leaf spring ?

[newt]

I'm new to TLCs, so forgive my ignorance - what are the stock specs of the leafsprings for a 60/62? (eye-to-eye length, center pin offset, width, spring rate ...)

From pictures it looks like the leafs are quite short in length. I'd think a leaf spring with more length would flex much better.

Thanks.

 

[Ducks]

Some people have used 63" chevy springs instead of stock springs when they did their spring over axle conversions.

 

[lehiguy]

There are several factors that make for a flexible spring. One thing to consider is ride height vs. free height, the spring rate, how many leafs it has and what the RBM or resisting bending moment of a particular spring is. Just becuase a spring is longer doesn't mean that it will be more flexible. Having a higher number of thinner leafs will make for a more flexible spring with a higher RBM than fewer, fatter leafs. I tried the 63" Chevy springs and took them back off in favor of the OMEs even with my SOA. The Chevy springs have a low number of fairly thick leafs and the free height vs. ride height isn't very much different once you have the proper number of leafs in the spring pack. Just my $.02...

 

[boots4]

Something I think happens more with thinner leaves will be breakage. Even in the junkyard looking at thicker leaves with vehicles that have been in serious wrecks I haven't found the domestic thicker leaves cracked. Doesn't mean it won't happen but using a thicker leaf will reduce those chance of cracks. I've been suprised to see so many cruiser leaves cracked here on the boards from normal useage and old age. I have no doubts that the OMEs are stronger and better than the stock cruiser stuff.

On my setup I've used the longest leaves I could find which included chevy 63's in the rear and a hybrid pack up front with a 58" main leaf (second tuning). I've had a comment offroad that it does ride smooth and it definitely flexes well. I had the chevys in a previous rig and they worked very well. I've been happy with their performance on my 60 as well. I do everything with my rig, DD, tow, wheel so the added strength with the massive overload leaf on the rear was important to me. I'm also controlling big, fat, and wide tires. For me, the longer leaves have worked out nicely.