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How do I correct this coil spring bow?

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Old Jan 20, 2015 | 10:45 AM
  #1  
302flareside1992's Avatar
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How do I correct this coil spring bow?

I have been riding around with the problem for a little while now. I switched upper coil buckets a while back and ran the coils for a ttb lift. After awhile of that I decided to put the appropriate coils in and switched to 6" lift superlifts (I think they are superlifts, I did this awhile ago and can't remember). The problem is now it has all settled and the coils are no longer in line like they should be. The both bow forward. The drivers side worse than the passenger.






How do I correct the bow in the coil springs. I was thinking of using the shim under the lower coil bucket. That to me seems like it is not the most appropriate way to fix it, like its a patch covering up a bigger issue.


This is another issue that popped up after switching upper, lower coil buckets and coils.

The coils on both sides rub the bottom of the upper bucket.

Something seems to be all out of whack after swapping these parts.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance
 
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Old Jan 20, 2015 | 11:51 AM
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dumb question but have you tried clocking the coils to see if that helps at all?
 
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Old Jan 20, 2015 | 12:40 PM
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What do you mean "clocking the coils"
 
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Old Jan 21, 2015 | 07:38 AM
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that is what happens when you put large lift on coil sprung trucks.
i have seen it many times before.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2015 | 02:00 PM
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There has to be some way to correct it though. Isn't there?
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 05:36 PM
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Did you change the "c" bushings on the radius arms when you did the lift?that axle looks to be where the coil buckets are oriented towards the front of vehicle. Until you can get them in line with the buckets on frame I dont think anything will change.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2015 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by gatorfor88
Did you change the "c" bushings on the radius arms when you did the lift?that axle looks to be where the coil buckets are oriented towards the front of vehicle. Until you can get them in line with the buckets on frame I dont think anything will change.
Yep I agree with this. Look how twisted that bottom coil mount is. I would find some different degree C bushings and some radius arm drop brackets also. Good luck.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 03:02 PM
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I have been having the same problem on my 98. I have made wedge to go between the lower bucket and axle. It didnt help. I am in the process of cutting the old upper buckets out to fabricate new ones. I also plan to cut around 1/2 a coil out of the springs to compensate for the extra height of the wedge.
I'm still not sure how to correct the bowed springs though. If I find any other ways I will definately post it.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 2x4 to 4x4
I have been having the same problem on my 98. I have made wedge to go between the lower bucket and axle. It didnt help. I am in the process of cutting the old upper buckets out to fabricate new ones. I also plan to cut around 1/2 a coil out of the springs to compensate for the extra height of the wedge.
I'm still not sure how to correct the bowed springs though. If I find any other ways I will definately post it.
By the way, this 98 i am working on was actually a 2x4 that I am turning into a straight axle 4x4
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 03:11 PM
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the problem is not in the upper bucket, the problem is the lower bucket. is tilted forward after lifting it that high. the only way to fix it is to cut the lower buckets off and re-clock them so the spring sits straight.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
the problem is not in the upper bucket, the problem is the lower bucket. is tilted forward after lifting it that high. the only way to fix it is to cut the lower buckets off and re-clock them so the spring sits straight.
With the wedge in there I have the lower bucket leveled out, but am still having the bowed springs
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 04:16 PM
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You know when you lift a front end you have to think about the geometry of EVERYTHING. the radius arms hold everything front to rear in relation to a c/l. The more lift you have the "shorter" the radius arms actually seem to be. Everything pivots off the arms. They dont change position unless you actuall drop them, make them longer or what ever. But the distance traveled does change at the end of the arc. So ideally if you put 8 inch longer springs you should drop pivot point 8 inches also. Most lift kits come (or are available) with degreed c bushings to make up for some of the change that comes into play when you pick the front end up. But even the bushings cant make up for the distance that the new springs make in the "arc".If I were you I would stop, take a step back and contact a reputable suspension lift company and see what their engineer though I should do to correct the problem. Because I can see that front end spitting those coil springs out and ruining your day.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 04:44 PM
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Thats what I'm worried about. The custom upper buckets I'm fabricating are adjustable for height and I'm also fabricating a new crossmember with radius arm mounts. This truck has been a big puzzle. I started with a Dana 44 front and 9" rear sitting in my garage. I came across this 2wd for next to nothing so I figured I would go for it. I think I am getting close to knocking it out.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 2x4 to 4x4
With the wedge in there I have the lower bucket leveled out, but am still having the bowed springs
is the wedge in the bucket, or under it on the axle?
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 07:18 PM
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Sorry for the bad pic
 
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