Flex Question

[vtblazer]

So if I can flatten out my springs WAY before I hit the stops, does that mean I need to install bump stops there?

IMO, negative arch must be a bad thing.

Thing's are pretty stuffed in these pics, so I guess without alot more modifications this is about all I'll get, right?
(flex wise)

[kwmech]

With that many leafs, I would install a snubber. Maybe before it gets to that point, cuz the snubber is going to squash also

[4x4Poet]

Taking a positive arch spring into negative arch on a regular basis is supposed to increase the likelihood of spring fatigue and eventual sag. How long it takes for occasional, off-road only, twisty articulation situations to cause sag is anybody's guess. A greater concern on spring sag is bending of the springs between a hanger and the axle on one half of the main leaf caused by axle wrap– not articulation. That's how the main & 2nd leaves get quickly bent or lose their arch sooner than with mere articulation. The many leaves in your spring packs help fight axle wrap, so, with little axle wrap going on, you may not see much spring fatigue from just articulation across the entire spring.

On a rig like that, I'd only lower the bump stops to prevent unwanted rubbing. I mean, who cares if the springs sag some eventually. By then you'll have other, "improved" suspension plans that any spring sag will give you the excuse to implement. Your wheeling frequency and style can drive some of this, as well. Use good springeye bushings to keep metal to metal contact to a minimum and keep the U-bolts tight to help the spring pack fight axle wrap.

[vtblazer]

Thanks kwmech,Poet, I'm on the same page.

I'm considering some of these Bilstein bump stops.


Given the amount of drop for the bumper position I would need, these start to make sense.

[vtblazer]

Found a better solution today.

Being those hydro bump stops a so pricey, I started to think 'outside the box'

Was at the shop today and started looking @ an 03 Xterra that was on the lift, wondered around and looked at the rear bump stops and thought they looked 'interesting'
Got a tape and measured that they had a 6.5" total drop.
They mount to the bottom of the frame with two bolts.
(now I'm really thinking)
Called the dealer and found out their only $22 bucks a side!
Came home and flexed the blazer again for a measurement check and got 6.5"s to contact. Yeah, they'll work if I space them down about an inch.
So instead of lots of special mods and loads of cash I'll just install a set of the 22 dollar stops.
Nice cheap 'hillbilly' fix.