yeah smaller loads.  Rancho has add a leaf kits designed to raise the truck,
not increase
load capacity. They can be a real bear to install and don't forget the
shocks will now be too short.  The real issue is your exceeding the load
capacity of your truck,  Its not just the springs, its the brakes, the
suspension mount points, the rear axle housing, the axles them selves, and
bearings,  even the bed  and the frame. Just because it fits in the bed
doesn't mean the truck can carry it.  On average a yard of fill weighs 1.5
tons., that's 3,000 pounds.  Your truck at best has a 1,500 pound payload,
and that includes your weight, and any other stuff you have in the truck
before the first shovel full goes in the bed.

Whitelightning

Even with an add-a-leaf, it would still be dangerous to drive. Figure a
working payload of 1,000lbs plus you and your stuff. That's not even half a
yard of dirt. You'd break the spring eyebolts, driveline, wheel bearings,
tires, etc. Brakes will be overstressed, meaning you would rearend somebody
at a stoplight.

The only simple solutions are take smaller loads, or get a bigger truck. Or,
how about a trailer with electric brakes (you'll have to install a brake
controller on it). Never exceed the GCWR of the truck/trailer combination.
Locate the GVWR on the VIN sticker on your truck.

If you decide to go the helper spring route, please let us know where you
are located so we can avoid driving where you live, hence avoiding your
plowing into us with an overloaded rig.

Mac,
I'm thinking of doing a similar thing with my Ranger, and '83 with a
diesel I use to haul work stuff around. I had a pallet lift drop ten
bundles of 3 in 1 shingles in the bed and in sunk lower than I would
have liked.

The sad fact is that springs sag with use and age. Your truck is 13
years old (if you still own it) which is a while for in which to use
and abuse the suspension. Mine is a further 10 years aged still and
it's time to do someting about the leaf spring. In the front are extra
beefy springs which came with diesels and they are fine.

One resolution I have seen done many time before is to add a helper
spring, a single leaf, to the bundle. This is an alternative to
replacing the spring bundles or having a spring shop do it for you. I'm
hoping there is enough extra thread on the u-bults securing the axle to
the bundle to allow the addition of a helper spring. If there isn't, on
leaf in the bundle can be replaced.

Make sure your brakes are working well if you continue to load it down.
Many of the ranger/explorer/aerostars came with the 7" rear end and
drum brakes, but it is possible swap in 8" with disk brakes from
exceptional explorers or just the beefier rear assemblies from rangers
and aerostars (still drum).

vernon