Are they like NiCad batteries and get lazy with heavy loads or
they bounce back to their original state

 

They get weaker and flatten out over time.

 

Memory? Lol

It is called metal fatigue. Eventually they will begin to sag some, same as any other spring. Generally they will come back to shape but over time they will fatigue. When they do, you can add another leaf, buy new/used springs or have your spring re-arched.

 

 

Thanks for the reminder. Going shopping tomorrow and haven't cooked that in a while.

 

lol anytime.

 

Yup, and it seems like the newer Rangers are more prone to it too. I had the camper on my truck for 7 or 8 months right from day 1 when I bought mine new, 18 months later and it sits over an inch low if I dump my airbags (they stay at 30 psi to keep them at height). My roommate's '07 FX4 Ranger is sitting almost 3" low on the one side just from the canopy and camping gear sitting in it for the last nearly 4 years, it's getting new rear leafs already.. They do sag for sure, IMO install airbags if you're going to be hauling any serious weight to save your leaf springs. LR

 

Get some helper springs or an AAL.