Leaf springs are better for heavier vehicles and those who may need to haul more weight. They're also simpler but less adjustable than coil springs. Coil spring suspension systems are better for performance driving as you can fine-tune your suspension.
Leaf spring shackles compensate for the leaf spring's change in length as it flexes. In their default state, leaf springs are slightly curved. As pressure is exerted on the springs, they flatten out and elongate. The leaf spring shackles allow the leaf spring to flex up to a certain length.
It is called an overload leaf, and it's purpose is to provide extra spring support when the vehicle is heavily loaded. This sort of thing is real common on full size trucks, so that they can carry full loads as necessary, but enjoy a little bit softer ride the rest of the time.
Be careful not to overtighten the leaf spring shackles. Overtightened shackles will not move along with the springs or function properly.
The following steps can make a huge difference:
- Reduce the unsprung mass.
- Soften the suspension system.
- Change the wheels and tires.
- Modify the chassis.
- Eliminate the vibrations.
- Get new leaf springs.
Leaf springs and coil springs are my two favorite free steels to repurpose and use for making knives with. Typically 5160 steel, good carbon content, make excellent blades as long as you work it properly
Boomerang shackles are designed to clear the rear frame crossmember in a YJ when the spring fully compresses.
You might have overtightned them which is causing them to bind. There is no way 2" shackles can effect ride quality that much,ususally they ride a little better not worse.
If you have a lift, a straight rear shackle interferes with the frame cross rail when the spring is compressed. The boomerang shape moves the point of contact forward so it no longer hits the cross rail. This means the point of the angle is facing towards the front of the vehicle.
If a truck gets
overloaded beyond its capacity, the
leaf spring will flatten out, reducing the height of the truck.
Other tell-tale signs of worn-out leaf springs include:
- Uneven tire wear.
- Frequent bottoming out.
- A bumpier, less comfortable ride.
- Leaning to one side.
Rear Shackle flip kits are a great way to lift your truck without using expensive lift springs that ride too stiff. Shackle flips can also take the place of lift blocks, and keep you from getting rear axle wrap. Most kits will give you 5" to 7" of lift.
Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.
The average cost for a leaf spring replacement is between $634 and $712. Labor costs are estimated between $148 and $188 while parts are priced between $486 and $524.As a leaf spring compresses (upward wheel travel), it essentially becomes longer as the spring arc flattens out. It may also allow the spring to flatten out more as it compresses (but this can be limited by the frame side mount, or a rear crossmember).
Lift Shackles / Lowering Shackles
Shackles are used to connect your leaf springs to the frame of your vehicle and allow the spring to move back and forth during the suspension cycle. One side of the shackle bolts to the frame and the other side connects to the eye of your spring by way of the spring eye bolt.Generally, most after-market U-bolt manufacturers recommend to never reuse U-bolts.
When being tightened, the threads stretch out under torque. When this happens, the threads are actually cut and grooved by the nut as the nut is tightened around them. This means that if the nut is loosened back up or if it is retightened again, it is going to damage the threads on both the bolt and the nut.
Leaf Spring Eye Bolts, Grade 8 Suspension Parts And Accessories. Grade 8 Leaf Spring Eye Bolt Kit.
Do leaf Springs have a front and a back when installing? Expert Reply: Double eye leaf springs like the part # SP-169275 do not have a front or back designation.
-Jack up axle to leaf spring, use bottle jack on back half of spring to line up bolts holes. Adjust both jacks until things line up. Floor jack presses up and bottle jack presses down, leaf spring gets longer. Apply pry bar if needed.
Larger, Longer Shackles
Obviously, putting a larger shackle on your vehicle will increase the lift of your jeep. These longer shackles can also impact the shackle angle. Make sure you pay attention to your shackle angle. A bad shackle angle can cause wear and tear that will reduce a suspension's lifespan.If the U-bolts are 9/16 inch diameter, the torque specs should be between 65 to 95 foot lbs. If the U-bolts are 3/8 inch diameter, the torque should be between 30 and 50 foot lbs.
Moderator. Yes a 2" lift is worth it, think of it this way On a tourer it enables you to get to more places or the same places with less risk of sill and under carriage damage, it also increases your take off and departure angles which is a plus.
Also, a lift kit will likely affect the drive of your vehicle. The higher you go, the rougher the ride, so expect the ride to be not as smooth. Lifting and adding new tires, no matter how low or high, will affect your fuel economy.
A body lift uses blocks and spacers to lift the body 2-3 inchers higher on the frame without altering the suspension. Something to keep in mind, is that stability and driving dynamics can be affected because your vehicle will now have a higher center of gravity and altered steering and suspension geometry.
Yes a 2" lift is worth it, think of it this way On a tourer it enables you to get to more places or the same places with less risk of sill and under carriage damage, it also increases your take off and departure angles which is a plus.
Go shackles. They lift the rear, provided a better ride and increase ( or would it be decreas ) the pinion angle. Blocks can increase axle wrap and keeps the same pinion angle which puts more stress on the u joints.
Your vehicle with broken leaf springs can be driven elsewhere in specific conditions, however, it should only be driven when completely necessary. Driving your vehicle with a broken leaf spring could potentially render it unstable, but not too dangerous to be driven a short distance.
While many people do lift their trucks strictly for appearance's sake, the main reason to do it is to increase ground clearance and to get the body, frame, and differentials higher. If you're using your truck for primarily city or highway driving, then there is no real benefit to more ground clearance.
The average cost to replace leaf springs ranges from $450 to $790 if you hire a professional. These estimates include the cost of labor in addition to the springs and parts. The cost of the installation alone could range from $95 to $170 depending on where you go.
