Smoothing out a superlift

[Shake]

Hey folks,

I'm looking for some input... I've got a superlift 4" kit, (rear blocks + add a leafs, ProComp ES3000s)

Problem as we all know, is the ride is HARSH to say the least... And there's almost no flex at all.

Anyone have ideas or suggestions as to how to smooth the trucks ride? I know the ES3000s are a noticeable factor (went for a boot around the block, with them detached, ride was 100x better, but still stiff as a board)

I'm giving some consideration to doing a 3/4 elliptical in the back end, and removing the block and add-a-leaf. That'll smooth the ride I'm sure, but it'll also give me a few more inches of lift, which isn't really what I'm trying to accomplish... (Then again... mmmm 35s...)

Front I have NO idea what to do with... I could rip apart the leafs, and take out some leafs... But then i'll LOOSE lift... I'd rather not have a truck that looks like a drag racer :D

Suggestions please?

Andy

[davez26]

Andy,
Start withthe usual suspects:
Air pressure - your not running over 30 psi are you? If you are, you're riding on rocks.
Spring bolts - When tightening the spring bolts at the frame, you should be using self locking nuts and only tightening them enough so that you can turn the bolt by itself with a wrench with moderate force.
Lubrication - I have a 4" Superlift and found I could smooth the ride some by using spray lube between the leaves, they slide over each other better with less friction.
Add-a-leaf - an add-a-leaf will almost always stiffen the ride compared to a tall block. Added leaf tends to reduce flex, while a block allows that old spring to flex with the trade off of axle wrap.
The lift itself - The Superlift lift seems to be designed as a height increasing lift for mud-running rather than a rock-running lift. It is heavy duty with moderate flex. It is very durable, but will tend to ride harsh compared to others. I bought it based on price, but after some time, I think I should have thought it out more. I am satisfied with it after making adjustments.
I hope I've given you somewhere to start, if you have more, feel free to ask.

[Shake]

Yep, actually 32 PSI, but that can be changed easily... Don't like to run lower, last time I ran lower the tires started to wear funny... (I'm kinda anal that way, i've got a notebook and record tread depth every 2-3 weeks, at various points on the tire)

Hmmm, I'll have to loosen up those bolts, it was late, I'm pretty sure we put em on with the impact... Easy fix...

We did squeeze some grease in between the leaves when we first lifted the truck... Probably time to relube them, man was that a nasty exercise! Not looking forward to repeating it! Maybe I'll try some overhead door lube, penetrant, and 30w basically smile.gif and tons of pressure from the can to really get in between those leafs!

I know the add-a-leafs really hurt, but they were necessary. Using just the supplied 3" blocks, the truck sat REALLY nose high... I'm going to change the rear suspension pretty good soon, shackle flip or 3/4 elliptic, either way the blocks/add-a-leafs will come out.

I keep wondering if I couldn't open up one of the sets of wraps... Tho I've been told it would be a bad thing...

Thanks for the suggestions!

Andy

[davez26]

Opening up the wraps would probably do you some good, we're talking about a little opening, so they are kinda out there, but not out of the way. After a while, if you really beat your truck, they'll open some anyway. That may be one of the things that will improve ride that I didn't think about. It will change stability a wee bit, but not anything major. If worse comes to worse, you can always use a BFH to tighten them back up.

[Snakeyes_Tx]

I tried *everything* when I had mine. I loved the height since it actually gave me about 5.5" of lift, but keep in mind, I ran NO shocks or swaybar in the front. Bump-steer wasn't even really that bad! :D

The only thing I can think of to soften it up is to change the metal properties or fatigue them. Make em glow real hot with a torch, or have a spring shop put weight on them back and fourth to soften them up via metal fatigue.

When I sold the dinosaur, it had stock springs in the rear so there was a half-forgiving end, but the new owner put the 4" superlift in the back too... talk about a logging truck! If I remember correctly, the Springs have a 910 pound spring rate... like twice as much as anyone elses.

Oh, one more thing.. the pack will shear the pin holding it together before it breaks a leaf! ;)