flexy leaf springs

[peter@ncws.com]

I need to know what people are using out there for the rear of a 97 SC 4x4 leaf spring. I need them to be real soft. The stock springs and the explorer springs have the overload spring attached. Is somebody getting good flex with overload type springs because I'm certainly not. I saw a set of skyjacker or superlift? for 250 on e-bay without the overload on it. Anybody using these? Talk to me people.

 

[4x4junkie]

I substituted the flatter Ford OL leaf for the more curved one on my Skyjacker springs, and it does pretty good (about 20" flex), without losing all of it's load-carrying ability. I also have extended shackles on it.



To get much more than that, you'll probably have to ditch the OL leaves entirely though, yes.

 

[peter@ncws.com]

Ohh la la.

That's what I'm talking about! I had that with my 84 ranger and need to have that with my 97. In 84 they used a really soft spring and went to the flat overload in 86 and up I think. I have a line on a pair of skyjackers(?) 4in lift with the overload spring on it. Is that what you started with? That picture looks like a spot at my favorite off-road place Los Coyotes. Thanks for the reply.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes, mine are the SJ FR34 4" leafs. I took the (mostly flat) OL leaf off the old stock springs and put them on the SJ leafs.

The OL leaves gave me about another 2½" of uptravel, the ext shackles about 3" more on the droop side.


IIRC, that pic was on Holcomb Creek in Big Bear back around 2003.
Is Los Coyotes still around? (I think it was an indian reservation?)? I thought I heard it had been closed down years ago.

 

[peter@ncws.com]

los coyotes

Your right, they are closed. You are saying that it flexed better with the overload spring on? I'm so confused by that. I guess I don't understand how it all works. I bought a set of "explorer" springs and it turns out they are not stock and they lifted the back 5in. instead of the 1-2in I expected. I took out the blocks and it is still high. It just does not flex worth a crap.

 

[brendank]

Your right, they are closed. You are saying that it flexed better with the overload spring on? I'm so confused by that. I guess I don't understand how it all works. I bought a set of "explorer" springs and it turns out they are not stock and they lifted the back 5in. instead of the 1-2in I expected. I took out the blocks and it is still high. It just does not flex worth a crap.

I think he's saying that it flexed better with the ford overload on rather than the skyjacker one. The skyjacker overload is curved up more than the ford overload, and therefore allows less uptravel when at full stuff. Because it's only the overload junkie changed, it shouldn't have affected ride height or quality.

 

[4x4junkie]

Correct, better flex with the Ford overload vs. the SJ one.

If you want to run no OL at all, then you will have to instead use a couple small bottom leaves from earlier (or Bronco II) spring packs to support the rest of the leaves in the pack. Simply just taking out the OL can cause the spring to fatigue and break right at the spring perch.

 

[peter@ncws.com]

light bulb went on

Now I get it, you need something at the bottom of the leaf spring to push it up and support the leaf sp.pack. I have a set of springs on my 4Runner that have at least 6 leafs that get progressively smaller thus supporting the pack and allowing flex. Is that about how it works?

 

[4x4junkie]

Yep, that's about it (think upside-down pyramid shape, sortof). all the leaves need to be progressively smaller as you get to the axle perch.

 

[peter@ncws.com]

going crazy here

So, I bought a set of skyjacker springs(used) and put them on. They were supposed to provide 4inches of lift. Well not only did they lift it 6inches but the driver side is higher than the passenger side(1-2inches). The only part# I could fine is 34s on the spring. What the f........! Life was so simple on my 84, I put blocks on it, it flexed like crazy with a little bit of axle wrap(but I lived with it). This time I wanted to try it without the blocks because I have 50 more horsepower to try to tame with the 4.0. I grow so weary. The good news is I can R&R the springs in a couple of hours now. OOOOF!

 

[4x4junkie]

Sounds like one of those springs is sagged out or something (or maybe you got a 4" and a 6" spring?)

Do they both have visible part #s on them?

 

[brendank]

You also might want to consider swapping the leafs around. Ranger's are notorious for having a 1~2" lean to the driver's side(P.S. is higher). It's possible that the leafs were installed switched from what you have them, and one may be more sagged than the other. Another thing to consider is the weight of the rig they came off of, and the weight of yours.

 

[peter@ncws.com]

Sorry about that

Turns out the bolt on the spring shackle was too long and was pressing on the bumper bracket not allowing the shackle to fully seat. I feel like an idiot but that's normal for me. Thank you all for your insight and advice. Going to find out tomorrow if these springs flex. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[brendank]

Turns out the bolt on the spring shackle was too long and was pressing on the bumper bracket not allowing the shackle to fully seat.

Sometimes it's the easiest things that nobody suggests. Glad you have it figured out.

 

[peter@ncws.com]

need a little work

They flex o.k. but I'm looking for more. Down the road I guess I'll try to play with these and make them work better. Thanks ya'll.