SOA Leaf Springs

[baja]

Ok, I'm trying to gather some more info on the SOA thing.

Stock springs do not like the excessive flexing, correct?
And they do not handle the torque load well (axle rap) correct?

What about the aftermarket lift springs?
Do they do better in both aspects?
Will they last?
Will I need to create some form of traction device to counteract axle rap?

Thanks,
baja

[Lazarus]

stock spring flex like MAD, you will most likely need to make a traction bar if you go with some big rubbers...an after market stock height spring will raise the truck/wag like 2 inches from the sag issue and will still flex decently i believe...

[89grand]

The stock springs are what most people use that do an SOA. The stock springs will flex better than any lift springs will, I've also never heard of any issues with torque load either.

Besides, using lift springs with an SOA will result in a huge lift so unless you want about 10 or more inches of lift, the stock springs are definetely the way to go. I don't see any need for a traction device.

What do you plan on doing for the rear? A lot of people use TT Fabworks shackle reversal in the rear to give the same lift in the back as the SOA does for the front.

I'm no authority on SOA's, someone else will be by shortly with some actual specifics.

[ December 02, 2005, 02:59 PM: Message edited by: 89grand ]

[youngjeeper]

A traction bar will help keep the springs from turning into S'es. Because the springs so soft, they like to bend and twist when you give it gas. The traction bar will help this not happen, and also help to keep more traction on the ground. My whole axle pops forward a little when I really step on it from axle wrap. I run no traction bars.

Stock springs do flex very well, but because they are basically flat, they tend to negative arch very easy. This negative arch leads to excessive wearing on the springs, especially if you do not extend your bumpstops. My rear springs are currently negative arch when im riding down the road from overflexing and wear. Plan on getting spare sets of springs for when they bend and need replaced.

[ December 02, 2005, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: youngjeeper ]

[baja]

Actually, I'm not going to do the SOA on my Cherokee, this is for another project, trying to get the spring mounts tucked up into the frame.

Just wondering if aftermarket lift springs will handle axle rapping forces better.

baja

[Merc69]

The answer to your question is maybe. It depends on the springs "Spring Rate" Stiff springs will not wrap like soft springs.

I would talk to the folks at either Alcan or Deaver Spring. I have custom Alcans up front and they flex just fine. The rear...where most axle wrap occurs are 63" chevy springs, they are soft, long and flex like mad. I need to fabricate a traction bar in the rear.