Three or Four Leaf Suspension?

[Alfonzman00]

I've searched for a while and found plenty of information on springs, but not exactly what I'm looking for. I have a 96 4d EB and the driver's side is sagging about 2-3" now. I am going to replace both rear springs and the shackles. I want to replace the springs with either the stock parts or ones that are just slightly softer. I am planning on installing an Air Ride system, so softer springs wouldn't be a problem, even when I'm towing. I have found replacement springs in a LMC Truck catalog, but there are two spring sets available. There are three leaf and four leaf springs. I'm assuming the three leaf springs are softer, but will they fit correctly? I can count four leafs on my truck's springs right now. I'm worried that I'll order the three leaf springs and they will either not fit correctly or they will cause the rear end to sag significantly even when not loaded. Can anyone offer any thoughts?

 

[briwayjones]

I would go with 4 leaf springs like stock even though you're going to add air ride. The 4 leaf springs sag enough under load and are soft enough IMO.

 

[Dannyboy]

4 leafs may be thinner, 3 leafs may be thicker and stiffer.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

I actually failed at this question semi racently, so i took a shot and have a LMC 4 leaf pack.

Its comprised of 4 thinner leafs and actually has a pinion angle shim, so it appears that it does have a higher arch than a stock pack does. I know it has more arch than my set of tired leafs that i took off.
Your stock pack is tecnically 3 leaves and an overload leaf. IM currently under the impresion that their 3 Leaf pack is the equivilent to the stock set that you have now. I dont know if the LMC 3 leaf includes the overload or not.

 

[Alfonzman00]

Ok. Thanks a bunch guys. I'm going to go with the three leaf suspension and see how that works out. If it isn't right, LMC has a good return policy. I've opted for new springs rather than a salvage set. Might cost more but I'm getting new bushings and hardware for them anyway. Might as well go all out. Any suggestions for shocks. I'm looking for a comfortable ride and decent handling.

 

[parad1mg]

dont forget to keep us posted on the results and the ride quality

 

[Alfonzman00]

Another problem...

I'm not sure if the 3 leaf springs will drop my rear end significantly or not. I have wide tires and if the 3 leaf springs drop the rear end too much, I'm worried it will rub against the fender well.

Can anyone thing of a reason why I can't use the softer 3 leaf springs and use longer shackles to compensate for the reduced lift? I realize that it would make the rear end a bit more "bouncy" but I plan on getting better shocks, so maybe that will compensate.

 

[Alfonzman00]

I just received the springs and shackles from LMC. The leaf springs are actually 2 leaves with an overload spring. The catalog had listed them as 3 leaf springs, which is pretty accurate, but confusing because I assumed the 3 leaf springs were the springs for the Sport. I'm going to put them on this weekend. I don't know how much lower the rear end will be because of the overload leaves. I had assumed the regular Sport leaves would have 3 joined leaves to a pack and so the drop on the rear would be pretty linear with the load--even curb weight. I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever the outcome. If it is too low, then I will find a way to compensate (add a leaf, overload springs, air bags, longer shackles) or I'll return them. I'll post pictures when I'm finished.

 

[deernet]

The Sports (mine anyway) have a monoleaf on them stock. I've been wanting to upgrade to four door springs and shackles to try to get a couple inches out of the back.

 

[Alfonzman00]

The Sports (mine anyway) have a monoleaf on them stock. I've been wanting to upgrade to four door springs and shackles to try to get a couple inches out of the back.

I would sell you my old 4 leaf springs, but the reason i'm replacing them is because of the sag in the rear. If you want them, they're yours. You could switch the right and left side and probably wouldn't notice the difference.

 

[azstang]

How did this ever turn out?

Shawn

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

theyre definately softer IMO. with the SOA i have alot of movement in the rear, wich for me is a good thing

dunno how theyd be in a stock truck tho