Leaf Spring Questions

[Raminator157]

I have a 95 explorer with the common sag in the rear. I added a leaf spring to each side and it raised it up and made it look normal again. but now I see its starting to sag again. I don't tow anything. I was wondering, can I take off the leak springs and flip them upside down? So the bend is on the top? It seems like if I did that it would raise it alot higher and take away any sag int eh future for awhile. What does everyone think?

 

[Bronco638]

Boy, that's a new one!

I'm assuming you're talking about disassembling the leaf pack and flipping one or two of the leaves around. Because, you'd never get the whole pack flipped and installed. There'd be no room to mount the axle.

I take it you've never worked with a piece of spring steel (leaf spring) from an automobile before. They are simply WAY to stiff to flip and then comform to the rest of the leaf pack.

You have several choices, Double AAL, new leaf packs, shackles, F150 Spring Mod or custom leaf packs (with lift built in).

So, to answer your question, no, flipping leaves or leaf packs won't work.

Good Luck - Dave.

 

[Raminator157]

Thanks for your help. I have never worked on leaf springs before nor am I ever going to. It was just one of those light bulb spure of the moment thoughts. How about air shocks?

 

[Ru Dawg]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong please.
Air shocks adjust the comfort level of the right, by adjusting the pressure of the shock, not the ride height.
There are adjustable or leveling springs, like this:
http://www.performanceproducts.com/...+Ride+Control&productid=100631&producttype=20

 

[Ru Dawg]

Or maybe something like this:
http://www.performanceproducts.com/...=SuperSprings&productid=106001&producttype=20

 

[Raminator157]

This is what I was talking about.

 

[The"X"]

Back in the 60's and 70's all the motorheads (tuners of the era) ran air shocks to raise up the rear end to clear there L-50's in the rear.

 

[Raminator157]

Back in the 60's and 70's all the motorheads (tuners of the era) ran air shocks to raise up the rear end to clear there L-50's in the rear.

So i guess those air shocks would be my best bet then

 

[prozachappy]

You could always take your leafs to a custom spring shop and have them re-arched. They can also add a stronger leaf...but you'll eventually get the sag back. I'd just go with some stronger F150 springs from a junkyard...or dish out the cash for the aftermarkets. In the end you'll be more satisfied.

 

[Bronco638]

I wouldn't rely on air shocks to provide lift or resolve a sag issue. You're asking them to do something they weren't designed to do. Again, I'd go with an Add-A-Leaf, F150 Springs or new spring packs (stock or with lift built in). Having springs re-arched is a waste of money (IMO) since they'll eventually return to their original arch (heat treated metal has a 'memory'). Unless, of course, the shop that re-arches them also heat treats them (which they never do or aren't equipped to do), which will reset the 'memory'. Something else to consider, you may simply want to switch leaf packs from side to side. You'll now put the 'sagged' leaf pack on the passenger side (where the weight is less due to the driver's side gas tank & driver's weight). That should level out the truck some.

D.

 

[Infragate]

Is it possible to just put f-150 springs on an explorer? What kind of Mods must be done if any?

 

[96ExplorerXLT]

Is it possible to just put f-150 springs on an explorer? What kind of Mods must be done if any?

i would like to know this as well...

 

[bmxking5]

Here's a link with all the info about the F150 and explorer leaf spring swap:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105518&highlight=leaf+springs

 

[Bronco638]

Thanks for posting the link bmx.

The sticky for the F150 leaf mod is at the top of this Forum. Anyway, basically, you need to keep the Explorer main leaf and swap F150 leaves in for the rest of the Explorer leaves. The F150 main leaf is too long to fit on an Explorer. Check the sticky for other details (what F150 leaf packs to looks for) and possible pitfalls. The install isn't bad as long as you have the tools and a flat place to work.

Let me know if you have any other questions/issues.

Dave.

 

[explorer_kicker]

Cheap Kit Fix for the Sagging Suspension

I installed an Air Lift - Ride Control Kit in my 1997 XLS a year and a half ago. It works great. I only put it on the rear Leaf Springs as the back end would sag when under the tongue load of the trailer and the trailer tongue would bottom out when dragging the boat in rough roads to go fishing. After I installed the kit and loaded the trailer on I can get out my electric compressor and adjust the height and level the rear end of the truck to what it is naturally. I keep about 15 LBS in them all the time and it makes the truck feel less body roll when I am cornering now. I know you can get this kit and mount a compressor switch on the dash for when you would like to beef up or reduce the pressure in the bellows. I don't know that this is what you are looking for, but I think it is great. I did modify the kit some though. I ran a line and put a guage to the dash so I can see the pressure in the system, as you have to try and maintain 10Lbs in order to reduce the wear on the bags, I also put the air fill valve in the truck beside the rear door lock so I can just open the window and fill er up once I get the trailer on. This is a cheap solution to the problem if you are looking for one. Hope this helps. http://www.airliftcompany.com/ridecontrol.htm. I have some photos of the installation if you are wanna have a look - give me somewhere to mail them to. It took about 5 hrs, but I am slow... I imagion a guy with better tools and hands would be able to do this in 2 to 3 hours. I also put on some really cool driving lights that I don't need anymore. Before I put this on my headlights would shine at the sky with the trailer on, or anything heavy in the back, now I can level out the truck and see where I am going.