new leaf spring questions

[Travis Stevens]

my old springs have sagged a little since i installed the new lift shackles.... i have new superlift springs on the way and what im wondering is would i be better off putting stock length shackles on and maybe adding a few of the old leafs into the new pack for added load capacity and then adding a add-a-leaf kit to get the lifted height again? or add the leafs from the old pack to the new pack and keep the lifted shackles? what im trying to do is add load capacity for less sag under a load and to keep the new springs from sagging from the shackles. any ideas?

 

[Travis Stevens]

also i dont mind if it rides like a lumber wagon LOL

 

[H D]

I'm going to refrain from making a suggestion on what you should do. Superlift springs are pretty soft for flex from what I understand. I would imagine the extended shackles will wear them down faster than they did your stock springs.

 

[Travis Stevens]

i would really like to hear your opinion since you have been on both ends of this leaf spring situation... im really thinking about doing the add-a-leaf and drilling a second set of holes in the lifted shackles so that i can still do the lifted/stock if i ever have to.

 

[H D]

I would do the Superlift springs with stock shackles first and if they have enough lift, stop there. If not, do the add-a-leaf. Still not, maybe add another leaf if it has good arch. Basically, I would go every route to get adequate lift without the extended shackles. Then, I'd add the shackles.



In all reality, though, IMO, running extended shackles are not terrible if your springs are still strong and not likely to invert. So, if you need (or want) the shackles, I don't see any reason not to as long as you have the understanding that you'll need to replace the springs sooner and that you have to keep an eye on the health of the springs so a pothole doesn't put you in a bad mess. New springs aren't that expensive and it's not hard to know when your leaf packs are wearing down.



It's kind of like the understanding you need to have when you decide to run 35" mud terrains on steel wheels with the IFS. You know you're going to wear down hubs and ball joints more often. Just gotta know if it's worth it.



Long story short, I got the lift I wanted out of just the add-a-leaf, so I stopped there because more lift I didn't need with faster wearing of parts didn't sound necessary.

 

[Travis Stevens]

thats true... and i think ill take your advice and go each route and see what happens after each step... thanks hugh :supercool:

 

[H D]

Certainly. Can't wait to see the results.

 

[Travis Stevens]

could you do me a favor and measure the distance between your stock shackle bolt holes on center for me... that way i can mill the holes in my shackles to set them at stock height?