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Old 05-29-2016, 02:07 AM   #1
lkfldredneck
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Rear leaf spring question

So i just had about a week of running around for parts and pieces to put my leaf packs back together. Finally got them back in today and super excited about it finally doing my first add a leaf set on a completely rusted (And a couple broken leaves) spring pack. In my excitement and want to get it done, i looked at my pictures for reference and looked at it backwards. I ended up installing the springs backwards (band going towards the shackle, not front) does it completely matter? Or should i expect my Sunday to be tearing them back apart to turn them around?
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Old 05-29-2016, 10:20 AM   #2
65standard
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

My rear springs have clamp front and back.
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Old 05-29-2016, 11:43 AM   #3
lkfldredneck
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

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My rear springs have clamp front and back.
Hmm, i havent seen rears with 2 clamps. Unless they're aftermarket or something.

But with one im not sure if it affects the suspension being rearward instead of forward. I wouldn't see why but i dont want to screw up geometry
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Old 05-29-2016, 12:59 PM   #4
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

I'm pretty new to the squarebody world, so I'm not sure if the springs are equal length from the center pin to the eyes. If the measurement is the same, running the spring clamps to the rear won't throw geometry off. The main reason the clamp would be preferred forward is to control spring wrap under hard acceleration. Springs located under the axle wrap less than springs over, so if you're running a flip kit the clamp position may not make much difference in your application at all.
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Old 05-29-2016, 01:53 PM   #5
lkfldredneck
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

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I'm pretty new to the squarebody world, so I'm not sure if the springs are equal length from the center pin to the eyes. If the measurement is the same, running the spring clamps to the rear won't throw geometry off. The main reason the clamp would be preferred forward is to control spring wrap under hard acceleration. Springs located under the axle wrap less than springs over, so if you're running a flip kit the clamp position may not make much difference in your application at all.
Its a 4x4 so im not running an axle flip. and i dont want the height of a shackle flip so im not doin that either haha my wise father said the only thing it could cause is the band braking under loaded conditions, but im not going to be hauling too much with this truck i dont think. if anything the bolt will break he said so either unbolt it so it doesnt break or just leave it. i was also thinking of traction bars to help with axle wrap but the takeoff test i performed with stock leafs left me thinkin there isnt much for axle wrap haha
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Old 05-29-2016, 02:09 PM   #6
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

My leaf band is in the front..from what I could find its main purpose is to eliminate the leafs from fanning..it also says it helps to spread shock among more than one leaf when hitting a bump.as already said.. If its the same lenth eye to center on both ends I don't see it as a problem..except the leaves spread in the rear and compress on the front under accleration..could you just move the band to the other end of the springs without removing the springs if its the bolt style or are they riveted? Wouldn't work if riveted or the clench type..

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Old 05-29-2016, 02:56 PM   #7
lkfldredneck
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

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My leaf band is in the front..from what I could find its main purpose is to eliminate the leafs from fanning..it also says it helps to spread shock among more than one leaf when hitting a bump.as already said.. If its the same lenth eye to center on both ends I don't see it as a problem..except the leaves spread in the rear and compress on the front under accleration..could you just move the band to the other end of the springs without removing the springs if its the bolt style or are they riveted? Wouldn't work if riveted or the clench type..
Its riveted, thats why its a problem haha maybe later when i have time and its not so damn hot out i might swap them around if it causes any problems
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Old 05-30-2016, 09:15 AM   #8
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

My C3500's springs aren't symmetrical on each side of the axle - 26" vs. 30". But according to the specs on the website I got them from, some half tons had symmetrical springs (26"-26") and some had 26"-30"'s. I'd measure if you haven't already.
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Old 05-30-2016, 09:23 AM   #9
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

If his springs aren't symmetrical he would know it for sure when his driveshaft was to short/long by 4"....
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Old 05-30-2016, 09:26 AM   #10
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

Just add the front clamps.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leaf-Spring-...pXBOO3&vxp=mtr
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Old 05-30-2016, 11:07 AM   #11
Alex V.
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

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Originally Posted by mongocanfly View Post
If his springs aren't symmetrical he would know it for sure when his driveshaft was to short/long by 4"....
I figured as much, but just on the off chance that he hadn't put it back together yet or somehow got it to go in.
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Old 05-31-2016, 10:56 PM   #12
lkfldredneck
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

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Originally Posted by Alex V. View Post
My C3500's springs aren't symmetrical on each side of the axle - 26" vs. 30". But according to the specs on the website I got them from, some half tons had symmetrical springs (26"-26") and some had 26"-30"'s. I'd measure if you haven't already.
They're the 52" springs. coulda swore i mentioned that above but i guess i didnt haha

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Originally Posted by mongocanfly View Post
If his springs aren't symmetrical he would know it for sure when his driveshaft was to short/long by 4"....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex V. View Post
I figured as much, but just on the off chance that he hadn't put it back together yet or somehow got it to go in.
Its all back together and the driveshaft is perfect. I might add the clamps but i wonder if not having them would help offroad since ill be taking the truck through some tricky trails.
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Old 06-01-2016, 09:19 AM   #13
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Re: Rear leaf spring question

On my stock 1 ton springs 9 leaves, plus the bottom flat one, plus the 2 overloads being a c&c, they had bands both front and back. It had no flex, AT ALL. I actually heated it up and bent em straight and it helped. Since mine will be 4x4 on some rocks I figured they were hurting my flex. Plus they have a little bounce nowm
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