So how easy is it to break a leaf?

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Spook50

Spook50

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After seeing a post here and a couple posts on Pirate about broken leafs, I'm curious how easy it is to break 'em. Mine have been on the truck since it rolled out of the factory in '87 ('88 model year), 215K miles ago, and since I'm gonna be breaking down the spring packs in a couple weeks, I want to take any precautions I can to avoid being truckless for several weeks.
 
usually they break by ramming your shackles into the ground treestump etc. thats why they made those reversable shackles
 
brett76 said:
usually they break by ramming your shackles into the ground treestump etc. thats why they made those reversable shackles
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So basically I don't have to worry about having them break when I take 'em apart and add my add-a-leafs? I didn't think so, but I wanted to be sure :D
 
ive never done add a leafs but if you have to take those retainer clips off make sure you c clamp the leafs together.
 
brett76 said:
ive never done add a leafs but if you have to take those retainer clips off make sure you c clamp the leafs together.
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definitly clamp them before taking the center bolt apart,and slowly back the c-clamp out.
your gonna need a fairly big c-clamp to compress the springs with the new add a leaf, i'd use two c-clamps, makes it easier to compress the pack.

install new center bolt,keep tightening the c-clamps as you tighten the new bolt.

please use the long add a leafs, you'll be so much more happier with the end results.
 
I broke 2 leafs and cracked a main.....um avoid getting air born and you should be fine. Its amazing how easy it is to get a tire in the air while traveling up hill. I'm not a lead foot by anymeans either.
 
lowtideride said:
I broke 2 leafs and cracked a main.....um avoid getting air born and you should be fine. Its amazing how easy it is to get a tire in the air while traveling up hill. I'm not a lead foot by anymeans either.
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Even if you were. It is a 2F after all..
 
2badfjs said:
definitly clamp them before taking the center bolt apart,and slowly back the c-clamp out.
your gonna need a fairly big c-clamp to compress the springs with the new add a leaf, i'd use two c-clamps, makes it easier to compress the pack.

install new center bolt,keep tightening the c-clamps as you tighten the new bolt.

please use the long add a leafs, you'll be so much more happier with the end results.
Click to expand...

They're sitting in the back of my truck now, waiting to be installed :D
I actually ordered 'em based on your experience in a couple past threads.

When you talk about backing the c-clamp out after removing the center bolt, are you saying to clamp the leafs together first, remove the bolt, and then slowly unclamp 'em? How about the little wrap-around pieces that are welded to the one leaf? Should I just leave 'em straightened (what's a good way to straighten 'em anyway?) or should I bend 'em back into place around the newly thickened spring pack?

One last question: how long should I expect it to take my packs to resettle once I get the add-a-leafs installed?
 
There's a few ways to break leafs. Disassembly and reassembly isn't one of them.


I included a picture in the Tech Exchange a while back of an entire (heavy duty/lotta leaves) spring pack that ws busted under the rear of a '40. Heavy loads and heavy use finalized by a too high speed approach to a curbstone sized lip.


Mark...
 
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