Ironman Suspension ( should I add a leaf )

[Yspen]

Over here we have limited options in suspension upgrades . I fitted the Ironman Performance kit ( we do not have the load or heavy load kits available in South Africa ) .

After fitment the front leaf settled and seems pretty flat .

I will post pics and want comments whether I must add a extra leaf or just leave as is . The ride is pretty comfortable as is but I am concerned that with a dual battery setup in front and a winch planned in future that the springs will start sagging prematurely .

Side view

Shackle angle

Anther angle

At the rear I have a set of Ride Rite air springs giving the necessary added support - so not worries there

 

[cruiser88]

I would....but it make the ride a little more harsh(hard). Worth a try

 

[Yspen]

I thought so ...........what would be the best shackle angle to aim for? ( or how do you evaluate the current set up ?)

 

[dwillmo]

they do look flat

I think the ride would be improved if the springs had some arch left in them. They might not break down any further (then again they might) but right now it must feel like you're riding on the axle. If I was going to go to the trouble of adding a leaf, I think I'd look and see if I could find some springs in the junk yard somewhere that are the same width and length except for the top leaf, and replace all of those underneath, maybe they'd have more curve. Its not high-tech stuff. I'm sure somebody could even tell you what vehicles might have similar springs. And, I don't know what you're after, but if I was gonna remove the springs I'd go ahead and do the spring over. Gee, I don't know, it may seem like its getting a little more complicated, but you have to do almost all the work just to add a leaf. I know you may have limited options in the junk yard over there as well.

 

[Chase77]

I'm running the same set up on my 62 and while my fronts didnt flatten out, they were a full 2" lower than the back end. If these were the ones we all bought off of Ebay, they weren't rated for the heavy tranny plus other add ons. I ended up putting a MAF AAL up front and it brought it up a bit over an inch. The ride has more bounce now and the shackle angle is crap but the truck is level. In the future this will all be solved with a set of Alcans..

 

[jp_waltz]

I had some flat springs(not bad compared to some) and I wanted to add a little bit of height without the cost of a full OME lift so I went with the MAF AAL. It turned out looking really nice IMO but the ride has suffered a bit. I also got a killer deal on OME N88 and N89 shocks from a fellow mudder and that helped the ride a little. I may end up saving for OME stock height springs. Here are a couple of pics to show you before and after. 31x10.5x15 BFG AT in the after pic.
Good luck,
Paul

 

[Yspen]

Compromised solution

IN order to resolve the above problem I looked for a solution that would not make my ride harder .
I came across a product available locally that is in effect a coil-over shock .

It is called Camil suspension .

I fitted it last week ( front only - I have air helper springs in rear - Firestone RideRite )

Before fitment

After fitment

shackle angle After

The ride is actually softer but the rocking motion when accelerating ( due to the Aussie locker ) is more noticable .

So far it seems to be a good solution .
( I am just concerned about the extra stresses on the shock mount )

 

[NocalFJ60]

( I am just concerned about the extra stresses on the shock mount )

My passenger side shock mount broke before I bought my 60 and it was welded back and some more metal was added. I think you are right about it being a concern. They are strong but don't know how much they can hold up to that setup. You could just run with it and see or just go ahead add more support for them.

I added long add a leafs up front from MAF to bring my front up after the OME setup was on awhile and it has settled well and I am happy with the ride.