What can be done to upgrade the rear leaf springs? Not an increase in capacity, but just an upgrade.

I have 5 thin leafs and two flat overload springs on each side. I'm wondering if some other application has like a 4+1 thick leafs with a similar capacity.

Anyone know of anything???

 

What issue is the upgrade supposed to address? Still experiencing axle wrap?

Have you ever considered doing the Super Stock spring mod to make the leaf pack forward of the axle stiffer?

Drag Racing Traction: Rear Suspension - Leaf Spring

 

I called a spring mfg'r in Portland where I bought new leafs for my '58 chev about 30 yrs ago. Asked about options for F-100 bumps. Their name is Benz Spring. Benz Spring Company Home Page They've been in the biz for about a hundred years. They know springs.
He gave me 3 options for F-100. Hope I get this right.
7 leaf
5 over 1 (what I have)
4 over 1 (cheapest)
I kind of put it out of my little brain cuz they were about $300 per side without shipping. Funny too because they were about $75 PAIR for my old Chev in the late '80s. that's an 8 fold price increase. Maybe was excess inventory?
I think I'm either going to ditch the short leaf or the overload. Or maybe bite the bullet. I'd like to do it when I do the shackle and hanger for the rear but that's going to have a pretty good price tag.

 

Yes, mostly axle wrap. The problem is that any number of things could solve the acceleration wrap, but only ladder bars solve it both ways. And I haven't come across a ladder bar design that I like. Plus, it's difficult to make anything work with the range of suspension travel and varying loads.

I'm thinking a set of thicker leafs would be stronger, while running fewer would not affect ride quality and keep load capacity about the same. Possibly even improving empty and loaded ride.

Just thinking....

 

Then think about ladder bars and leaf sliders.

 

I'm wondering if airbags would help. I have a '67 F-100 I plan to use for daily driver duties, but also to haul my car and other pickup to races and offroad trips. I like the idea of keeping the factory F100 springs and adding helper airbags for when it's loaded down. I have a set a buddy of mine put in the back of his duramax for when he hauled his 5th wheel, but he took them out and gave them to me. Not sure if that would really help with axle wrap, but I would think it would allow you to keep a mildly comfortable ride while also allowing hauling heavier loads.

 

I've thought about that too. We have a set of 5200lb bags on our F-350 super duty. Makes hauling heavy real easy and comfortable. Problem is, I think it would make it too easy to way overload a half ton. Especially the 9" axle shafts.

 

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/o.../parts-lookup/


These guys have them in 5/1, 4/1 and 9, but your going to pay. I also like that they offer them in up to 3" lowering heights. I just got my front 1" drop springs in from them today..

 

How about this setup?

It's from this thread here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rear-axle.html
I've had to put that plan on hold for now, but am building a new truck from the ground up so this will be incorporated. The key is to use a shackle, and have the link end right where your center support bearing is. This way it'll still flex well, but get rid of the axle's tendency to rotate.