Help me solve my suspension woes w/ my flatbed conversion.

So in my efforts to build my flatbed conversion I made it way too heavy. I installed new OME Dakar leafsprings with shackles, and new 5100s but given the weight they're not cutting it. I also added 32s which only compounded my problem. I just don't have the travel nor clearance and the existence setup is working way too hard even while the flatbed is empty. I plan on mooning out the side rails for more clearance but that doesn't really solve the problem.

I have a few options on how to solve this and, being new to the suspension game, I could really need some guidance. So here's my options:

-Add blocks under the leafsprings and an air bag suspension to ease some of the stress on the springs. I'm leaning towards this option as the springs, shackles, and 5100s are brand new and won't require further fab work. Plus I wanted to add a compressor anyways.

-Take out the OMEs leafsprings and replace them with leafsprings from an F250 or Tundra and fab up new shackles or hangers as needed.

-Try to add helper leafs, blocks as needed.

-Scrap the whole project, admit defeat, and put the boring factory bed on there.

-Any other ideas?

I don't plan on doing any extreme offroading but it would be nice to have the option. I'm ok with sacrificing some road comfort for ability.

 

Nice fab work! How much steel did you add? When I have my ATV or snowmobile on my deck, and some stuff below, it brings me north of 1000 lbs in the box, not to mention that I sometimes have passengers and haul a trailer on top of that. I'm running HD Dakars and about 40 PSI in my airbags going pretty fast on forestry roads when loaded and I don't bottom out. The airbags do make quite a big difference but not sure it I would rely on them if I was constantly hauling that amount of load.

 

Thanks bud. My first welding project so I'm pretty pleased. I did over build it. I think it weighs close to 850lbs. I've kind of resigned to the fact I'm going to have to cut some weight out. I can easily cut out about 250lbs, shorten the bed, and then I'll reassess. If needed I'll add some bags. Any recommendations on bag set up?

 

I just went with the basic Firestone kit and air up when needed either using my compressor in my garage or a small bike pump that fits in my glovebox. Most people seem to go with the daystar cradles to preserve flexing but I'm too paranoid about having ice or a rock lodged in there. I also eventually upgraded to BP-51 rear shocks because the airbags were bouncy on rough roads. Having adjustable rebound corrected this.

 

I rolled the flatbed through the scales today without any wood decking installed and she came in at 4120lbs. Dry weight is around 3390. I'm about 170 and with gas and fluid I've only added roughly 550lbs which really isn't as much as initially thought.

I think since the back bumper is pretty hefty and it hangs off the back so far shortening the flatbed bed 12-14 inches will do a lot. I'm also going to cut some holes if needed and relocate my spare tire.

 

Surgery is currently on going. It's touch and go but hopefully the patient will pull through.

 

I'm not speaking with any experience or knowledge but the flat bed looks lower than what the stock wheel wells allowed for up travel. Most flat beds I've looked at sit higher or inside the back wheels for up travel space. Looks like you took away most of the up travel with the flat bed. @Bigdaddy4760 any ideals? Also what a first welding project! GL on getting it figured out.

 

I check it out but I’m on my phone right now.

 

@Aray02
Where about a you live?

 

Queen Anne. I plan on mooning the side rails for added clearance. It's a hell of a first time welding project for sure.

Edit: neighborhood in Seattle.

 

Unfortunately I see some issues but want to look in the morning when I get into the office on the big screen. I pm ya in the morning

 

I appreciate that! It's a work in progress obviously. I'm open to any ideas/feedback!

 

Your doing a great job.

 

I would try to get a 3" wide leaf pack on your truck. Something from a F-150 with the heavy payload package or one of the 3/4 ton trucks would deal with the weight well. Some of us Tundra guys have had similar issues and the best route seemed to be installing 3" wide leaf springs.

 

I would recommend you get some custom leafs made by deaver or Alcan. All you need to do is get the full weight of the truck, the weight on the front axle alone and weight over the rear axle by its self. during this time you can tell them how much lift you want and then you will have springs that are set up exactly for what you want.

 

@koditten

 

I really don't see a big issue with your present leafs.

Those side rails need to be cut and arched up and over to give you the needed travel.

Air bags with 10-12 psi will be a pretty economical solution.

 

Shortened the whole bed by 12 inches and removed some more excess weight. I'm really liking the look and the leafs look a lot better. I still need to gsin a couple more inches but I'm getting there.