99 leaf spring swap

[Bender02]

My buddy has a 99 extended cab 1500. He was pulling 9000 lbs of hay and broke a couple leaf springs. My question is has anyone ever done or know if it’s possible to swap in the leafs from a 3/4 ton? Thanks in advance!

 

[EvilSpirit]

1500 series should have 2 1/2" wide leafs. I think a 2500 series could have either 2 1/2 or 3" wide leafs, depending on GVWR. Match up the correct width 2500 springs and they should interchange.

It would be a good time to inspect the spring mounts and the shackles for rust and replace if necessary.

If they are OK, yes he should be able to install complete 2500 series springs. If he didn't break main leafs - the top leaf with the loops at each end - he could always just replace the broken leafs and add a few extra leafs to each side - this would avoid the hassle of dealing with the mount and shackle bolts.

If the spring change raises the truck more than an inch or so, longer shocks should be installed.

And a strong warning - even after "up-grading" to 2500 series rated springs, he will still be running on a 1500 series 9 1/4" rear axle, 5 lug wheels, and probably light truck tires at best.

 

[dapepper9]

The reason these trucks were only rated at 7500lbs at the most isn't the springs FWIW, it's the brakes

 

[Bender02]

Some good info guys thanks!!

 

[DodgeTx]

Take it to a spring shop, tell them you want 1 to 2 main leaves added, if you install yourself it will be about $400.

Or go to junk yard, get other 1500 springs and bolt them up.

only early 94-96? 2500LD trucks have 2.5 leafs.

You could also do add a leafs once you fix the current setup.

I run wreckers, my 96 3500 dually v10 with 2 additional main leafs on each side has problems stopping with 8000# on back.

My 01 3500 diesel dually no additional leafs had problems stopping with 8000# on back.
I regularly use down shifting to slow my speeds for braking.

Best of luck and be careful, these trucks can easily be rebuilt, but saving $500 and accidentally taking a life is not worth any amount of money saved.