Stock spring rate

[guitarfreak235]

Im looking at new leaf springs for my truck and am curious what the stock spring rates are for a half ton? I think the stock ride is a little harsh

 

[bucket]

Whenever you have a solid axle and leaf springs on the front, the ride is going to be a little harsh. Some lift springs will ride like stock, but usually it's going to get even more firm than stock. Some springs are just downright rough.

 

[swagger]

Im looking at new leaf springs for my truck and am curious what the stock spring rates are for a half ton? I think the stock ride is a little harsh

One of the reasons why I like leaf springs are that you can add or remove leaves to tailor to your needs.
Steve

 

[guitarfreak235]

After some searching I decided to do an add a leaf. Seems to be cheaper and easier. Also for the rear springs couldn't I do a hellwig adjustable helper spring instead of a traditional add a leaf? That way I could adjust them if I'm carrying anything and they still cost the same as the tuff country add a leaf

 

[guitarfreak235]

cmon guys i know i ask some nooby questions, but i apreciate any help i can get cuz yall have way more experience

 

[crazy4offroad]

I would help if I could but I'm afraid I dont have anything to add.

 

[GreaseDog]

Whenever you have a solid axle and leaf springs on the front, the ride is going to be a little harsh. Some lift springs will ride like stock, but usually it's going to get even more firm than stock. Some springs are just downright rough.

Not true. Stock springs are negative arch, and the shackles are set up for such. Lift springs are positive arch, and shackle angles have different requirements between the two. Move your shackle to the property position for positive arched springs, and the ride improves considerably.

 

[bucket]

Not true. Stock springs are negative arch, and the shackles are set up for such. Lift springs are positive arch, and shackle angles have different requirements between the two. Move your shackle to the property position for positive arched springs, and the ride improves considerably.

Sure it will improve, but it still ain't going to be smooth.

 

[crazy4offroad]

When I had 4" front springs and stock shackles the rear eyes of the front springs looked really close to the frame. Those springs rode like pure ****. Once the rear spring eye hits the frame during compression it's like sitting on a cement block, then the rebound feels exaggerated. With my 6" springs and long shackles I no longer have that problem but Andy is right, front leaf sprung vehicles are never gonna ride like coils or coil-overs, but when done correctly can be tolerable. And when done wrong they can ruin your opinion of every front leaf sprung vehicle lifted or not.

 

[GreaseDog]

Sure it will improve, but it still ain't going to be smooth.

I have personally had part in moving the shackle and adjusting its length and angle on a truck equipped with 6" rough country springs, and I can tell you for a fact tht that truck on 38.5"TSLs rode better than any ifs truck i've ever ridden in

 

[bucket]

I have personally had part in moving the shackle and adjusting its length and angle on a truck equipped with 6" rough country springs, and I can tell you for a fact tht that truck on 38.5"TSLs rode better than any ifs truck i've ever ridden in

I want to believe you, but man, "rough country" and "good ride" just don't go together. At some point though, I'll give it a shot since I have some RC springs and plan to build another K5.