leaf spring thoughts

[KWT2000]

i know expys dont use leaf springs but some thoughts would help me out... do you all think or know if leaf springs wear out and get weak over time? ive posted on a couple other forums and nobody seems to have an opinion thanks

 

[seeker]

From what I have heard from others that own leaf sprung vehicles-- Yes they do. I believe that they even make brackets to stiffen them up.

 

[amstel78]

Yes, leafs can sag over time.

 

[nvycrmn]

yes they do sag over time, usually due to hauling loads all the time. yours would probably last a long time if you dont plan on hauling trailers all the time. and there are lots of ways to strenthen them and make them last a little longer. only real benefits to leaf springs, to my understanding, is more lift and truck doesnt sag as much in the rear when towing.

 

[Steps]

I agree, they can start to sag over time when hauling a lot of weight.

If you are looking for new ones and it is for an off-road vehicle check these out:

http://www.deaverspring.com/products/leafsgm.html

A lot of people use these for the soft ride (pre-runner trucks).

 

[KWT2000]

Thankyou all for your input. i asked this question cause im looking at lifting my f250 but some kits just use add a leafs in the front but i cant see that giving a good ride im thinking 15 years and 311,*** miles had to wear them out with a heavy diesel up there.... thanks again

 

[Eric]

My opinion a guaranteed yes! My last SUV the ride height dropped from stock in the back and the vehicle started bottoming out in dips, I added air bags which solved the problem but clearly they lost their stiffness.

 

[panda24619]

leafs

well leafs are good for some applications. they cost less to upgrade and lift is easier to do. adding blocks or new leafs. jeeps use the soft leafs cause they are flexy. while desert trucks use them cause they are to cheap to 4 link the rear end. but other then that the leafs are stiff so they can absorb the whoops. my dads jeep has stiff leafs. makes the articulation sh*t when we go to truckhaven. need a locker, but hey its a '79 cj7 with a 304. im surprised its in as good as shape as it is in.