Squatting Woes

I just finished this flatbed and dog box build, and I’ve run into a problem with squatting under the weight of the box. current setup is OME 881’s and nitros up front and Dakar’s with an AAL in the rear. As you can see it is level when unloaded, but with the dog box there’s a bad squat.
for my purposes I actually don’t mind how the bed sits with the boxes, but the difference from front and back is noticeable. Also, come hunt season there will be two 70 pound pups per box, so that will add to the problem.

What do you folks think is the best option (besides adding lightness to the dog box, it’s as light as it’s going to get now).
1. Airbags
2. Deaver custom springs
3. load the front with a steel bumper to level it out and forget the problem

I like the idea of the bags if I don’t have to modify the frame, but it seems like I’d need to then also go down the rabbit hole of on board air, which I don’t want to do until after this hunt season is through.

Thoughts?

 

Since it’s always squatting. I go with springs.

Bags are nice, but I usually like them to “help” minimize squat when loaded heavy.
I don’t like them to be the primary source of the lift.

 

I don't think airbags are ideal for a constant heavy load, should get the right leaf springs. In this case I would definitely go custom. I don't have experience with Deaver but I hear good things. I have custom Alcans on mine, they work with you and get all your vehicle information (customization/mods, day to day weight, max weight, how much lift you want to maintain, etc) to build you the best set of springs. I've been very happy with mine.

 

Springs, but also you might consider reinforcing the frame while you’re at it.

 

Either option is good.

Beefier Leaf pack = $$$$
Helper Springs = $

 

Thanks, good thoughts on the constant load vs occasional with the bags.
I also thought about downgrading the front to the 880’s to see if that would level it out, but that doesn’t fix the overall problem. I tried the dakars without the leaf then pulled them and added the leaf so I’m half an expert on that install by now. I hate to even ask what custom leaf packs are going to cost

 

I forget where dakars stand with regard to load. But an alternative to custom leafs might be a bastard leaf pack using dodge Dakota springs. They’re a bit springyer than the oem leaves and give some lift, but I honestly am not sure where that would leave you in relation to the dakars. It’s what I’ve got, and I get a half inch from a shackle, then probably 1.5 from the leaves if I had to guess. My bed is close to stock weight though. Hmm.

 

Yeah if I were smarter I would have weighed the truck stock, then with the flatbed, then loaded with the box. I know stock bed plus bumper is 250, I’d guess from moving the flatbed myself that it is pretty close to that. The box though, I have no idea. Heavy AF. I had to use a farm jack and ratchet straps to get it on there.

 

Custom leaf pack.

Do it right.

 

Do you have a material list for the box and the bed? Pretty easy to estimate it with a spreadsheet

 

yeah, good idea. I did a cad drawing for the bed, so that one is easy. the box a winged it a bit, but I have receipts for my material orders, so I can put it together

 

I second custom leaf pack, and use airbags for when it’s really loaded up.

The big names get pretty close, but be ready to add remove a leaf or two.

 

I’ll give alcan a call today and see what the damage will be

 

Move to the Carolina's and don't worry about the squat!

 

Will your Dog box live on the Truck Full time ?

If not do you really want springs made to handle extra weight for occasional use?

I am quite happy with my Super Springs they allow loading a 1000 pound payload yet when the Truck is empty it rides decent.

I don`t understand this need to have a truck need to sit level. Where does this come from?

If it has to sit level Air Bags the enable constant adjustment or a complete air ride rear suspension ($$$) set up to maintain the vehicle level front to back will be the only solution to keep you happy. In both cases on board Air is needed.

 

The dog box is built to be removable, but the trucks primary purpose is as a hunting platform. I expect at least 7-8 months out of the year it will be loaded for dogs. If I can pull the box and use it around town during the summer that would be great for keeping it running well, but the ride quality with the dog boxes off doesn’t matter to me.
As for why the need for level, well I put a lot of time into building this thing so it’s not worth overlooking these final details.

I just looked up this super spring, so it’s essentially a very big AAL that you would put on in addition to whatever leaf pack you already have. Can it be used with aftermarket spring packs?
It’s an interesting option if it would work here, because if I go with the custom springs I’ll be pulling these Dakar’s and u-bolts off with essentially 20miles on them.
The height unloaded is perfectly fine right now, so if these super spring AALs would just allow me to keep level under load with the dakar’s that would be fine.

 

Looks like AZ tags on the back of the truck. I sure hope whenever dogs are being transported in there they are kept climactically safe and hydrated. That's life and death stuff.

 

Thanks for the astute commentary

 

I'm doing my best to help my dog recover from surgery yesterday so animal welfare is front and center in my mind more than usual.

 

that’s fine, but making obvious statements like that comes off as rude bud. best wishes to your dog.