85 ram 50 leaf springs

[85Ram50]

Is there a stronger set of leaf springs to switch in or is there a way to make them stronger? I would also like to know a good stiff shock to install. Edit I guess what I'm looking for are helper springs. So far no luck searching edit end
I haul stuff like gravel and dirt in the back and am about to put on new drums shoes and hardware/hoses. I want to make it stronger so the bed doesn't land on the rubber stops every time I get a half yard of something.
I have BFG all terrain tires

[85Ram50]

Just found this http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/showthread.php/3504-Helper-springs

[85Ram50]

I found these http://gabriel.com/product-search/light-vehicle-detailed-specs/?partnum=43048
Not sure yet if I want them and further searches show them (same number 43048) for the front?

[85Ram50]

On a related note I found this under searching for a kit for the front end suspension http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/products/dodge_ram_50_2wd_1985
I have seen others say Moog has gone bad but is the parts listed here what I want? What parts would I need two of?
Or would the list be different for the 85 Ram 50? Thanks.

Edit BTW my U joints and the center bearing on the drive shaft is only a couple years old.

[DroppedMitsu]

There was also a 1-ton version so they would probably have stiffer/more leafs. Maybe car-part.com can locate some from a dismantler

[85Ram50]

So the Gabriel 43048 shocks seem to be about an inch and a half long. How does one compress them to get them to fit? I'm putting them on the back.
I'm hoping someone notices this as I have it up right now. I am going to try to jack the bed up while it sits on the jack stand. Hopefully no accidents. :)

EDIT- Figured it out. I have a small scissor jack that I placed between the rubber stop and the frame that goes up and over the axle. Then I spread the spring down until I could get the shock on. Now the drum don't wanna come off :)
Drum came off with liquid wrench and a BFH.

[pennyman1]

next time, use the hydraulic jack from the truck, bolt on the top mount of the shock, and jack the bottom mount into place.

[85Ram50]

The next one went right in!? Got the breaks on and I think I might do the helper spring thing once I do the front suspension. It was nice to see it is not as rusted underneath as I had imagined. It was just coated with dry dirt.
Edit- It also looks better with its ass up high :)

[85Ram50]

I finally made myself look through my FSM and I thought these two pages might be helpful as they show a spread out pic with numbered list of the part names. On the second pic there are numbers in this format "x to Y (x to Y)" this is the torque spec Newton Meters and Foot lbs respectively.
Oh yea do you have to have a spring compression tool? Or can I just take things apart?

17894 17895

I want to make my FSM a PDF but it is in real good condition and the only way I have found to do it requires me to destroy the binding. I might get one that is a little worse off and do it down the line.

[DroppedMitsu]

No spring tool needed, just have a jack under the lower control arm when you start unbolting it/pulling parts off so that the coil doesn't spring out of the pocket.

[85Ram50]

Thank You Dropped Mitsu.

[pennyman1]

for the rear, just get a second set of rear leafs and double them up, trimming them to create the steps between leafs, and get a longer bolt to hold them in the center. Not everyone has a set of john baker 3 leaf helper set sitting around, but I do - slated for the 86 project truck.

[85Ram50]

Thanks Pennyman. I'm waiting until I finish the front brakes and suspension.