Leaf Spring Alternatives? Looking for aftermarket springs.

[SuRrEaLNJ]

Im in the process of bending another leaf spring. I have a couple sets of leaves, but id hate to throw in another ~200k mile set only to have another one give up.

i had bought a set of springs from LMC and i bent them in really short order.

at this point im thinking of replacing the leaves, but i kinda dont want to break the bank on this at this point.

what does anybody have as sugestions for a good set of leaves. Truck is set up for SOA with Shackles in the rear. A stock height pack will be adaquate.

I plan on doing some research of my own here, but would like to get a banter going with some people who might be more knowledgeable then myself on the topic

 

[DB_1]

It might be tough to find an "off the shelf" aftermarket spring that is stock height. Old Man Emu's are supposed to be good but I think they are 2" lift over stock.

The other option would be a set a custom set of springs. Some of the bigger names would be Deaver, National and Alcan. These companies are all out west so maybe you can find someone local or at least on the East coast.

If you do go custom, you might consider having them build the packs to handle more weight carrying capacity if you load down your rig when you go wheeling. I would say have them built to handle about 200 lbs. over stock.

Most importantly, having bumpstops set up correctly will help in the longevity of your leaf springs.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

i can deal with 2" over, can always go back to stock shackles if its to much height.

I think my bumps are ok, atleast since i have the new ones on im not having any bad rubbing issues in the rear

i may be under a misconception, but arent custom springs pricey?

 

[DB_1]

Yes as with anything custom, it can be pricey. If you go this route, i'd find a few spring companies to compare prices.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

The OME's are within what im lookin to pay or there abouts.

for schnitzengiggle i looked at replacements from rock auto and the pricing makes the OMEs even more attractive.

[thinking out loud] Unfortuneately i dropped a few bills last year on the LMC ones that didnt pan out so im reluctant to throw more cash in the rear, even though i know it needs it, ya know [/thinking out loud]

 

[DB_1]

[thinking out loud] Unfortuneately i dropped a few bills last year on the LMC ones that didnt pan out so im reluctant to throw more cash in the rear, even though i know it needs it, ya know [/thinking out loud]

I know exactly how you feel...I'm on my fourth set of rear leaf springs, well 5th if you include the stock originals. 2 sets were Skyjackers, 1 was a custom set and now i'm gonna try out some Tacoma leafs...we'll see how that turns out.

I would have kept the custom leafs but they sagged and I wanted to add more load capacity to them. It would have cost as much to re-tune them as the Tacoma leafs cost so hopefully these will work out.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

quess it goes with your bi anual rebuilds :

 

[Keeper0311]

I don't really have any experience in this area, but perhaps checking out leaf springs from a heavier vehicle would help. I recall reading a few members using portions of the F-150 leaf springs along with Explorer leafs. Would this prove beneficial?

 

[joecrna]

Customs are pricey, always depends on your definition of pricey. Mine have 100k miles and don't sag, so only one set since stock. This is a heavily loaded overland/expedition vehicle. Usually 1500 lbs in gear but have carried 2400 before with only a little 3" drop (has a slight rake so it was just a tad low in back). The Tacoma guys often switch to deavers once they put alot of expedition equipment in it and start to pile on the pounds.

There is a company in Detroit that specializes in stock springs, mostly for auto rebuilds but they claim to have specs for thousands of vehicles. Unfortunatly their name slips my mind right now. There was a writup on them a few years ago in Hot Rod magazine. Search the detroit area or Hot Rod back issues.

 

[CountryBoy78]

yeah what if made a ******* pack using f-150 or fullsize bronco springs?

Are your leafs bending at the main leaf or is it the whole spring pack that is bending the wrong way?

Not sure what height you will end up with but I think they would hold up to some abuse. I know I broke a couple leafs in my 79 Bronco, but what do you expect when you jump it in mud holes

 

[Maniak]

OME does make stock and small lift rear springs but they are NOT the best for towing. They are flexy and great for wheeling though.

~Mark