New springs, not what I expected.

[WCantrell]

I installed my new 1" over stock springs on my w250 over the weekend. I ordered them from a custom outfit (I'll leave nameless for now, but is a common name in this forum). The front springs sag to the point of being inverted by 1/4" to 3/8" inch. It looks like I have about 2" between the springs and the stop. Is that anywhere close to a stock ride? Does anyone have any ride height measurements?

 

[RSchwarzli]

Sounds odd. When I had mine custom done they did come close to flattening when installed but that is what they are designed to do on the fronts. I have a fair bit between the bumpers though and I have a 1" lift as well. Ride height is up from before.



Do you want measurements off my 1" lift?

 

[RSchwarzli]

Here is pics in the thread on lift change and current ride height. Dont forget when measuring lift, tire size is a big factor.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...222334-new-srpings-shocks-installed-pics.html

 

[WCantrell]

Yes, please.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Ok. Will pull them tonight for you!

 

[WCantrell]

Ok. Will pull them tonight for you!

I had a few minutes to look thru the thread you posted. I don't think I need more measures. The thread has plenty. Your truck looks pretty level, and mine kicks up quite a bit in the back. My front springs are configured differently from yours. Your second leaf extends all the way to the length of the top leaf, while mine stops 5" or so short. The top leaf bends down where the second leaf stops. I did request a "soft ride"...

Thanks!

 

[RSchwarzli]

Glad the thread helped!





Oooooh! Soft ride! Yeah, we had that discussion. I rather would have a hard ride and know I will not have any sag. But that’s what I got. And she does ride harsh! :-laf



In my case, I like the back end up a bit higher. Please post pics if you have any! Would love to see how it looks if I were to ad a 1” lift block!

 

[WCantrell]

Here's the pics:

The pics of the springs don't show the inverted curve very well. The backend is setting about 1 3/4" ish above the front. BTW, I just discoverd that the rear springs are rubbing on the rear hangers, so that might be adding to my problem... , no wonder it's so bouncy. Checked the clearances when I installed, o well, time for the torch and a hammer.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Man! That truck looks fantastic!!! I love it!!

Personal opinion, I love the rake! On mine, the front sits 1/2" higher than the rear once the springs settled. Not really noticeable but would have preferred your look.

Man that's a nice truck. That shot will keep a smile on my face for the rest of the day!
(Phoenix background??? Almost looks like the 101... )

 

[RSchwarzli]

Got so excited over the truck shot I forgot to mention that I ha to upgrade to 5100s when I did my springs as my springs became stronger than my shocks.

If you are feeling strong bouncing effects, might want to look into that.

 

[WCantrell]

Thanks! Yep, Phoenix I'm a stones throw off the 202 a couple of miles west of the 101.

 

[pwerwagn]

Did you take a before measurement of the distance from the top of the spring to the bumpstop/frame or anything?

Truck looks good!

 

[WCantrell]

Did you take a before measurement of the distance from the top of the spring to the bumpstop/frame or anything?



Truck looks good!

The distance between the bumpstop and the spring was 1" before and 2 1/8" after. I was expecting the truck to level out to within 1/2" or so. My main concern is how the top leaf bends around the end of the second leaf. It does not seem healthy for long term wear and tear. The easiest solution may be to call the vendor back and have them fab a full length second spring. But, I am open to opinions.

 

[WCantrell]

Well, I fixed the rear spring hanger/clearance problem yesterday. The truck rides better, but the truck did not level out much. BSchwarzli, when you have a moment, can you provide me the measure between the front springs an the frame at the bump stop? It's time to call the vendor and see what they think.



Thanks much!

 

[RSchwarzli]

Yes sir. Will do that this morning for you.

 

[RSchwarzli]

OK. Here we go... .



I could not take measurements and pics at the bumpstop as the bumpstop could be semi flat so this is where I took them from. Sitting on the sway plate behind the bolt in the corner... .



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Does that help?

 

[WCantrell]

Yes, Perfect. Thanks much!

 

[jclark5810]

Well, I fixed the rear spring hanger/clearance problem yesterday.

How did you go about doing that? My springs did the same thing yours did, i ended up grinding the hanger to get some clearence. I'm either goingt to have to cut the rivets and slide the hanger back, or mabye try and rotate the hanger to allow for better travel. I'm tempted to take them off and swap out for a stock spring and do a shackle flip. My rear springs were supposed to be for a 4" lift but i think there is just too much arch.

 

[ENafziger]

How did you go about doing that? My springs did the same thing yours did, i ended up grinding the hanger to get some clearence. I'm either goingt to have to cut the rivets and slide the hanger back, or mabye try and rotate the hanger to allow for better travel. I'm tempted to take them off and swap out for a stock spring and do a shackle flip. My rear springs were supposed to be for a 4" lift but i think there is just too much arch. <!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: vbseo_likeshare --><!-- END TEMPLATE: vbseo_likeshare --><!-- sig -->

Hey Joe,

Not to hijack, but there's a guy (Biltit) on DTR that ordered a rear set of Alcans with the exact same issue. He ended up getting them to remake the long spring 1 1/2" shorter to correct the shackle angle and clearance issue.

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/my-project-t289293p11.html

--Eric

 

[jclark5810]

Perfect, thank you!