Increasing payload capacity m1008

[dkydfireman]

Hey guys. I have a m1008 that I use to haul green firewood. I work on the side with a tree care company and I'd like to be able to haul as much wood as possible from jobsites in one trip. I had a load of hardwood the other day that was almost level with the top of the cab (I'm sure I was way overloaded).
It was wondering a little bit on the road but I had no problems stopping or accelerating and it was squatting pretty good in the rear.
Has anybody put a set of airbags or helper springs in or had a leaf or two added at the spring shop?
I'm looking to increase the payload capacity by 1000lbs or so. That should be enough for what I'll be doing.
I know the easiest route would be to put m1028 springs in it but I'm in Canada and they just aren't easy to find up here.

 

[porkysplace]

The air bags will work just fine . But you will still be overloading the tires ,risking a blowout .
Go to duel tire set-up or get a trailer with brakes

 

[drgreg]

I don't know if they have them for the M1008, but I have used Timbren elastomer shocks on other trucks. They are cheaper than air bags, and much less hastle.
GM and Chevrolet Application Guide for Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems
Give them a call, they may be able to help.

 

[gimpyrobb]

M101a2?

 

[zout]

As porkysplace brought up - you need to also get compliance on the tire load as well - more ply tire. Changing your air pressure is NG.

Helper springs - can go seperatly this route as well as
Air bag system is very good
Additional Shock load increase - get rid of stock shocks.

Might consider a rear stabilizer in the mix if it does not have one.

Get a trailer.

 

[Matt65]

Fireman,
Im in the same situation. I plan to take the trailer route in the future with brake controller added.

 

[dkydfireman]

Thanks for the reply's so far.

As far as tire ratings go I could be wrong but the way it was explained to me by a tire shop the "E" rated tires would be good for a vehicle weight of 12,168lbs with 4 tires (3042 x 4). Adding 1000lbs to my payload would put me at 9800lbs.

drgreg thanks for the link. I'll have a look at those.

gimpyrobb I wish I had the room for a trailer. I live in the city and there is 3 cars in the driveway whick takes up all the room.

zout I never thought of adding a rear stabilizer. I'm going to look into that as well.

 

[dkydfireman]

Matt 65 a dump trailer would be the cats ass.

 

[porkysplace]

Thanks for the reply's so far.

As far as tire ratings go I could be wrong but the way it was explained to me by a tire shop the "E" rated tires would be good for a vehicle weight of 12,168lbs with 4 tires (3042 x 4). Adding 1000lbs to my payload would put me at 9800lbs.

drgreg thanks for the link. I'll have a look at those.

gimpyrobb I wish I had the room for a trailer. I live in the city and there is 3 cars in the driveway whick takes up all the room.

zout I never thought of adding a rear stabilizer. I'm going to look into that as well.

Your calculations for the tire load you are assuming a perfectly balanced load . But the problem you are having is the back is sagging witch means the load is heavier on the rear axel than the front . Load the truck and go to a truck scale you will find you have a greater weight on the rear axel than the front , this will also tell you if the rear tires are load beyond there capacity .

 

[dkydfireman]

The dually set-up would be the ideal way to go. No argument from me on that one.
It isn't that often I have that amount of wood to move and it would be nice to be able to set up the truck to carry it when needed every once in a while without hurting it or anybody else.

 

[pigfoot63]

Look for thread in CUCV section. I installed a set on my 08 and really like them.

 

[dkydfireman]

Thanks pigfoot63. I was wondering if they worked as good as they look. I'll have to order a set and try them out.

 

[citizensoldier]

The payload on my M1028 with single tires is 3600lbs with a 9400lb GVW. The tires are rated for 3042lbs at 80PSI per tire in the single configuration.. A sway bar would be a nice addition but it handles green firewood stacked higher than the cab just fine. I would think a good set of M1028 springs could be had for cheap even with shipping if you advertise in the classifieds. There are lots of guys parting them out right now.

 

[dkydfireman]

I'm scared to even guess at what shipping would be for a pair of those springs. I'm going to get some quotes for air bags on Monday and go from there.

If I can get a pair of springs here for cheaper than the air bags then thats what I'll try to do.
I was thinking that adding a couple hundred extra pounds to what the 1028s were rated for shouldn't be a huge deal for the tires or truck to handle as long as the springs could handle the load
Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[citizensoldier]

Your welcome.. I know shipping has gone up but 1 pallet might not be to much money. Unless Canada's shipping is real high? This I do not know about? A good spring shop could probably rebuild your M1008 spring and add the helpers/overloads just like the M1028 for a decent price.That might be a good affordable option if the airbags are to much money. Something to keep in mind is empty they ride like a pioneer wagon! LOL..

 

[citizensoldier]

Eastern Surplus has a listing in the classifieds that they have 10 CUCV's they are parting out. Maybe see if he has any M1028s. He would have a good idea on shipping too..

 

[dkydfireman]

I can get the firestone airbag kit to my door for roughly $350.

I don't think I can get a pallet shipped here for that and with my luck I'd end up with worn out springs.

Plus with no load I can remove the air from the bags for a better ride quality.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[ehuppert]

Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but.... The only difference between the 1028 and 1008 springs is the overload spring packs! I pulled a set of overloads and the perches from a one ton dually and installed on my 08. I've had the truck loaded over the top of the cab with wood, also had
1 3/4 tons of material loaded and no problems!.

With that said, i know i was legally overweight! Both on the tires and as far as the registration GVW!

The overload springs and frame perches (holes already drilled in frame) were used on a lot of the duallies, shouldn't be too difficult to source. And, overloads don't affect ride quality when unloaded

Eric

 

[Matt65]

Matt 65 a dump trailer would be the cats ass.

Yes it would! Firewood unloads a lot faster.

 

[usmc80]

I put a set of airbags on my F150 and increased the payload 3000lbs. Also invest in a compressor that goes under the hood, it's a life changer. It automatically checks the set pressure and adjust it during the ride. It's Awesome, I love it!