety of speeds. If you don't hit the bump stop coming off the speed bump, you are probably within the safety envelope for road driving. The bigger the speed bump, the better. Beyond that, its all about how it feels. My guess is that you will be fine until you add the bumper.
It depends on how much you put in the vehicle and/or if you tow. If you don't tow and you're not carrying 7-8 passengers or loaded down with gear for travel, then you'll likely be fine. I have the standard TD springs front and rear and no sliders but I have steel skids, steel roof rack, steel front bumper with winch and I will pull a trailer with 900# TW plus a family of 5 and while the truck is definitely over GWVR is handles fine. Without the trailer but with ~300# in the trunk (daughter, dog, and tools) my ride is perfect. I expect your setup with a full aux tank will be similar when you're otherwise unloaded.
Now if you want to put another 500#+ of gear in the trunk regularly with the aux tank full you might want to look at heavier rear springs.
Now if you want to put another 500#+ of gear in the trunk regularly with the aux tank full you might want to look at heavier rear springs.
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I almost always have the aux tank full, but it’s only me the wife and the kid if we take the truck for road trips. I don’t tow and I think it will be a while before the front bumper and winch. I appreciate the insights as I think I’ll be ok.
It’s COVID-19, we all have a weight problem. 
That is barely two adults in the back seats ... 24 gallons of gas is ~150 lbs so a third person.
If it visibly sags in the rear at full load and fuel, I would add the firestone airbags and keep them at the minimal 5psi. They do wonders for my set up of rear swing out and 40 gallon LRA, when we are loaded up with gear and people. (I have 800ish lbs rear springs)
I don't have heavy skids, but have a Gobi roof rack weighing on me.
I don't have heavy skids, but have a Gobi roof rack weighing on me.
I would do heavier springs first if you find yourself sagging under normal use, then airbags next if you still need more support when loaded down occasionally. If you're always loaded (bumpers, drawers, etc) then heavier springs are really the right way to get the correct normal load. Air bags can help supplement when you're loading down "abnormally" but I have them as there's a good 1000# difference in my rear when I'm towing though wouldn't rely on them to supplement my spring rate under normal use.
Also FYI if you do airbags they involve cutting down the secondary bump stop (internal jounce stop) inside the spring, so once you go that route it's $150-200 for a new pair of jounce stops if you want to undo them...
Also FYI if you do airbags they involve cutting down the secondary bump stop (internal jounce stop) inside the spring, so once you go that route it's $150-200 for a new pair of jounce stops if you want to undo them...
You allways will have a weight issue, when you start modding without tracking the weight.
Mostly adding offroad stuff will lead to overweight, even without travelling purpose
The Land Cruiser 200 is also sold as armored vehicle with 5.1 tons, with a modificated suspension. So the axxle and chassis is able to take more load.
But it isnt legal anymore, if a cop would think about to check that - you would be in trouble...
Mostly adding offroad stuff will lead to overweight, even without travelling purpose
The Land Cruiser 200 is also sold as armored vehicle with 5.1 tons, with a modificated suspension. So the axxle and chassis is able to take more load.
But it isnt legal anymore, if a cop would think about to check that - you would be in trouble...
You allways will have a weight issue, when you start modding without tracking the weight.
Mostly adding offroad stuff will lead to overweight, even without travelling purpose
The Land Cruiser 200 is also sold as armored vehicle with 5.1 tons, with a modificated suspension. So the axxle and chassis is able to take more load.
But it isnt legal anymore, if a cop would think about to check that - you would be in trouble...
Such a great point that can't be emphasized enough. It's a slippery slope as weight can't be fixed by bolting something on after the fact.
You see this play out in the progression of many overlanders that have gone to the far side of heavy builds once they realize the impact to drivability, MPG, performance, durability, etc.
It is also the poor offroad capability. It is ok to follow a dirt road if she is on good condition. In Mud you will need your winch more often. And at steep hills (without anchor points) - the heavy pigs arent able to follow at example at such routes, specially if the meadow isnt dry.
My car is only on long term trip over the legal path, 74 gallons (280l) Diesel dont had to be carried in the civilsation. I`m from switzerland. Guess my rig looks to lightweight for a deeper inspection anyway....
Here I did try to collect idas - how to save weight:
Offroad Gear: 5 ways to save weight
How you can save 180kg just with offroad gear. How we travel lightly!
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