So I want to increase cargo load capacity to anything above the current 300 pounds...er that's what it feels like ha. I have a stock ranger with good brakes, a strong drivetrain (for 326k miles) and original rear shocks. I believe leaf spring bags would be overkill so air shocks seem more appropriate. Typical air shocks with lines etc on eBay for $90. And then the fun part. The ALC part. I am thinking about using the system out of a 2004ish Buick rendezvous. I'll need the switch diode, level sensor, and the compressor assembly. All of this stuff is also on eBay for relatively cheap.

90 shocks/lines
13 level sensor
5 switch
31 for suspension air pump- If lucky to find good one usedAssume 30 for wiring
5 for lit toggle switch for cab
So that's 174 for rear helpers capable of letting the truck haul wood up to the back window according to reviews.(assuming the rendezvous system puts out decent pressure)

Thoughts anyone?

 

You legally can't increase the load capacity of your truck.

All the air shock/load leveler system can do is reduce the amount the truck squats when loaded.

The sticker on your door should list the legal load capacity of your truck, you can and will get a ticket for going over that number,

The worst part of it will be if you are involved in any accident, it will be your fault, even if the other guy ran the red light, your insurance will deny the claim because your truck was overloaded.

 

That insurance issue is unfortunate. Really I just want to enter my inclined driveway without bottoming out when loaded down. As it is I sometimes grind my receiver even when empty

 

If all you are wanting to do is raise the rear of the truck when loaded, the air shock/load leveling would be a good way to do it.

 

Yeah I worded the original wrong. I can't go over the sticker. Wife wouldn't have it. I just want something other than the bump stops holding the bed up with 300 pounds in it haa. Since load capacity came up, maybe I can add an air pressure gauge and put a mark at the psi when max capacity is reached. I would say it's not worth it but not all loads have weight written (like a half yard of sod wet or dry). Since my particular ranger can carry about 1400 pounds(pfft couldn't imagine the squatting) wet soil might exceed that while dry soil would be around 1100.

 

You could raise the bed 2" with belltech drop shackles.

 

I prefer the height where it is while unloaded. It seems like most trucks lately have excessive height. I completed the concept. I designed it to help slightly while at stock height as the shocks vendor suggested keeping 20psi on the bags. So it keeps my truck about 1/4"-3/8" above stock height tested up to 500 pounds so far. It takes a while to charge though. Maybe it's the pump design to be efficient.

So I used a height sensor from an 02 rendezvous, pump assembly from an 02 le sabre, and new shocks off eBay.

I utilized the fog light relay to keep the install clean in the engine compartment. I have thoughts about getting a 4x4 radio bezel with switch to control the system, but for now the parking lights are activating it

 

I have never been a fan of air shocks. I feel the shock part of the air shock is inferior to good quality shocks. I don't think the air shocks are rated for very high loads. I also don't think the shock mounts on the vehicle would stand up to high loads.

I have run air bags on my Rangers since 1990 for what you want to do. It is more work than installing shocks but are designed to take higher loads. I don't think the shock mounts on the vehicle are designed to take high loads either. I do the adjusting manually but you could use an automated system also.

It is certainly your choice, but I think you might be disappointed with air shocks. They are usually used for vehicles that have weak springs from age to eliminate sag. I don't think they will have enough force to keep a heavy load level.

 

I suppose I could switch to bags if these don't work out. They are "rated" at 1200 pounds at 150psi. I needed shocks anyway and someone was charging me 150 to deliver concrete so if it works I'm saving money

 

So the rating is inaccurate. Exaggeration of specs has a place and this isn't it. At 150+ psi(air gage pegged at 150) there was still 1" drop. But this is a rare event so onto the real issue. Towing 3k plus trailer for the most part did really well except one point. At a red light there was a long incline, perhaps a mile, that I had to reach 45mph...no rush obviously, but about half way in and near 40 the truck felt weird, sounded weird. I had to let off a little to normalize gradually falling to 20mph by the end of the hill. I'm thinking oil. It's cheap as I'm still in the process of flushing. I see few articles if any about oil coolers for this drivetrain. What do you think? Keep in mind over 300k miles but no leaks lights or noises(except this one and a new squeak with speed... thinking ujoints)