2.5 inch lift or less, who makes the best leaf springs?

[tls3601]

Ok experts my brothers ‘76 desperately needs new springs and I would prefer to keep stock length shackles. Considering these 3 options: General Spring Stock ride height, OME Heavy Kit 2.5” or Terrain Tamer Parabolics, not sure of weight or lift with those. Thanks everyone

 

[iliketrucks]

I think some of the kits need the extended shackles to not bend/stress the springs under full compression, just something to look out for.

 

[tls3601]

I think some of the kits need the extended shackles to not bend/stress the springs under full compression, just something to look out for.

Ok that makes sense. I want a little more load carrying capacity but not crazy stiff. Also will never run more than a 33” tire.

 

[B y r o n]

What is your reasoning for the OME heavy set versus standard lite or medium? What is the configuration of your brothers rig?

 

[tls3601]

Well I frequently will have camping gear on board and envision a roof rack as well. Possibly a lighter rooftop tent in the future, I also prefer a firmer ride. Maybe part of that is that have been driving it around on shot springs for so long

 

[tls3601]

I also run a heavy OME kit on my ‘99 3rd Gen 4Runner and love it.

 

[knuckle47]

Since you’re asking….TERRAIN TAMER PARABOLICS.

I was so adamant about not spending the extra $3000 on springs and shocks…no way I wanted a hard banging ride…I already have that . I did months of reading g and watching on YouTube and articles I could dig up..

To make the long story short,,, my spring took a stiff pounding and hard slapping ride and made it into a flexible, non bouncing g useable ride… the vehicle handles sinusoidal washboard with ease, no pounding no banging and a well controlled highway road at 80mph. Well worth every penny and supper happy with how the truck handles… I will do it again in a heartbeat and I was dead set against it in the beginning. Even at 80mph, it runs well balanced

 

[Chungas Revenge]

Well I frequently will have camping gear on board and envision a roof rack as well. Possibly a lighter rooftop tent in the future, I also prefer a firmer ride. Maybe part of that is that have been driving it around on shot springs for so long

Same scenario/ Same choices. Dancing with what I brung.

76 HT in another life. 2 1/2 OME heavy w/ anti inversion shackles and 33-ish tires. During hunting season I had everything imaginable stuffed in the back and two phat guys stuffed in the front. On occasion that included a whitetail (or two). It was worth the horrified looks from the minivan folks.

Still have the same set up now with soft top and an aluminum body. Tried to find a reason to swap them out and couldn’t. I banged around on a Triumph Hard Tail for a few years so my kidneys are probably pre-disastered. YMMV.