Leaf Springs won't go into negative arch

maddog411

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Location
Harrisburg, NC
I have a '96 Chevy Z71 pickup with an Offroad Unlimited solid axle swap. I'm running 4" Tuff Country front springs that fit a 73-87 chevy pickup. I'd like to get more flex out of the front end. The springs don't have a lot of positive arch since they are only 4", but they will only compress to perfectly flat and no more. I don't know what stops them - it's not like there's a big thick overload leaf or anything. Any ideas on getting more flex other than bigger springs? The SAS kit is not designed for longer leafs and I don't feel like completely reengineering the front suspension.
 
Having a leaf spring go into negative arch isn't good for the spring, have you looked to see what is limiting your droop?


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Remove the third leaf from the pack.
 
Take a grinder and a cutoff wheel and score the top of the main leaf across about every 2". Start shallow. 1/8" or less. This will reduce the spring rate a little and help it go negative.














Disclaimer: I'm being an ass. Don't do this. You will kill a busload of nuns. Also, I agree that leaves shouldn't go negative unless they were designed for that. What's your shackle angle look like? That can limit travel severely.
 
Unfortunately, you're likely only going to get more droop. To do that, you could remove the top of the spring clamp, but leaving the sides so that it will keep the leaves aligned. Can't really say that's a good idea, though. Other ideas/tips are making sure the spring eyes aren't overtightened, shocks are the correct length, the anti-friction pads are in good shape, and that the springs are clean and rust-free between the leaves. Like others have said, negative arch is bad, but those 4" springs are damn near perfect for overall performance in such a short (in length) spring.
 
When you put positive arched springs on that set up your limits. If you negative arch those springs it will ruin them from overstretching the steel. Factory springs are designed to be negative arch, aftermarket lift springs are not.
 
Post some pictures. I'd like to see the shackle angle and the shocks.
 
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