Question: Leaf springs, do you remove the brackets?

[Positive Vibes]

I tried to make the title understandable but I don't think it is. My question is, I added a leaf spring and had them rearched. When I got them back they installed brackets to keep the leafs alligned. I know this is limiting my flex. So who has taken thiers off and what do you do to keep them semi alligned. Any advice, theories, input, suggestions or comments welcomed! Thanks!

 

[CodePoet]

I'm curious about this also. But I have a question for you positive vibes. Do your leaf springs only have one of those leaf alignment clamps? Mine only has one so I was curious. I remember asking about this when I did my aal. I seem to remember someone that it shoudln't cause a problem if you remove them.
**THEORY**
I would think that the leaves would remain in about the same position since the U-bolts, wouldn't allow them to get out of position too much. And if they did get out of allignment I guess you could always "tap" them back into a semi aligned positions with a sledge hammer......I just like hitting things with hammers though

Later
CP

 

[JDraper]

Take a look at Gerald's truck. He built some U shaped brackets that allow flex, but keep the springs aligned. My sammy has the same thing stock. I believe Gerald tack welded the brackets to his springs.

Here's a shot of the ones on my Sammy. Maybe it'll give ya an idea....

 

[JDraper]

Originally posted by CodePoet
.... I would think that the leaves would remain in about the same position since the U-bolts, wouldn't allow them to get out of position too much. And if they did get out of allignment I guess you could always "tap" them back into a semi aligned positions with a sledge hammer......I just like hitting things with hammers though

They can actually get waaaayyyyy out of line. Once when we were out wheeling at Paragon, Lizardtrac's rear leaf moved out about 30°-45° from straight . We put it back in with a BFH and a ball joint puller (spread the other leaves to let it back in. We then wrapped it with wire to hold it in place.

 

[CodePoet]

Wow....don't listen to me then. I don't know what i'm talking about! Thanks jdraper...you probably saved me a big headache if I decided to just cut mine off.

Later
CP

 

[Positive Vibes]

CodePoet: Mine has 2 per side, one front and back. I remember wheeling with Ray Labato and that's what he used. A big f@#$ing hammer and tapped them back into place.

JDraper: Thanks for the pic. I remember readin Geralds article. Thanks for the pics. That looks easy enough. Now I just need to learn how to weld!

But bottom line is there is no reason not to remove the brackets? Correct?

 

[JDraper]

If you replace them with a U bracket, there is no reason not to remove them. The problem is that if you don't notice a leaf is out of place, you could overstress the other leaves and possibly break one. I haven't seen that happen, but it is a possibility.

 

[Positive Vibes]

JDraper: yes but that is Lizardtrac, he pushes that thing pretty hard.

For Moab and this weekend I think I can get away with removing them, then when I get back I can get someone to weld a u bracket on. Thanks for the input people!

 

[JDraper]

Chris popped his spring out way before he did the SAS. We were going down a fairly tame trail when it just let go. No major flexing or hard rock crawling. Fortunately, it's no biggie to put it back in...

 

[zensius]

I haven't had clips on mine for a while because they wouldn't stay tight and kept slipping off the ends. The problem I have when wheeling is that the driver's side one twists and hangs up on the gas tank skid plate. It's awfully loud and I guess could puncture the tank. I've been lucky so far.

 

[Perry]

Originally posted by zensius
I haven't had clips on mine for a while because they wouldn't stay tight and kept slipping off the ends. The problem I have when wheeling is that the driver's side one twists and hangs up on the gas tank skid plate. It's awfully loud and I guess could puncture the tank. I've been lucky so far.

Mine broke and so I neve put another one on and I have the same problem as Zensius but I just watch it and pound it back with a hammer. Before I figured it out the first time it would move, I had is slide far enough the the bottom spring let that side drop so we had to lift it up with a highlift and then pound it back in place. I guess just watch it.

 

[jasonb]

i've had mine spread apart with the clamp still there. the overload spring has done that and started smacking the gas tank skid plate just on the edge. BFH to the rescue!

 

[MonsterTrac]

The U brackets are an awesome idea, quesiton though. Im assuming welding to your leaf springs could have adverse affects on how it flexes..cant think of any other way to attach them though.

 

[Nate1]

Originally posted by Positive Vibes
Now I just need to learn how to weld!

Nah! JB Weld has a tensile strenght of what? 4000psi? That oughtta be enough, just see if you can be without your truck for one FULL day

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by JDraper
Take a look at Gerald's truck. He built some U shaped brackets that allow flex, but keep the springs aligned. My sammy has the same thing stock. I believe Gerald tack welded the brackets to his springs...

Yup, and Gerald got the idea from me
I put a full bead along mine, but I'm sure thats not great on the spring. I too had one of the leaves banging away at the gas tank skid plate until I did this mod.

 

[MonsterTrac]

any ideas where I would start looking to see if there are any adverse affects on the springs by welding on them, would simply removing the spring pack clamps, and replacing them with the "open-top" u clamps, improve flex in the rear on the stock springs. Also, Im going to be upgrading to a set of deavers, would the u clamps instead of the spring pack clamps improve travel at all on those...

 

[JDraper]

If you weld them to the bottom leaf (thickest and shortest one in the pack), you shouldn't have any problems. That leaf is there to keep the rear from sagging under serious loads and doesn't really deflect much.