Why dont you just install add a leafs in your rear springs? If you are happy with the way your pickup tows except for the rear spring sag, i would think for the money add a leafs would be the way to go. If you want to do the springs, i dont know if they will fit, but i would go and look for some at a place like a tire shop where they install lift kits. A lot of people just let the tire shop have thier old leafs when they get a lift and get new ones intalled.

93 F250 7.3 Diesel, 4 inch tuff country lift, 35 inch Wild Country's

 

The add a leafs do work good, I bought a set from JC Whittney for one of my hotshot trucks. An S-10 with a flatbed, needed it to carry atleast 1000 lbs. , the add a leafs worked great. Think they are around 20-30 $$, cant remember for sure.

87 Samurai- under construction
92 Samurai

Zookin- a family affair

 

You could always go with the overload springs...this way you won't sacrifice your ride, but when under pressure, the will load up.

I was also under the impression that the f-150s had the 9" rear end. I could be mistaken....the 9's are pretty stout. Right now i have an 8.8 in my explorer (trying to decide wether or not to swap in the 60 for offroading purposes /wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif), and its a pretty rugged little axle. Never any problems with the gearing shearing or anything. Also, if you have a heavy load that you are going to be pulling more than that, you might consider converting to a full floating rear end. It takes a lot of axle pressure off of the differential.

another thought would be upgrading your gearing. maybe to a 3.73 or a 4.10....most stock 1 ton axles come with these gears...makes for better power to pull. but this will probably decrease gas mileage.

just some things to think about....good luck!

'92 XLT Aka. "Pigpen"
Solid Axle Swap in progress!

 

The springs from a 1 ton 4x4 are the same width as the springs on a 1/2 4x4. I think they should be on the 2wd's as well. I would look for a set of 3/4 ton springs, since the 1 ton springs have more arch to them. I replaced my worn and broken 1/2 ton springs with a set of 3/4 springs and they sat a little higher than the stock ones. They held the weight fine too. I also added a set of Hellwig overloads, which helped even more (I was using the truck to pull 19,000 lbs). I recommend upgrading to AT LEAST a 9" rear, since they are stronger than the 8.8. It will still use the 5 on 5.5" bolt pattern, so you will not need new wheels. Another option, however, more expensive, it to get a set of custom shafts for a Dana 60. They can put the 5 on 5.5" pattern on them, and you get a full floater out of the deal.

In my opinion, I would just drop a 9" in, put some new springs, and a set of add-a-leaves, and call it good. Since you are 2wd, I would also look for a 9" with gearing around 3.73 or 4.10, depending on your tire size. I had the 300, 4 speed, 9" w/ 3.55's & 31's and it was gutless pulling itself, let alone a trailer. Moving to 4.10's helped a lot. You should be fine w/ 3.73's.

Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
Proud enough to stack hay, and crazy enough to eat it.

 

Whatever option you decide for the suspension, dont forget the tires. Go with a 6 or 8 ply tire. something with stout sidewalls. This will help prevent swaying. If your running stock size tires, I dont see any reason the 6 banger wont pull 6500 lbs. May not pull a good size hill in 5th but it will get you there and back in fine fashion. Why go to 9" rear on light duty tow rig? The 8.8 should be fine, the hotshotters around here put way more than 6500lbs behind the trucks and get many many miles out of the trucks. If you dont mind spending a couple hundred bucks on one of the air bag load levelers suspensions, thats the way I would go and leave the springs stock. That way you have a comfortable daily ride and the ability to tow your blazer. Alot of the people I work with have had good results from the Firestone air bag set up. Just 2 more pennies.

87 Samurai- under construction
92 Samurai

Zookin- a family affair