Upgrading from 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton leaf springs

[Logan R]

Hey all, I was wondering if it would be much work to make my 1/2 ton 2wd truck be able to handle more of a payload by upgrading to 3/4 leaf springs, and what other work I may have to do. Do not have to replace current springs as they work just fine to me. Would not be using this thing as an everyday tow rig, just more of a vehicle to haul some "bigger" things once in a while when needed. I also was hoping to restore the pickup and make it rust freeish. So I was wondering what everyone thought. Thanks!

 

[Caman96]

I went from a 3/4 pack to a 4/5 pack zero issues. It will increase your rake unless you upgrade front.

 

[Drunkcanuk]

What about a set of helper air bags?
That way you have a 1/2 ton ride when empty, and air up as needed.

 

[Logan R]

Yea i suppose that could be a maybe, but how much more work would that be compared to just doing springs and such? I also have thought about doing some sort of lift so I can fit a bit bigger tires in there, if the bags would be easier to install and do the same job im more than happy to consider it. Thanks!

 

[Schurkey]

Buddy of mine put "one ton" springs under his half-ton truck.

Rode like an ox-cart. Completely ridiculous.

Did NOTHING to increase the load-capacity of the axle bearings, axle shafts, etc.

Total waste of effort.

 

[Logan R]

Ok so I would basically be better off to axle swap it with new 3/4 ton springs as well? If so I am more than likely gonna leave it. Thanks

 

[Caman96]

Ok so I would basically be better off to axle swap it with new 3/4 ton springs as well? If so I am more than likely gonna leave it. Thanks

Going to a 4/5 leaf pack is drastically different than putting 1 ton springs in. You haven’t said how much weight you’ll be hauling in your truck. I still say a 4/5 pack is fine. I did for towing a maybe 2200 lb. trailer.

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[cjcb1100]

i have 2003 2500hd springs on mine direct bolt up

 

[Logan R]

I was assuming I would be maxing out our trailer which if I remember it can hold about 7,000 pounds. It would barely fit a short wheelbase vehicle but I know of someone who has one long enough to haul different vechicles. My best guess would be the maximum it would ever tow would be 8000 lbs

 

[Caman96]

I was assuming I would be maxing out our trailer which if I remember it can hold about 7,000 pounds. It would barely fit a short wheelbase vehicle but I know of someone who has one long enough to haul different vechicles. My best guess would be the maximum it would ever tow would be 8000 lbs

For that I would be replacing the whole truck to a 2500/3500!