Front leaf spring arch, and resulting travel or lift?

[rebar]

I'm considering aftermarket progressive leaf springs for my 88 F350 D60 front axle, but I haven't removed the existing 2wd front suspension to make room to measure how much arch I want.

Can anyone comment on how much arch their front springs were, and how much travel or lift they ended up with?

I want to keep the van as low as possible on 33" tires as its main duty is interstate towing. So without knowing the arch, I was going to order 1"- 2" 2200 lb capacity and hope its low enough or modify the frame hangers higher if its to low.

Thanks!

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

I'm considering aftermarket progressive leaf springs for my 88 F350 D60 front axle, but I haven't removed the existing 2wd front suspension to make room to measure how much arch I want.

Can anyone comment on how much arch their front springs were, and how much travel or lift they ended up with?

I want to keep the van as low as possible on 33" tires as its main duty is interstate towing. So without knowing the arch, I was going to order 1"- 2" and hope its low enough or modify the frame hangers higher if its to low.

Thanks!

It is sooo much more complicated then that. I don't even know where to begin...

 

[ujoint]

It is sooo much more complicated then that. I don't even know where to begin...

Ditto

 

[rebar]

why even reply with no info? Especially for someone who actually installed a kingpin.

typical of a sponsored forum. Our way or the highway. whatever

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

why even reply with no info? Especially for someone who actually installed a kingpin.

typical of a sponsored forum. Our way or the highway. whatever

Because there are no simple answers to type out in a few seconds.

I posted to try and save you some pain and coin - and at least make you think this out a little more.

I am sure Chris feels the same way.

 

[simple]

I'm considering aftermarket progressive leaf springs for my 88 F350 D60 front axle, but I haven't removed the existing 2wd front suspension to make room to measure how much arch I want.

Can anyone comment on how much arch their front springs were, and how much travel or lift they ended up with?

I want to keep the van as low as possible on 33" tires as its main duty is interstate towing. So without knowing the arch, I was going to order 1"- 2" and hope its low enough or modify the frame hangers higher if its to low.

Thanks!

The main thing I see with your question that makes it hard to answer is that "arch" only provides a vertical dimension of a spring with no load. The stiffness of your springs will determine how much they sag when the weight of your van is on them which will also determine ride height and up travel.

Up travel will also be dependent on how you mount the springs, what shackles you use, bump stops, how far the spring can flex before it gets a permanent bend, where the centering pins are located relative to other parts etc. There are too many variables. You would have to copy someone's existing suspension system exactly and use identical springs before you could order parts based on their results.

 

[why3zx]

Sounds like you just need to go talk to your local spring shop.

 

[rebar]

Because there are no simple answers to type out in a few seconds.

It is a pretty simple question aimed at a person who could easily answer it.

Can anyone comment on how much arch their front springs were, and how much travel or lift they ended up with?
Thanks!

"Were".. Meaning past tense.. Or in other words. Please give me some details about the springs you've installed a hundred times or better yet, sell me some.

Sounds like you just need to go talk to your local spring shop.

Thanks. But my local spring shops are about as knowledgeable, or should I say forthcoming, as the experts on this board..

The only person I trust now is Bill at Alcan.

 

[ujoint]

Because there are no simple answers to type out in a few seconds.

I posted to try and save you some pain and coin - and at least make you think this out a little more.

I am sure Chris feels the same way.

I do.

 

[Mwilliamshs]

There's no simple answer to your question and all leaf springs are progressive.

 

[martell06]

Thanks. But my local spring shops are about as knowledgeable, or should I say forthcoming, as the experts on this board..

The only person I trust now is Bill at Alcan.

Everyone is happy to help around here. ujoint replied to your thread and he's a sponsor. I think it says a lot that he didn't just jump in and try to sell you something. Any dummy could do that but because springs are so conditional, the only people you SHOULD trust are good spring shops like Alcan or Deaver. Nobody on the forum is going to fix the problem if their advice doesn't work out for you. (sponsors/vendors withheld)