Hi, I have a quick question.
I have a 99 ranger. I am planning on replacing the leaf springs and the shocks in the back. While I'm there I figured I'd get new U bolts too, but I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions for when I'm under there.
I was planning on using the original spring hangers and the shock brackets.

I'm probably getting everything from LMC truck, unless someone points me in a better direction.
Can I get heavy duty leaf springs if the truck didn't originally have them? It's a work truck so I'd appreciate the added capacity.

Thanks

 

You can get HD leaf springs. However, if the truck bed is empty you will have a stiff ride as the springs will be too stiff for the lack of weight in the back. If you always have heavy equipement in the bed then it will ride smoother.

https://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf...ger_s/1879.htm

Others may expand on this a bit.

 

+1 ^^^

Pickup trucks can have ride issues if they came with higher weight rated leafs, its the cheapest way to get the 1/2ton rating, so thats what car makers do

You can add overload leafs to lower weight rated springs, these don't effect the ride as much and give the truck its 1/2 ton weight rating
The overload leafs only help support the load when its over 500lbs or so

Shocks can effect ride in a bad way if they are too stiff, the springs are the suspension, front and back, shocks are there to stop the springs from repeated bouncing after hitting a bump
So they need to be soft enough to let the springs do their job but stiff enough to slow down the rebound effect

With shocks removed bounce the weight of the truck on the springs, jump on bumper, lol
Should bounce easily, if not springs are rated too high for the empty bed
If it bounces easily then add the shocks, should still bounce easily but stop bouncing quickly

 

The other option to increase load capacity is a good set of helper air bags. Air them down to 10 psi when unloaded, and air them up when loaded. This also adds the benefit of a level truck, too.