Leaf Spring replacements for an Overland Sport

[InspirationExplorer]

Hello,
Looking to replace the mono springs on my 99 sport which is used largely for long distance overland trips. That being said I usually have a lot of extra weight with me and do some off-roading. Last year on our trip to Ouray CO, the rear springs were just overwhelmed by the weight. I'm planning on replacing the stock mono leafs with:
U, V, W ........43- 967 .... 1250 lb .... 4.6" ... (3+1 leaves) (common)

Has anyone else done these "heavier duty" than the 1100# version and if so, how was the ride? Did it maintain the same height? I'm shackled in the back and have 33s, and I'm also planning on adding some competition urethane bump stops to further assist with load management when off road.

 

[gmanpaint]

A new set of stock 4 door leaf packs (either weight rating) will do great as a replacement. Ride will be improved with heavier loads, and might give a little lift over stock mono leafs.

Since your going to have the leafs off the axle, and replacing them with a stock set, you might as well add a leaf (or 2) for lift, and go back to stock shackles. I believe this is a much better setup than extended shackles. You will be able to load your gear and the springs will evenly distribute the weight, compared to shackles shifting the weight to the rear half of the leaf springs. That causes inversion, and kills (flattens) the main leaf. You can buy new add a leafs in 3 ways. 1 shorty, or 1 long, or add both.

Some people buy used 4 dr packs, and used Chevy 2wd pickup (2.5" w) packs, and build a set using them both for 2" of lift. About a $100 for all, depending on the salvage yard pricing in your area. Search for "Frankenleafs" "Frankenpacks" on here, and you will find threads on this. Your just swapping all the lower ex leafs with the Chevy leafs, retaining the ex main leaf.

Custom made packs are the best way to go, but are also the most expensive way. There are places that can, and will, make whatever you want, but at a premium. Think of leaf packs like batteries. They are consumables, once you frequently use them for off road adventures, and need maintained, and/or replaced with use/time.

Speaking of Ouray, a few of us from here are going there the last week of August 2020. Come join us, and see some modified explorers first hand.

 

[fast_dave]

@InspirationExplorer

Here you go - Dayton Leaf Spring 43-967 is the multi-leaf replacement for the stock mono spring.

Dayton is a Big 3 OEM Supplier, they're made in USA, from US Sourced Spring Steel, and have the bushings installed in both ends.

$155.79 EACH @ Rock Auto

Rock Auto 5% Discount Code:
5% Discount Code: ACE4B6982A855D
Expires: April 17, 2020
Please enter this code in the ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ box to receive the discount. Please enter ONLY the discount code, no other...

Spring Pack Info/Spec Sheet: More Information for DAYTON 43967

Mfg. Website: www.daytonparts.com

Hope all of this helps - provide pics of your rig when you have a moment!
I for one would love to see an Overland Themed Explorer Sport!!!

 

[InspirationExplorer]

A new set of stock 4 door leaf packs (either weight rating) will do great as a replacement. Ride will be improved with heavier loads, and might give a little lift over stock mono leafs.

Since your going to have the leafs off the axle, and replacing them with a stock set, you might as well add a leaf (or 2) for lift, and go back to stock shackles. I believe this is a much better setup than extended shackles. You will be able to load your gear and the springs will evenly distribute the weight, compared to shackles shifting the weight to the rear half of the leaf springs. That causes inversion, and kills (flattens) the main leaf. You can buy new add a leafs in 3 ways. 1 shorty, or 1 long, or add both.

Some people buy used 4 dr packs, and used Chevy 2wd pickup (2.5" w) packs, and build a set using them both for 2" of lift. About a $100 for all, depending on the salvage yard pricing in your area. Search for "Frankenleafs" "Frankenpacks" on here, and you will find threads on this. Your just swapping all the lower ex leafs with the Chevy leafs, retaining the ex main leaf.

Custom made packs are the best way to go, but are also the most expensive way. There are places that can, and will, make whatever you want, but at a premium. Think of leaf packs like batteries. They are consumables, once you frequently use them for off road adventures, and need maintained, and/or replaced with use/time.

Speaking of Ouray, a few of us from here are going there the last week of August 2020. Come join us, and see some modified explorers first hand.

Thanks for the reply. I wish I could join you all but we are headed to Yellowstone and the Tetons in midJuly. I read up on the "frankenpacks" The Explorer is just a toy and when I started building it, I was inspired by the Gambler so a set of Deavers or similar would be against the original plan. Although we are well past common sense with this build, people keep telling me I'm crazy but I keep driving and the Mule keeps running. 173k and counting. I'll probably just do the 4 door replacement leafs and bumpstops. I'm also worried about the monoleafs breaking at some point.

Enjoy Ouray! We had a great time on the Alpine Loop and Mineral Creek was awesome. We even ran into Diane Keaton in Silverton.

(This pic is NOT from that trip)

 

[InspirationExplorer]

 

[RickOTR]

Just installed some "Old Man Emu" leaf springs and so far I'm very happy with them. Lets' see how they hold up...

 

[InspirationExplorer]

Just installed some "Old Man Emu" leaf springs and so far I'm very happy with them. Lets' see how they hold up...

What part number are the OME springs? They make some quality stuff.

 

[RickOTR]

ARB CS042R

You need to buy the front and rear bushings seperate