2016 F-250 Rear Springs- Deaver or Alcan?

[andy_b]

^I understand the benefit of many thin leafs and ditching the overload... but I've been trying to imagine what difference the block makes, and... I'm not seeing it. To raise the ride height in the back you can either curve the springs or add a block. If the springs are curved then the axle will move aft when the springs are compressed (flattened). If the springs are basically flat at ride height (like my Tundra), the axle will move forward when compressed or extended, but a smaller amount.

Axle wrap tendency is already set by your spring attachment points to the frame relative to the axle. I don't think there is any substantial difference there with more curve vs a block...?

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.

 

[rruff]

The spring has to counteract the torque on the axle. I don't see how a small block would have a significant effect.

 

[tacollie]

The spring has to counteract the torque on the axle. I don't see how a small block would have a significant effect.

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.

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]

^Leaf packs aren't rocket science. They should have no issue plugging your specs into a calculator and figuring it out. When you say "local shop" is this specifically a spring shop where they make leafs?

I considered buying (would be almost free) a take-off leaf pack for my truck and cut them to make my own. In hindsight I wish I had, as the ones I've got are just a little low on lift... and if I have to do the trial and error thing, I'd rather go cheap.

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.