Ok, I don't know the answer, I gotta ask...

In the stock front leaf springs the rear of the springs have a big loop of the lower spring around the upper spring, as seen in the stock top spring on the right side in the picture here:



What's the purpose of this loop? I don't envision it doing anything in particular under compression. Perhaps it has a use when you get airborne off a big jump?

The reason I ask is because I'm doing a shackle reversal and the loop is hitting the shackle... Do I need the extra loop for an unforeseen reason or can I loose it?

Thanks guys!

 

That is a good question.... I am now curious! Hopefully someone will know or atleast have something that sounds right!

 

Without taking the time to type it all out....
What is a military wrap on leaf springs? - Yahoo! Answers

 

awesome, I didn't know that. Thanks!

So ideally I'd move the military wrap to the front since the shackle is moving to the back and then re-drill the locating pin in the 2nd leaf. Slight possibility of weakening the 2nd leaf with the additional hole so make sure it's deburred and filed smooth. I could also throw in the extra leave I have as well for extra support..

Any thoughts?

 

the big loop is so if the top leaf spring brakes, it will hold in place still

 

and the end with the big loop is always forward

 

Yup, but is there any issue with flipping and redrilling the locating pin on the 2nd spring so I can move the the loop to the solid spring mount?

 

No it is not. The loop should be at the fixed and of the spring. On a stock IFS that puts the military loop at the rear of the front spring.

 

That's correct Eraser5. However in doing the front shackle reversal I'll be moving it to the front. And unless someone says "NOOOO DON'T RE DRILL THE LOCATING PIN" in the next hour or so I'm going to spin the 2nd spring so they'll be located up front.

Thanks for the help guys. Learn something new every day.. and today I've learned a few things so it's been a good day lol

 

What's wrong with fliping the entire pack end for end? The center pin not in the exact center?

I really don't know...

 

Yeah the locating pin is about 4" off center. If you flip them end for end the axle will get moved forward 4"

 

ya, and every loop leaf ive had the loop is on the front of the leaf pack.

 

Ok, flipping it won't work. What about a custom build shackle? Could give you a little lift too...

 

if you do a custom shackle, then your knuckle angle will be downward. your steering will be terrible and you'll get death wobble like crazy. you'd have to throw a shim or two in there to bring it back to -5 degrees assuming your shackle is up front still. if you do the reversal kit and put it in the rear, then you'll be fine, but you dont want too much angle or its gonna turn like crap.