Author Topic: Lifted leaf springs?  (Read 2224 times)

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Offline BoringDave

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Lifted leaf springs?
« on: August 06, 2012, 07:06:30 PM »
I don't understand why lift kit companies don't make the main leafs longer to acomadate for the extra arch of the spring.

Does anyone have the awnser?

The resion I ask is because I inverted one of my OME's this last weekend. I notice after I installed them I have horrible shackle angles. I've done it one before but it didn't seem to hurt the spring before. This time it destroyed it. I even have 1/2 lift boomerang shackles. But like a dummy I forgot to put the bolt and spacer back in the middle. Even with it there I think they would still rock over backward and bind.

 I thing tomorrow when I call Oregon spring I'm going to see if they can make me longer main leafs.

Dave

Offline sharpxmen

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2012, 07:15:42 PM »
when the spring is compressed (so the main leaf is straight) it has to fit between the frame mount and the shackle mount, making it longer would require longer shackles (and you can't really go too long on those but you can add some), otherwise you bend the main leaf.
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Offline neale_rs

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2012, 08:19:51 AM »
The Rubicon Express Extreme Duty 4.5 inch kit comes with longer springs and longer shackles.  It ends up with good shackle angles.  I did invert a front leaf once and it didn't seem to do any harm.  However, inverting is not good for the spring and a pain in the ... to fix on the trail.  My recommendation would be to make sure they can't invert, either with boomerang shackles or with a metal cross piece on the frame that blocks it.  A cross piece on the frame might be an alternative for you if you want the extra flexibility of the shackles with no cross bar/spacer.
'95 YJ, 33 x 12.5 mud tires, RE 4.5 ED lift, Atlas 4 speed, rear D44, ARBs front and rear, 4.56 gears, 8000# winch

Offline BoringDave

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2012, 06:15:53 PM »
when the spring is compressed (so the main leaf is straight) it has to fit between the frame mount and the shackle mount, making it longer would require longer shackles (and you can't really go too long on those but you can add some), otherwise you bend the main leaf.

Yep basically what they told me, never really thought this all the way though.

Offline VA_YJ

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2012, 05:47:06 PM »
I have seen a few YJs with spring mounts relocated onto the rear bumper to accomodate longer springs (e.g., XJ springs).  Of course, this puts the mount in harms way if you smack rocks upon approach/departure
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Offline Jeffy

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2012, 08:10:22 PM »
I have seen a few YJs with spring mounts relocated onto the rear bumper to accomodate longer springs (e.g., XJ springs).  Of course, this puts the mount in harms way if you smack rocks upon approach/departure
That's how Scott has his set up.
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Offline Bounty Hunter

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2012, 07:56:36 AM »
I've had an inverted spring once, been running boomerang shackles ever since to prevent this.  Boomerangs in the rear also to clear the crossmember.

Offline bestos

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #7 on: August 27, 2012, 09:31:16 AM »
which way does one orient the point < of the boomerang?    for each axle?

Offline neale_rs

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #8 on: August 27, 2012, 10:04:57 AM »
In to the center of the Jeep, and the short leg closer to the frame.
'95 YJ, 33 x 12.5 mud tires, RE 4.5 ED lift, Atlas 4 speed, rear D44, ARBs front and rear, 4.56 gears, 8000# winch

Offline sharpxmen

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Re: Lifted leaf springs?
« Reply #9 on: August 27, 2012, 11:56:19 AM »
like he ^ said, the whole idea is that the center pin (or whatever is there, some have a welded piece of bar or round) would go against the frame so the shackle is not going past the point of getting inverted.
'95 YJ, NSG370 6spd / Hurst shifter, Dana 300 + 4:1 Doubler / tri-stick, Custom skid, Super D35 / Auburn LSD / 4.88, 35x12.5x15 BFG KM2, 64mm t/b, 1.7 RollerRockers, MkVIII e-fan, Dual Diaph Booster
Latest: Corbeau BajaRS heated seats :dance: keeping warm the rear end