Will Exceeding Truck's Towing or Payload Capacity Damage Suspension Components

Updated 04/19/2019 | Published 04/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6762)

$269.36

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6762)

$269.36

Question:

Hello, I have a 2005 f150 with the factory utility bed it kinda looks like a extra door on the front section of the truck bed. 4.6 liter engine. Actually Im not the owner, rather preform needed maintenance on said vehicle. The owner has the bed of the truck and utility compartments loaded with tools and hauls a trailer with all his gardening tools and landscaping. Ive noted that the 2 piece drive shaft was rather sloppy and was replaced, but the center link was also in need of replacement. But in the last 4 - 5 years, I have replaced 1 custom built rear end to factory specs by Hooper rear ends- they are well known in the racing business and I have personally used their rear ends for 30 years without any issues. With in 1 year it failed. The leaf spring busted and replaced. But now the rear end Ive built failed after 21/2 years, and the leafs are flattened again close to failure. I keep telling the owner what is causing this is over rated towing capacities and the drive shaft that is sloppy. Hoping that everything Ive learned building race cars super late models Nascar sportsman division, has not failed me in my diagnosis of said issue is correct. Would this sound correct or is there something Im overlooking? Looks like the truck uses a 6 cylinder leaf spring and mustang rear end, and is maxed out with 2 passengers and 300 lbs in tools alone. Then add the trailer in = trouble. ?

asked by: Scott

Helpful Expert Reply:

Failed suspension components like what you described on the F-150 you perform work on can certainly be from exceeding its payload or tongue weight capacity from an overloaded bed and trailer. It's hard to say for certain that this is the culprit as I'm not sure exactly how heavy a trailer he tows with the truck but the fact that it keeps happening (and way sooner than it should) after repairs indicates that something is indeed being overloaded.

Based on my research the 2005 Ford F-150 with the 4.6L engine will have a maximum trailer weight capacity of around 6,500 to 7,100 pounds depending on its axle ratio, cab size, and drivetrain. I highly recommend that your friend verifies his specific capacity by either checking his copy of the owner's manual or contacting a local Ford dealer with his VIN.

There isn't anything he can do to actually increase this capacity but there are products that can help the rear suspension to better handle weights within their limit to allow for a longer lifespan. I recommend taking a look at the Timbren # TFR1502D if he has the 2WD or # TFR150D if it's the 4WD. These are durable rubber springs that will simply replace the factory bump stops to provide more support for heavy loads like a full bed or the tongue weight from a trailer.

I have attached a sample install video on a 2004 Ford F-150 that you can take a look at as well.

expert reply by: Chris R