Firestone rear suspension

[retirednak]

I was wondering if anybody has tried the newer Firestone rear suspension on our trucks. I guess one replaces the old leaf springs with their's and adds an air bag. Supposed to improve the ride and handling,all though its a tad pricey.

 

[AH64ID]

I have seen a couple reviews of the kit, and I will say that I don't think they have enough in the way of controlling axlewrap, to me it looks like it will be worse that stock, especially when towing or playing with added power.

 

[retirednak]

I would think Firestone would have taken axle wrap into consideration when designing the kit,but then again there is lots of junk hurried into the market place. It would be nice to improve the ride of our trucks without sacrificing load and towing capacities.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I have seen a couple reviews of the kit, and I will say that I don't think they have enough in the way of controlling axlewrap, to me it looks like it will be worse that stock, especially when towing or playing with added power.

Hmm, ... . I was looking at their sales flyer, and then at several magazine installment write ups..... what makes you think the wrap will be worse? It looks to me like they're basically making it a 4 link setup, which would make it wrap less with the lower spring going from the lower front shackle to the lower mounting bracket on the axle... . now how much spring flex/wrap is in that, I can't say without looking at it in person, but it looks good from the screen. That setup looks like a fairly resonable setup, although I didn't look at any prices. Personally, I don't like it, as it limits travel, but on a towing truck, how much does the average guy need? I think it'd be really nice on a 2 wd... .....

 

[AH64ID]

In design it's like a 4 link, but none of the "links" are links, but rather leaf springs. The nature of a spring lets it wrap, and there is nothing in the design to control the wrap. If the lower 1/2 leaf was a solid bar, then yes it would control wrap, but not as it's sold today.



That's just what I think looking at it. I have used 1/2 leaf setups before to control wrap and they do okay, but not enough, IMHO, to be the main component on a HD diesel.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I've used a lot of half leafs, too, but usually only on cars when I'm trying to get it to launch..... a truck, well, that's a different story. The lower leaf is tied to the lower axle LIKE a 4 link, so it would have to stretch instead of flex... if the eyes are closed and welded as they should be, then I'd think they'd work very well, given the shackle extensions are up to spec, as well. On a 4wd, the axle blocks would give it more leverage on the springs, and I could see that as a problem, but on the 2wd, it looks to me like the lower leaf attaches below the axle tube... . which it may on the 4wd, too, but I couldn't see that in any of the pics I found. Given that, I'd think it would work well. Now, pictures to person is always a different story, of course... . I'd like to see a kit in person..... I may order one and see if I can sell it... ...

 

[AH64ID]

The lower leaf is tied to the lower axle LIKE a 4 link, so it would have to stretch instead of flex...

That's no different that how a leaf spring attaches to an axle, it still can bow up an down because its a leaf spring, not a tube.

 

[HHhuntitall]

That's no different that how a leaf spring attaches to an axle, it still can bow up an down because its a leaf spring, not a tube.

Right, right. I just don't think it would give that much. I could be way off. Lots of people tell me I'm a little off.....



But what I was looking at, it is so straight in line with the tube, and it's so short, if it bent much, I'd think it'd break. And if it's a super thin leaf, like . 250, then I can see a problem, but if it's . 500 or thicker, it should have enough rigidity, it shouldn't give much. Now, I agree, I'd much rather see it welded in vertically... . or with a piece of CM tube! But the way it's mounted, it's not being pushed down on the end with vertical force like a regular leaf being pressed down from load. And in one pic it appears there is another spring leaf mounted between them, so the more the load, the more down pressure, the more pressure to the lower leaf, the less it can bow..... I think this calls for a little more research..... Can we get Firestone to donate two sets for two perspectives??!!

 

[retirednak]

I've used a lot of half leafs, too, but usually only on cars when I'm trying to get it to launch..... a truck, well, that's a different story. The lower leaf is tied to the lower axle LIKE a 4 link, so it would have to stretch instead of flex... if the eyes are closed and welded as they should be, then I'd think they'd work very well, given the shackle extensions are up to spec, as well. On a 4wd, the axle blocks would give it more leverage on the springs, and I could see that as a problem, but on the 2wd, it looks to me like the lower leaf attaches below the axle tube... . which it may on the 4wd, too, but I couldn't see that in any of the pics I found. Given that, I'd think it would work well. Now, pictures to person is always a different story, of course... . I'd like to see a kit in person..... I may order one and see if I can sell it... ...

If you do order one,be sure and let us know how it works out. Being here in AK,shipping is so expensive it would cost too much to send it back if I didn't like the kit.