Leaf spring capacity

[rzr6-4]

I'm toying with the idea of getting some new carli leaf springs but I'm not totally sure with the payload figures. Figured I would get some more input.

On the website they say that the soft ride springs reduce you to "light 3/4 ton capacity". I read elsewhere that one user estimates a 15% reduction. I only tow/haul half a dozen times a year, but when I do I'm pretty much at capacity. I don't have to tow super far so the biggest issue with the payload is that my headlights are pointed at the sky. At face value, these would look like a negative, however.....

When I did my Eibach level, the front actually ended up about 1" higher than the rear. I'm not sure if that's because my factory leafs are old and tired or if the level just provided more lift than anticipated, but I am technically squatted. That said, the new Carli springs give 1" of lift over factory, which may be even more for me if my old ones are sagging. You guys think I would end up with the same amount of rake when loaded, which is borderline but acceptable, or would you suspect it would be worse? Softer springs + taller initial height = same loaded height?

They do also have a heavy duty version which is made for people who always have 1500lb payload minimum, but I suspect that I would end up with little ride quality improvement when unloaded vs where I am now, and that is my whole point for doing this.

 

[tron67j]

I would not trust a sales pitch throw-away statement that the springs "reduce to a light 3/4 ton capacity" for anything. For arguments sake, my 2500 had 3k pounds of payload capacity but with a diesel I would have about 1800 + -. If I installed springs with the same statement about them I would end up with less PC than a 1500.

Modifying anything that changes payload capacity has a number of impacts beyond lights pointing at the trees. For example, your reduced support in the back translates to less braking capabilities in the front, which is where the majority of your stopping action occurs.

3rd gen 2500s are rough, never rode in a stock one that wasn't, but that is how they were designed and I had one that I really miss. The company should provide technical documentation on the impact to towing before even considering. My gut reaction, I would think staying away would be the better choice.

 

[rzr6-4]

I would not trust a sales pitch throw-away statement that the springs "reduce to a light 3/4 ton capacity" for anything.

I didn't see it on the website, not that I looked super close, but I did end up finding a video interview of one of their employees (engineer?) and he confirmed the 15% in that video. For what that's worth. I hadn't thought about the effect on braking, that is a good point.

My bother brought up a good point when I asked him for input. We're probly pushing 3k pin weight already which would be about 400 over my payload. Not the correct thing to do but gotta get it done. Anyway, since were already over I may only be and inch or less from the bump stops anyway, meaning it can't get much worse. I'll be hauling again in a week, next time I'm loaded I'll look under and see how far I am from the stops with the stock set up and go from there.

P.S. I know this is going to **** off the payload police but like I said towing is fairly uncommon, and almost always just 10 miles at a time back and forth from the farm to the field, I wouldn't do this if there was any intention of pulling heavy on the highway.

 

[Smokeybear01]

If ride comfort is all you're trying to attain, lower the PSI in your tires when not hauling and then put them where you need'em when you anticipate a haul. Tire pressure goes a long way toward ride comfort. Traction in mud and snow too.

 

[FaceDeAce]

Old leaf springs do get soft and saggy over time and use. Replacing them with stock or the 15% over HD version, that alone can make a bid difference. For the occasional times that you are towing or hauling and know the loads are at capacity or overloaded .... airbags go a looong way to fix that. Pressure them up for the load. Deflate them when running bare. weight distribution hitches help a lot too.