On my stock 88 2wd longbed, great truck, the rear springs are the weakest part. I need advice: add a leaf? Add a "helper" spring set? Add coil-over shocks? Which is the smart way to go?

 

Your best bet is to add a leaf, have your leaves re-arched, etc.

Helper springs, coil shocks and air shocks help, but can't take as much abuse as the leaf springs themselves.

I'm assuming you have yourself a work truck?

 

work truck

@YOguyDA, yep -- owned for 20 years by a landscaper. I run it very lightly loaded most of the time, but occasionally carry a yard of topsoil or a half yard of gravel. I see the Timbren kits that look easy & simple to install. But suspect you are right, that adding a leaf would be wiser.

 

Well the leaf springs are the foundation of the rear suspension...

You don't build a house's raised foundation out of 1x's and then start throwing jack stands and blocks under it as it starts to sag, lol.

I guess us guys that are lowering our trucks are doing just that!

Again, I'm assuming you're not looking to lower your truck and still haul stuff....?

 

spare leaves

No lowering intended. In fact, if the lowrider guys are removing spring leaves to get that effect, I'd like to get some of those leftovers! Anyone got spare rear spring leaves to fit an 88? I'm in Marin county, Calif, and will come pick them up and pay you for them.

 

I would go with the helper springs or airbag kit. No point suffering with an overly stiff ride when the bed is empty or lightly loaded

 

I have an extra of leaf I took off mine do to over stiffness. You can have them for free or trade for 2 inch blocks. If you want them pm me. I am in sac.

 

I would recommend OME Dakar heavy rear springs and maybe Timbrens. If you are mostly hauling the OME improve ride, add some capacity, and the Timbrens will limit the sag. Just my .02….

 

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