Question to those with a 56" spring swap

[45acpJr]

I just picked up a set of 56" springs for my shackle flip, currently it is 9 leaves (8+1 overload). How many leaves are you guys running? Are you using your overload? I won't be towing or hauling anything.

 

[chevysmithz71]

I would say that's way too many. Especially if not towing and doing a shackle flip with it. I always keep the overloads in all my packs too

 

[jroffeis]

I'm running the same leafs you're talking about. 8+1 overload. I actually cut the overload down to basicly make a zero rate out of it.

My trucks fairly stiff but flexes well even with that many leafs. I'm running a diy4x flip n switch with 6" shackles and billisteins.

As far as towing, I haven't towed anything as of yet but I plan to. So for me, the leaf pack works out well.

Good luck bud

 

[rampage]

I actually cut the overload down to basicly make a zero rate out of it.

When you cut the spring did you put a radius on the upper part of the spring where it comes in contact with the rest of the spring pack?

 

[jroffeis]

When you cut the spring did you put a radius on the upper part of the spring where it comes in contact with the rest of the spring pack?

That is an excellent question rampage, and an important one.

First of all, to answer your question, the answer is yes.

Secondly, to those unfamiliar with the term "radius", it is simply rounding off the square edge of the zero rate (or in my case, overload spring) where it comes in contact with the leaf above it.

The purpose of the rounded edge is so when the vehicle is being flexed and stress is put on the contact point between the zero rate and the leaf, if the corner of the zero rate is NOT rounded off, or "radiused", it will basicly dig into the leaf causing stress risers in the leaf.

Over time, this causes damage to the leaf pack inevitably destroying it, and before too long you have a very heavy paper weight.

Thanks rampage

 

[45acpJr]

I was considering removing the overload and possibly the next spring. The pack has two springs plus the overload that isn't being held together by the clamp looking thing on each end of the spring