My understanding is that since the block increases the distance btw the axle and the spring, that additional leverage allows more axle wrap as a consequence. I have no idea how accurate this rationale is, but the fact that getting rid of the block eliminates (or at least greatly lessens) axle wrap is a known fact.
2016 F-250 Rear Springs- Deaver or Alcan?
- Thread starter hurc85
- Start date
tacollie
Glamper
The block acts as a leave. Swapping out the leafs definitely reduce axle wrap on our truck. Traction is noticable better. That being said it was probably a combination of getting rid of the block and going from four leafs to 11.The spring has to counteract the torque on the axle. I don't see how a small block would have a significant effect.
In my opinion it wasn't that big of an issue. Where I've seen it be an issues is on short wheelbase Toyotas with really flexy springs and short drive shafts.
stever1000
New member
I had requested a 10 leaf pack with thinner leaves (like Alcan and Deaver) and the local shop sent me a quote for a 4 or 5 leaf pack like OE.
I had assumed the method to build leaf springs for off-road/racing like Deaver/Alcan are known for would be different than leaf springs for commercial/industrial use, which are the shops I found locally. I am contacting a few more to price it out.
I do like the fact that Deaver/Alcan have a known reputation and perform well offroad, whereas I don't have that reassurance locally.
Ram Cab Chassis 3500 SRW here, used Alcan and paired with 2.5” fox with the high and low speed compression adjustment via Accutune. Did 2” lift and a specific weight based upon CAT scales plus calculations. Factory was a pack with 2” block. Alcan springs removed the block setup, and added the required lift. They provided u bolts and got them wrong (despite their language statin you are stuck with whatever you order when it comes to u bolts) and took care of the correction with no charge and very minimal delays.
They nailed it and I’d go back in a heartbeat. So did Accutune. Removing the factory rear 2” spacers improved the situation in washboard situations. Less loading and unloading of the axle, and the ensuing spring wrap/release, has this think going uphill on washboards with so much less of all the negative issues you can imagine. It makes a world of difference.
The added benefit to Alcan, is they can correct. We have a temporary pop up camper which we will replace with a composite setup we are building out. Weights will change, and we can have them edit the pack if needed to compensate. As to Accutune, they give you one free retune if they get it wrong. They also give you a 25% discount on shock rebuilds if you purchased from them. So when we get the new camper, and have to adjust for a heightened center of gravity, we can have them rebuild and retune at the same time. The shocks cost the same as their competitors even with these added value features. With a cab/chassis, rear shocks had to be adapted from another GM platform, so tuning was required. They were easy to work with, and nailed it.
Not a political thing, but would rather send my money to CO instead of CA, so that was a bonus...for me. Proximity was about the same as we’re in Northern AZ. Shipping was somewhat offset by not paying tax. They were heavy as can be at 147# per leaf pack. Their rates were reasonable for installation, but the situation dictated a self install. otherwise we would have taken advantage of their reasonable rates. I’m a do it yourself type (read cheap at times), so if I am saying reasonable that means something.
No experience with Deaver, so cannot provide any commentary to contrast between the two.
They nailed it and I’d go back in a heartbeat. So did Accutune. Removing the factory rear 2” spacers improved the situation in washboard situations. Less loading and unloading of the axle, and the ensuing spring wrap/release, has this think going uphill on washboards with so much less of all the negative issues you can imagine. It makes a world of difference.
The added benefit to Alcan, is they can correct. We have a temporary pop up camper which we will replace with a composite setup we are building out. Weights will change, and we can have them edit the pack if needed to compensate. As to Accutune, they give you one free retune if they get it wrong. They also give you a 25% discount on shock rebuilds if you purchased from them. So when we get the new camper, and have to adjust for a heightened center of gravity, we can have them rebuild and retune at the same time. The shocks cost the same as their competitors even with these added value features. With a cab/chassis, rear shocks had to be adapted from another GM platform, so tuning was required. They were easy to work with, and nailed it.
Not a political thing, but would rather send my money to CO instead of CA, so that was a bonus...for me. Proximity was about the same as we’re in Northern AZ. Shipping was somewhat offset by not paying tax. They were heavy as can be at 147# per leaf pack. Their rates were reasonable for installation, but the situation dictated a self install. otherwise we would have taken advantage of their reasonable rates. I’m a do it yourself type (read cheap at times), so if I am saying reasonable that means something.
No experience with Deaver, so cannot provide any commentary to contrast between the two.
stever1000
New member
That's good feedback, I was wondering about the 2.5" shocks as well