front springs

[bfay17]

I wanna build my front packs up a little and was wondering if i could ure the rear overload spring from the rear on the bottom of the front spring pack? Will this make the front to stiff or cause stuff to wear out faster or would it be alright? Im gonna be taking the rear packs out anyway to put new ones on so i just thought if i could use the overloads to lift the front a little i would.
Thanks,
Brandon

[Stocker]

Not sure but I think the front & rear are different widths...

When my fronts were sagging, I ran AAL for awhile, and they squeaked. I finally got 2" Softrides.... costs more, but much better.

[bfay17]

If they are the same width would they be alright? i got aal's in currently but im looking for just a little more lift height. Im gonna get 6 inch springs eventually but for now i just wanna do it safely and relatively cheap.

[turp mcspray]

When I lifted my blazer, I cut the overloads, and used them like a small lift block. It bolted to the spring pack with the rest of the springs. I figured overloads on a blazer just didn't make any sense, and I was planning to rock crawl with it, and didn't need them hampering my flex. If they are the same width as your front springs, that is what I would do. Mine were about 3/4" thick, so it won't get you much.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by bfay17

If they are the same width would they be alright?

I don't see why not...

[powerdriver 1958]

if you use the overload full length I believe it will be like running a solid bar and if you wheel it at all it there will be no or very little flex

[bfay17]

Alright thanks for the replies i think i may cut it down to like 6 inches from each side of the whole and call it good. I was afraid the full length would be like riding on a tractor with no flex at all.

Thanks
Brandon

[OLDCHEV4X4]

Grind a nice radius on the cut spring so it dosent rub a groove into the spring above it.

[propanemudtruck]

If you take a look at my build page you can see an extreme front leaf pack setup... I'm building my truck to plow snow with a heavy 8' boss blade. I might have to take a few leaves out once it's all together but you'll get the idea. Just need a longer center bolt and longer Ubolts and it'll go together!

[bfay17]

Those look like some really stiff packs but yes i get the idea now. Time to get some new springs to tear apart

Thanks,
Brandon Fay

[motomaster99]

be very careful when you build up the stock leaf springs. Remember that these springs are most likely original which means they've taken 40 years worth of bumps.

I found this out the hard way when I replaced everything but the main spring in the front with 3" dump truck springs. Managed to provide 4" of extremely still lift. Which makes the truck awful to drive and even worse off road.

I ended up breaking my driver side main spring-which is extremely dangerous because at that point nothing is holding the axle straight. Currently my axle is chained in position on the driver side with a chain from the u-bolt to the bumper bracket.

I just got my 6" e-z ride springs yesterday, and will be installing them this weekend. These new springs use new technology than the originals and provide an awesome ride and performance on and off road. I firmly believe now when it comes to your suspension your better off doing it the right way even if it costs you.



but, it can be done the cheap way! just be careful!

[motomaster99]

oh yea and they do sell what is called a zero-rate block, which is basically a 1" lift block that is attached to the spring pack using the center bolt. They are legal; even for the front, because it is essentially a sawed-off leaf pack.Off road design sells them (offroaddesign.com) they're 40 big ones.

[motomaster99]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Not sure but I think the front & rear are different widths...

When my fronts were sagging, I ran AAL for awhile, and they squeaked. I finally got 2" Softrides.... costs more, but much better.

The front is 3" at the eyes, but tapers to 2.5" at the center bolt. The rears are 2.5 all the way.

It is easier to use 2.5" springs in the front under your main because if you use 3" spring you have to grind a groove in them to allow the U-bolts to fit, which can ruin the integrity of the spring.

[Stocker]

^^ That sounds right.... I had forgotten exactly what the difference was.

And in case I wasn't clear, what I meant was I got new Skyjacker Softride front springs, in 2" lift (or 2 1/2"... not sure just which they are called). They are 2 1/2" wide along their full length.

[bfay17]

ALright thanks guys i added 2 leafs to my front packs along with a 1 inch zero rate but im going to just buy new 6 inch springs when this spring comes around. I just need it driveable this winter if i need it.

Brandon

[motomaster99]

Originally Posted by bfay17

ALright thanks guys i added 2 leafs to my front packs along with a 1 inch zero rate but im going to just buy new 6 inch springs when this spring comes around. I just need it driveable this winter if i need it.

Brandon

exact same process I went through. Trust me with those stiff leafs you'll be very excited to put in your 6" ez-rides. I just put mine in tonight.

[bfay17]

Well heres how she sits its a 70 3/4 ton. Its got a 454/sm465/np205 dana 44 front and eaton rear. Its on about 4 inches of lift im guessing but it may be a little more. The tires are 36x12.5 on slots. I Have to finish the cab and redo the floor and a few other small things but for right now im very happy with it. What do you guys think?

[Stocker]

Lookin good! I don't think you're more than 4" though, especially in front. How does it ride? Is there any rubbing, like on the front lip of the front fenders when the tires are turned?

[vk_chevy]

it looks good
so, how did you end up setting up your suspension? just the softrides?

[swamp rat]

Lookin good!

[bfay17]

The front doesnt rub unless im fully flexed and turning. I ended up using a 2 inch add a leaf and a leaf from the rear packs plus a 1 inch zero rate. It rides like a lumber wagon thats on steroids but its a truck and it pulls like a mother . Its far from perfect and i still have a slight front end shake at about 30-35 mph but im sure the tires arent helping that.