Best source and best method to add a leaf to my springs? (1 Viewer)

[TOBASH]

When I get my 1981 RHD BJ44, I expect it will have tired springs. I am actually sure it does. I want to swap out a single leaf in each spring or install an additional leaf in each spring all around to:

1) raise the car an inch; 2) give a firmer ride; 3) limit yaw in corners; and 4) buy me time to see if I really want to pursue an SOA.

Has anyone ever swapped leafs into their springs here, and if so, what sources and which lengths did you swap?

Best,

T

 

[ridgerunner]

I've bastardized a few packs. The last time I took a stock main leaf and cut the eyes off and added them as the third leaf in the front. In the back I split the length between the 3rd and the 4th leaf and added another cut spring with the edges tapered like the factory setup, along with another cut main leaf for an additional 3rd leaf. Overall I ended up with 8 leaf front and a 7+1 leaf in the back, all using factory 55 springs. So your mileage may vary.

At the same time I took the packs all apart, I wire wheeled all the rust off of them, painted each leaf, and liberally applied some slip plate to each. This allowed the pack to flex better and the truck rode pretty softly.

If you're looking to take out the "yaw," make sure you close up your pack retainers again. I left mine purposely open and the truck would lean onto the bumpstops while sharply cornering (This didn't matter due to super wide axles. And it was fun to scare the passengers who weren't used to it).

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

A "fix" I've been turned-onto is to insert one-each of the Rancho Jeep add-a-leaf part number RS60612 into each spring pack. This will lift the rig about one inch.
I have heard of three different folks who have run these add-a-leaves in Land Cruisers with good results.

These add-a-leaves cost about $99 a pair at Summit Racing.

Good luck!

Alan

 

[TOBASH]

Josie and Ridgerunner, thanks much

B/T the 2 of you I think you answered my questions 100%.

I am really beginning to see what an awesome resource this BB is.

Ridgerunner, where did you get the donor FJ55 springs that you cut up?

Josie, for 200 bucks I cannot see how one could go wrong!

Thanks to both of you.

T

 

[ridgerunner]

Ridgerunner, where did you get the donor FJ55 springs that you cut up?

I swapped in some springs off a 79 (which was originally the 5+1 pack) that i had and put them on a 73 pig that I had. I cut the 73 springs since they were a little more tired.

Good luck!
Brian

 

[TOBASH]

Just purchased the add-a-leafs.

Only 60 a pair including shipping.

Hope I got the correct ones.

What is the best paint to use to refresh my other leafs while I have the assembly apart?

What is the best grease to use (instructions say grease the set up).

Should I/Could I have gotten larger firmer add-a leafs to get 2-3 inches of lift rather than just 1 and 1/2?

Best,

T

 

[spdwaver]

Should I/Could I have gotten larger firmer add-a leafs to get 2-3 inches of lift rather that 1 and 1/2?

You might want to get taller shackles so that you do not need to add more leafs. Bear in mind though, that if you add 2" of spacing between the holes you gain 1" in reality since you are only lifting one side.

I went taller over stock so that I would gain that "little extra" while strengthening the shackles themselves.

Hope this helps,

Sean

 

[spdwaver]

By the way, make sure that your brake lines are long enough to handle the extra articulation that you will gain. If they are not long enough, plenty of places, such as SOR, carry extended lengths.

Sean

 

[TOBASH]

Should I/Could I have gotten larger firmer add-a leafs to get 2-3 inches of lift rather that 1 and 1/2?

You might want to get taller shackles so that you do not need to add more leafs. Bear in mind though, that if you add 2" of spacing between the holes you gain 1" in reality since you are only lifting one side.

I went taller over stock so that I would gain that "little extra" while strengthening the shackles themselves.

Hope this helps,

Sean

Thanks for the info. As I am going maybe 2 inches over stock, and I will not be wheeling yet, I think the factory brake lines should be safe, but that is a great tip for the future. Shckles are a great idea for getting the next 1 inch. That will be my next addition I guess. I am thinking going 31 or 33 inch tires, so I am hoping this will do it for me.

If and when I start wheeling, I understand I will need to revise brake lines and make more room with bigger springs for tire clearance.

Thanks again!

T

 

[amaurer]

I've heard that AAL's will stiffen things up signficantly. Longer shackles don't have that problem, but I personally just don't like them.

What about a helper spring? Will it have the same spring rate problem as AALs?

 

[TOBASH]

I've heard that AAL's will stiffen things up signficantly. Longer shackles don't have that problem, but I personally just don't like them.

What about a helper spring? Will it have the same spring rate problem as AALs?

I don't mind a stiff ride. I also hate YAW so stiffer is better.

In a related note, I am thinking of testing out my Durango Goodyear 31 inchers on the 'Yota. My Goodyears have at least 15k left on them, and I am gonna get new tires for the Durango anyway. This way I get to see how they fit. They are I believe 10 inches wide, 31 diameter, and 16 inch rim. If I like 'em, great. But if I want bigger, I haven't wasted any real money aside from the 50 bucks to transfer from one set of rims to another.

Best,

T