Re-arch factory leaf springs

Has anyone looked into or done this? Got under my truck and the thinner leafs are sitting flat on top of the overload leaf. This would explain the crappy ride. I have a place local that will do this for me but wandering if it will help. If so, how much do you re-arch? If I went this route I would also go with either the deaver mini pack or icon mini pack to help out too.
Very disappointed in the factory leaf pack.
Thanks

 

Do you ever haul or tow anything?

If you pull the leaves, you'll end up buying new u bolts and, maybe, the center pin. The OEM leaves will probably also go flat again at some point. It may be in your best interest to get an aftermarket leaf pack.

 

Factory springs are fairly week and easily flattened. You should consider aftermarket springs.

 

dont re-arch, wont last. Either get some good take offs which will be cheap. Can find them on FB, craigslist, marketplace here. Or get some heavier duty springs.

Suggest you look into getting some stock take offs and then add RAS (activesuspension.com).

 

From what I've read, it doesn't look like the full aftermarket packs last that long either. Maybe I'm wrong here.
I don't carry heavy loads often, maybe twice a year. And when I do I have a set of timbrens I put in.
I'll check out the RAS. Need to make sure it will work with my fox 2.5s tuned by accutune

 

If you have a reliable spring place , you can ask about them about adding leafs also, just be sure you let them have the truck so they can remove and replace,because sometime there is an issue with leveling, and they can fix it right away. They can tell you if the springs are worth re-arching,or replacing. Never hurts to check .

 

@Bucks04 makes a good point. I used an AAL but didn't have saggy springs. It did lift me about 1.5-2" though and I noticed a stiffer ride. The RAS will push you up another inch as well.

 

A set of custom leafs may be the way to go here.

 

Alcan makes a good set. Specify your additional load capacity desire and height and there ya go.

 

I spoke to them a while back about a different set up. They basically said they could increase load capacity wile getting a better ride and get whatever lift I wanted built into the spring. So no more shackle lift. If that's the case I'm all in.
I'll see what the cost would be and lead times

 

That is correct. They also offer their shackles that offer a .5” or 1” additional lift. I had them build me a set with a +800 load capacity with a 2” lift. I installed with their shackles at the 1” setting giving the rear a total 3” lift. They ride smooth.

 

That's encouraging. I don't need nearly that much extra load but having a few hundred pounds more couldn't hurt. Max would be an extra 3-400lbs to help when I load it up. I want a smooth ride with a suspension that works.
Side note, any noise come from your rear springs? Popping or anything?
Thanks

 

The additional load capacity is for the combined pair of springs. The Alcan’s are built differently from the standard heavy duty springs such as the Dobinsons springs. With no load, the Dobinson springs will sit high and ride rough. Alcan’s ride at the same height and smoothness with or without load. Also, the cost of an additional 400 vs 800 is minimal. So, I would suggest adding up any weight you may carry including inside cab / passengers and then pad it by a couple/few hundred. This will cover any future upgrades in case you got hat route.

I have no noise from my springs, but there is one person here reporting a pop when backing out in the morning. The cause has not been isolated and also not verified it’s the springs vs anything else such as shackles, sway bar, etc.

 

Regarding CB shackles + Alcans, I do hear noise because the bushings that came with the Alcans don't fully fit with the CBs. There's a bit of a gap so when articulation occurs, the springs move from side to side in the shackle. I'm waiting on CB bushings from Dave as he's confident they will eliminate the movement/noise.

 

This makes sense. Since I’m running Alcan shackles they fit perfectly, thus no lateral movement or noise. The other guy reporting a pop is running Toytec shackles.

 

His look snug. The liners would probably solve his noise problem

 

If I decide to go with the alcan springs I will go with their shackle and sell the CB shackles. I hate mixing parts. Plus no need for a lift shackle any longer due to the lift being in the spring

 

Dobinsons leaf pack plus Roadmaster Active Suspension HD. Best combo I found and what I have, we’ll see how longevity works out. I may add better “bump stops” in the form of sumo springs or something at some point as a just in case.

 

I just replaced my factory leafs with an add a leaf after only 15,000 miles. I put the Icon RXT set on the second setting option, with the RXT 2.5 shocks with remote resi. So far so good. I have a constant 350 in the bed with a snugtop shell and roof top tent.

 

Guessing you had lifted with shackles and didn't add height to the bump stop. Correct? That is a common mistake and leads to the flat springs. Basically the longer shackles force the springs down into negative arch under load or flex. The bump stop height needs to match the spring flex limit or else they get compromised and your screwed.

 

Plenty of guys see the oe leaf’s flattering with stock shackles too. They just aren’t that strong, plus there is so little arch even when new.

 

I am running the +2 shackle along with wheelers offroad bump stops. The wheelers pieces are about an inch taller than factory.
Could have help attribute to the flattening but don't think that it was the only cause. I could be wrong though.

 

I’m in the process of doing new rear suspension. I picked up the CB .5” shackles and noticed my leaf springs have a negative bend to them.
Is Alcon my only option for aftermarket factory height?

I have a cap and tow frequently, and a 2.5” leveling kit in the front so not looking to lift the rear.

 

From what understand they can get you set up with any height and any weight requirements. Give them a call, very good people to talk with

 

Factory springs at 100k and used to haul between 300-700 #s daily. They go flat, provide no support, and ride like shit. Im with yall on the alcans with a bit of lift in the spring.

 

Lew is good ppl. And knowledgeable. Tyler is his go to guy for U bolt measurements. If you call him and tell him what you've got he can tell you what you need.

 

Will most likely order a set soon. I mainly want my nice ride back

 

Expected more of a delay but was happily surprised today. These will get installed this upcoming long weekend.