Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Leaf Springs

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Leaf Springs

Understanding Leaf Springs

Leaf springs consist of a primary leaf, known as the main leaf, which has eyes on each end to hold bushings and secure to the vehicle. Multiple secondary leaves bear the load, supporting the rig's weight. These leaf spring packs can be configured in numerous ways, impacting quality, price, and performance. Typically, aftermarket leaf springs are sought to increase arch, accommodating larger tires. The method of achieving this affects the ride quality and the degree of suspension articulation.

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Length and Composition

Longer leaf springs provide the same wheel travel with less deflection compared to shorter ones. However, unless you're prepared to modify your vehicle's frame mounts, you'll generally need to stick with the factory length springs. Leaf springs with many thin leaves offer a smoother ride than those with fewer thick leaves. However, multiple thin leaves can create friction. Advanced spring packs tackle this by tapering the leaves at the ends and incorporating Teflon pads to reduce friction.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for leaf springs, consider features such as bolt clamps, shot-peened leaves, and military wrapped eyes. A military wrap means the second leaf wraps around the main leaf at the eye, maintaining the spring's integrity if the main leaf breaks. Shot peening strengthens the leaves and increases their resistance to fatigue. Bolt clamps, which cause less friction compared to crush style clamps, are also preferable.

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Offroad Design Custom Leaf Springs

If you're sticking with leaf springs, top choices include Offroad Design (ORD) and Deaver springs. These options are highly regarded for their performance. Especially for Chevy vehicles, ORD is preferred due to their extensive knowledge of these rigs and their specific requirements.

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