Thanks for the shout out and link to my video of painfully drilling the leaf spring holes. Even with those challenges it is still worth it. Now that we are full time and fully (over)loaded, I am installing the upper stableloads as well.
It’s amazing how hard spring steel is to drill! I felt fortunate that my springs were pre-drilled. I’d like to hear what you think of the uppers when you have a few miles on them.
My truck had the holes already drilled and I'm thankful. I wouldn't have wanted to have to drill those holes. One needs to check first if self install. With holes drilled it's an easy project, but read the directions a few times first!! He says who didn't! :-)
Excellent video. I was lucky enough that my son was able to drill the holes in the leaf springs for me. I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. It was no easy task even for my son, who was very strong, in his 30's. In my kit, Torklift had provided 4 drill bits that came with the kit. I don't know if I paid extra. I still have the drill bits. But, as I mentioned in a previous comment, one of my lower stable loads came off. So, everyone might want to check the tightness of the bolts after a few hundred miles or so. I've had mine on the truck for at least 5 years, the three that are on are still in good condition, but, I might replace them with the stainless steel versions. I really like these types of videos that you put out & look forward to more of them. You are very good at presenting things. Take care & have safe travels.
That’s very nice of your son to do, it is a lot of work! The bolts do need to be checked periodically and a little dab of loctite might be a good idea. Thanks for the feedback and I hope to have many more videos coming soon!
I had to drill the 4 holes in my lower leaf Springs. And I can tell you the best method is to use a large Dewalt clamp, and clamp it to the back of the drill and the top of the lower leaf Spring with lots of pressure, and keep lots of lubricant on the bit. It's about a thousand times faster than doing it by hand.
Great video. First thing I did after was check to see if I had holes in my leaf spring, lol.. I’ll have to research to see if those will work with airbags, as I don’t have the stable load uppers installed. I do want to upgrade the shocks soon as well and see if that makes a difference. We have the same sway bar you got and it makes a difference.
Kudo's Scott! Letting folks know about the Tool available on loan..My Gad, there is nothing like trying to drill hardened spring steel...on the ground, under your truck, with out some help like that!!! Keep up the good work!
Thanks. I did quite a bit to research and found out how difficult it is to drill those springs. Another commenter suggested using some large clamps to apply the force, which is a pretty neat idea. However, if you have the time to wait, Torklift has the perfect tool!
This may be a stupid question, but which (if any) of the modifications that you have made also had the added benefit of improving performance when driving on dirt roads or, in general, "easy offroading"? Did any of them improve this or was it all a net negative in that area despite improvements on pavement?
Stableloads are awesome. They are what ANY truck camper owner should start with. I wish I wouldn’t have started with air bags, and started with Stableloads instead. I have both now, but airbags UNLOAD the suspension and make the ride WORSE.
I wish Ford, Ram & GMC/Chevy offered a "Camper Option" that included equipment like this so that way people who are not DIY's (like me) wouldn't have to hire someone to add it later. Including a DC to DC charger would be helpful too.
That would be nice, but for me, I’d rather have the option to select what I want versus just what the manufacturer offers. But, it would be great if both options existed.
Great video Scott. Now we need to convince LiquidSprings to install their system on your truck at no cost for a long term review. So how how much do you think your troubleshooting and repair skills have improved since you have been full time?
When and if we get a f550 or 5500 I’d love to get a LiquidSpring system. Maybe the RU-vid sponsorship gods will shine upon us. I’ve certainly learned some new stuff, but it’s always a battle against time and resources. I’ve learned to make more compromises lately. But I’m still able to get things done.
Have you ever had the bolts shear off? The small bolts that hold the stable load in its position. I just had that happen to one of my stable loads. The stainless look much better, mine are around 1 year old and quite rusted (full time use).
Well, I had one disappear, but I assume it was from vibration rather than sheer forces. Sheer strength of even a grade 5 bolt is pretty high, I don’t think there is enough twisting force to sheer it. I replaced it with a smaller bolt, but double nutted it with unlocks, it never moved. What I’ve learned is to put a little dab of locktite on them.
You should have went with air bags to start with" like big rigs have". Mine were cheaper, lifetime,adjustable,very easy to install. You would not have regreted it. 2006 dodge cummins 1 ton dually with lance 1130 (3900 lbs) air bags and big wig sway bar.with 4 down jeep flat tow
