Thinking about adding Sumosprings to my SRW F350

[bwbarnes]

I have a 2014 F350 SRW that I tow a 321RSTS fifth wheel. My CAT scaled rear axle weight is 6500lbs. The truck handles the load quite well but it is riding on the overload springs. I am thinking about adding a set of 1500lb Sumosprings to the rear of the truck to help carry the load and reduce fatique on the truck springs. I would like to hear if anyone has done the same and what your experience with the Sumosprings has been. Including the effect on the unloaded ride.


thanks,

[Vicr]

Sumo Springs will lessen the symptoms but the forces of physics are still there. To counteract the forces of physics I would add another leaf spring or two and a really stout swaybar to the rear axle. Shocks may need to be addressed also. I've been getting my Mustang ready for racing road courses so I've done a lot of suspension research this last year.

[RedHorse1]

Our 350 has 6240# on the rear axle which is similar to your weight tho a bit lighter. I added Timbrens last year to reduce the squat a bit and have been pleased with the results. Was originally wanting air bags but started getting $$$ when I priced all the “extras” I knew I’d want. Haven’t noticed the ride being any different tho some folks have. When loaded my overload springs are engaged too.

We’ve logged a touch over 30k miles (Timbrens were recent additions) with this combination. My 350 is 2WD.

[DonaandDon]

Not an expert on this subject but what I'm understand about the F-350 SRW, is they have what's called a "Top mounted over load spring(s).

When LOADED, doesn't the top mounted over load spring come into play?

Will it stiffen your "unloaded" ride if you add Sumospring(s)?

Have you talked to your Ford parts department or your local "Truck Spring shop" for better overload springs?

I pull a fully loaded F-250. Mt local truck spring shop installed extra leaf and Timbrens. Yes I knew it would stiffened my ride. I now have over 12,000 on my NP381 and its working. I might consider a conversion to the top mounted over load next year.

[AmericanBiker]

Air bags

[TxLoser]

I’ve got a 321RSTS as well. Had a 3/4 ton without top overloads and installed Sumo springs. They worked great loaded and unloaded. Didn’t know they were there unloaded.

Now, like you I’ve got a 1 ton with the top overloads(only difference with GM). Mine rests on the top overloads as well, which is ok by me as that’s the point of the overloads. I’ll be curious to hear how the ride improves if you add something.

[ShawnR]

I have SumoSprings on my half ton. The unloaded ride is not affected because I have a 1” gap between the axle and spring. I chose these springs for 2 reasons. Lower maintenance than airbags and softer ride than timbrens. I’m satisfied.

[SocalSeismic]

another vote for air bags here. i tried the sumo springs and pulled them off shortly after and went with air bags. 2017 f350 srw with 3200 on the pin, 6700 on rear axle. i had to set the sumo springs where they were almost touching the axle when unloaded to be somewhat effective when loaded. they probably work better on a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck with less pin weight. i also like the adjustability the air bags offer.

[bwbarnes]

I found a great deal on the SumoSprings on Amazon so I went ahead and bought them and installed them on my truck. They haven't changed the unloaded ride noticeably. Unfortunately, my camper is taking the long winter nap. I'm looking forward to the first tow of the season to see how the SumoSprings work with the load.

[Big1]

Great, can't wait to hear about the outcome when you do hook it up.